Bicycle Mechanics - Campy/FSA Crank/chainring question

I have a 2005 Kuota Khan bought used with full Campy Record 10 speed, except for an FSA Pro Team Carbon crank and FSA Super Road 53/39 chainrings. I have been having shifting problems since purchase. The rear shifting problems were solved by a new Record chain and Ti/Steel cassette. The front problem is that it does not shift smoothly and sometimes not at all from the small to large chain ring. I have taken the bike many times to two different shops, and originally they suggested getting new chainrings because the old ones were a little worn. I have done that by replacing the original FSA rings with FSA Super Road chain rings, and it has not solved the problem. I have been assured time and time again that it IS NOT the shifters or the front derailler. Now they are telling me that I need to replace the FSA rings with Campy rings and there is nothing else it could be. I am reticent to lay down a bunch more money when it may not fix the problem. Specifically, I am wondering if there is any chance that what will really fix the problem is a new Campy crank. I know nothing about this stuff, but the FSA crank and rings I believe are designed to be compatible with either 9 or 10 speed, but I read about the Campy Record crank that it is designed solely for 10 speed and requires chain ring bolt spacers to work on 8 or 9 speed due to the narrow chain used with 10 speed (which I have on my bike now).

So, question is, what should I do? At this point, I really am getting sick of this and I want this very nice bike to work perfectly...not too much to ask I think. If the chain rings are all I need, then fine, I'll get them. I don't know anyone who has any I can borrow to check. But if there is any chance that the crank is the issue, then I need to get it done because I have a big race in less than 2 weeks with lots and lots of hills. I am also wondering if it is possible I would need a new or different bottom bracket for a Campy crank as opposed to the one on there now. Any help would be appreciated.

Moved to Mechanics Forum in hopes that it will generate an answer.

I sense BS from your shop. 39 to 53 is not exactly a big jump. No excuse for this and changing chainrings sounds like BS, since FSA chainrings have all the pins, ramps, etc. Just for fun, check that you have enough travel on your FD. Maybe the crank is sitting a bit farther out (to the right), and that FD can't go that far.

I run FSA with Chorus or Record on several bikes and mine shift just fine. You're getting a line - there is no magic about chainrings.

It's a limit screw thing or a cable tension or a FD alignment/height thing. FDs are simple systems but can be a pain in the neck if they are not set up just right. I always set mine up with the chain off the bike until I like the way it moves and then I install the chain.

I suggest having a long visit with the Campy manual and truly understanding what is going on. Shouldn't be hard to fix.

Campagnolo chainrings are not made with a consistent BC (bolt circle). 1 of the chainring bolts is staggered so you can't use aftermarket rings on your Campy cranks. Conversely, you can't swap Campy rings onto your FSA crank. This rules out the cheap test.

If you change to Campy, you will have to change BB as well.

Campy has always claimed that their system is designed to work as a system. There may be no magic to shifting, but teeth, ramps and pins (and spacing) are designed to work BEST with specific chain plate profiles. This holds true for any mixed group parts.

Make sure you front der is not a compact (CT) or flatbat (FB) front der. This would surely cause some problems.

Even if the shifting is poor (or less than ideal) it should shift, none the less, when using an aftermarket crank with Campy. This really sounds like a chain line or adjustment issue.

An all Record bike that doesn't shift well is a problem. It sounds like it wasn't set up correctly. My vote goes with adjusting the limit screws. As much as I want an Ultra Torque crank, try the limit screw first. It is the cheapest solution. Ask the mechanic about it. Good luck

Tim

I checked out your crank on the FSA website. The chailine is 43.5mm. Campy Ultra-Torque is 41.75mm. This means that your crank is 1.75mm to far away from the optimal arc of the FR der. This will degrade shifting significantly.

I would also wonder about the spacing between the chainrings as the Shimano spec and Campy spec are slightly different.

Then there is the issue of FSA's own tolerences.

Combine these 3 minor issues and they could add up to the problem you are having. Talk to a knowledgable shop tech about these possibilities and see if they can't confirm this or rule them out.

I thought of one other possibility. For 2007, Campy introduced "Quick Shift" for the front shifter. They basically shortened the throw needed on the front shifter to actuate the shift. The lever has a big QS on the front of it. The FR Der was then modified to account for the fact that the shifter was now pulling less cable. The der should also have a QS right there next to RECORD. If it doesn't, it is pre 2007 and IS NOT COMPATIBLE with a QS shifter.

Since the shifter is pulling less cable, the der just won't move as far and you will have a heck of a time trying to lob it up onto the big ring.

Glance at your bike and make sure both parts either are or are not labelled QS.

I vote to ditch the FSA crank and get a Camy UT crank....I love my UT crank.

I know I know money money money.....if the shop has a Campy crank around it would be nice to install it and see what it shifted like....