Bicycle Mechanics - FSA or Campy compact crank on old Cannondale?

Folks;

I've been riding and enjoying an '87 Cannondale Black Lightning (R800) recently. Have made some inquiries and received invaluable help here on bikeforums.com. Thanks in advance for any help.

One question I have concerns swapping the worn 52-42 Sugino chainrings on 130 mm BCD crankset for something more suited to my needs; climbing hills, keeping pulse in manageable range for 60-something rider, and letting me shift off the small ring now and then.

Both FSA and Campy make compact cranksets (50-34) and look affordable, are black (style points count), and appear to be suitable for the C'dale. My LBS guru says so. And he notes that there are a number of manufacturers with good moderately priced compact cranks. I mention FSA and Campy because they appear nearly ubiquitous in the ads.

Should I go with the FSA and a JIS-taper bottom bracket (the bike's bb shell is 68 mm wide and english-threaded), or the Campy Mirage, apparently ISO taper? One Campy supplier says I'll need a Campy BB. Both cranksets are widely available on ebay as new takeoffs, and the costs are comparable for the cranksets themselves.

I see these issues. The Campy is a Campy (we all bowed down to them when I got my first 10-speed in the early '70s) and would be cool, IMHO, even for entry-level components. But wouldn't it require a BB that's more expensive? And more installation tools?

The FSA would apparently fit on a number of BBs, ranging from Shimano at about $15 and up. Looks like the Park BBT22 and my trusty rachet would do the job for installation.

So the FSA looks potentially easier to install. The Campy may have better style. Both would be better for riding (our LBS guy says move the front derailleur down and see what happens).

Last, any thoughts about BBs for the FSA if that's the choice? Shimano? Tange? IRD?

What am I missing? What would any of you do? Are there other obvious choices I should include?

Hope this isn't too long, but hoped my thinking might help generate useful responses.

Thanks again, and cheers.

Joe F
Where the rain slacked off and I got to ride!

I'm taking a stab in the dark - never having ridden on FSA cranks, etc - but the Campy likely is a stronger unit. But if you're not going all-out doing 100 miles a ride, this isn't truly needed. Unless the Campagnolo name and prestige outweigh cost. And ease of installation (and possible changes made here & there) of the FSA is a worthy consideration.

All in all - I'd opt for the FSA. Unless someone drops a free 1980 Super Record on you.

FSA makes a nice crank but had some problems with their ISIS BB's. If you could find one that fits a JIS taper you might be better off. Personally, I ride Campy but the cheap Mirage cranks on ebay can't be beat if you have an ISO taper BB. Good luck

Tim

I'd go with the Campy. FSA has had it's problems over the years and their ISIS bottom brackets have been dicey. I'm wasn't aware their compact crank was even available in square taper. If it is and you choose to use it go with it, use a Shimano cartridge bb.

For the Campy, you will need a Campy bb but they are readily available and not very expensive. Licktons has Veloce cartridge bottom brackets in 111 (double) or 115.5 mm (triple) spindle lengths for $30 to $36. Look here:

http://www.lickbike.com/sectionsublist.aspx?SECTION='0003'&SUBSECTION='050'&SECTIONNAME='Bottom%20Brackets'&SUBSECTIONNAME='STANDARD'

Folks;

Many thanks for the helpful advice. I've elected to go with the Campagnolo, and have ordered a Mirage. Another requirement will be a Campagnolo Veloce BB.

Joe F