Bicycle Mechanics - Substitute parts

I'd like to hear the experiences of others about having used substitutes for their original makers' "expendable" parts.

I am particularly interested in Campa bits - chains (PC 89R?), brake pads (Kool Stop?), and cables (???). Anything else?

Thanks...Gary

Marchisio casettes: high quality, available individually in a wider size range then Campy, and with spacers, so you can re-space to 9 or 10 speed or even Shimano!!

Chainrings. TA are available in 135BCD and are as good, if not better than Campy. In 8/9/or 10 speed compatable

Ball bearings. Generic ISO grade 25.

QBC chainrings are cheap and come in all tooth counts and modern BCDs. They don't look particularly attractive, but they function and wear decently. Although my 110 and 130mm rings have fit properly, I had to use my Dremel tool to make a 135mm QBC ring seat properly onto a Campy Chorus spider. Genuine Campy rings always fit properly without milling.

I use SRAM chains exclusively and think they are great, but this is not a universally-held opinion.

KoolStop brake pads outperform Campys and greatly outperform Shimanos, particularly on older, less-leveraged brake systems.

Good stuff - keep it coming!

I would probably limit my substitutions to "expendables", and in fact just bought a bunch of PC 89R chains at $19.98 just to have them on hand.

Since aesthetics are a part of the Campagnolo appeal, I can't see ever using other chainrings.

Thanks...Gary

Hey John E. -

Where does one obtain QBC chainrings?
Sounds like something I could use.

Louis

Hi Louis,
QBC stands semi-oxymoronically for "Quality Bicycle Products," and their chainrings are endearingly called "Engagement Rings." I bought the 50T/135mm new from Sheldon/Harris, but found the others used or NOS at various times on eBay. Since I like mathematically correct half-step and 1.5-step gearing, I appreciate being able to find rings in sizes other than the ubiquitous 53-39 and 48-38-28, which are all some of the mail order houses carry.
Good luck,
John E

Thanks for the info John,

I'm thinking of going from a 28 tooth inner ring to a 24 on my friction shift road bike. These hills are getting steeper each year.

This means a new front changer as well, as I'm pushing the old one with the present 28/42/50.

This bike started out as a 42/52 about 20 years ago and is still sporting the original SunTour front changer.

Also think my mountain bike is due for some new chainrings.


Louis

Before you drop 4 teeth on the little ring-does your derailleur have the capacity to handle it? You may have to reduce the big ring by 4 teeth if you are at the limit of derailleur capacity (and remove 2 links, too).

I have the habit of calling a derailleur a "changer". Old habits die hard :)

Yes, I have considered this and might have to pick up some kind of mountain bike derailleur, my present derailleur is at its limit, any suggestions?

Sometimes I need the 50t large ring, but not too often these days.

Louis