Bicycle Mechanics - chainring spacing

Hey all, just need your opinions on something!

Upon finishing my thesis i'm planning on treating myself to a bianchi matta titanium frame and building it up to replace my entry level road bike i got in 2006.
I've actually got a shimano 105/600 groupset mix from 1993 and was planning on putting that on instead of forking out for new components. However, I would like to replace the old square taper crankset with a modern one with outboard bearings, so I was wondering if this would still be compatible with the rest of the 8-speed groupset? I'm sure the chainrings themselves would ok with an 8-speed chain, but i was wondering whether the spacing between the chainrings themselves would still be ok? ie. would an old 8-speed front derailleur be compatible with a modern 10-speed crankset.

Cheers! :)

My 2 cents:

I think your problem will be using an 8 speed chain with 10 speed chainrings. 8 speed chains are much wider than 10 speed chains. When your in the small chainring, the width of the chain may cause it to rub against the larger chainring. Also, your front shifter might not be compatible if it uses indexing.

You might be better off using a compatible chainring set and saving up for a 10 speed group.

Actually you can use a wider chain then the rings without too much of an issue but I think the OP is asking if the distance between the chainrings are compatible. Most are 5mm and I don't think that has changed but I could be wrong.

At the risk of deviating far from your original question, why are you paying for a brand new premium frame and then trying to salvage 16 year old obsolete parts to equip it?

i've used replacement chainrings by Specialites TA rated for 9-10 speeds on my 8-speed rig and there don't seem to be any problems.

my reason for getting such a nice frame but keeping a old groupset is really down to cost. i can get the frame chep at my lbs where i work, and since i've already got a groupset, it'd be a nice way to save some money! plus, i like the retro look :P

At the risk of deviating far from your original question, why are you paying for a brand new premium frame and then trying to salvage 16 year old obsolete parts to equip it?

+1


Actually you can use a wider chain then the rings without too much of an issue but I think the OP is asking if the distance between the chainrings are compatible. Most are 5mm and I don't think that has changed but I could be wrong.

There was a website I came across at one point where you could check the compatibility of different drive train parts. I'm going to see if i can find it. in the mean time, maybe someone knows the answer.

Here it is. It will help you I believe.

http://www.wheelworks.co.nz/drivetrain.php