Long Distance Competition/Ultracycling, Randonneuring and Endurance Cycling - Of Campy and Cranks

Maybe you long distance riders can help. I have Campy triple set up on one of my bikes. Performs well but the gearing sucks for me at least. The crank is 52/42/30. I really prefer a 48/38/28 like the Sugino XD600. Campy doesn't recomend using their ft der on a 48T big ring. Has anyone ever tried this? If so, how well did it shift? Has anyone ever used a non-Campy triple? Did it shift well for you?

I have been using a Campag Centaur front derailleur on my Rivendell Bleriot (http://www.veloweb.ca/mybikepages/blerioso.html)for over a year now w/ Sugino XD 2. The shifting is precise and trouble free (using Shimano barcons).

I am in the process of rebuilding my Marinoni Ciclo (http://www.veloweb.ca/mybikepages/randononi.html) and moving the Centaur derailleur back there, where it originated.

I will mount a Campag Race Triple QS (moved from the Ciclo) in place of the Centaur on the Bleriot and am confident shifting will be as good if not better.

For brevets, I am happy with the full Campag w/ 30-40-50 triples and 13-29 cassettes on both my Ciclo and Sportivo "Randonnee" Ti.

Maybe you long distance riders can help. I have Campy triple set up on one of my bikes. Performs well but the gearing sucks for me at least. The crank is 52/42/30. I really prefer a 48/38/28 like the Sugino XD600. Campy doesn't recomend using their ft der on a 48T big ring. Has anyone ever tried this? If so, how well did it shift? Has anyone ever used a non-Campy triple? Did it shift well for you?

I use a Campy 'compact' FD with a TA Carmina, currently running 32/46 up front. Works fine.
If you are using the full size FD you may see trouble when dropping below 50t 48t... but it should work. You'll need to position the FD a bit lower on the seat tube to make up the difference... and have patience.

Thanks Rando. So, what you're saying is yes it's alright to use a Sugino crank. I'm using Campy barcons now but would like to move to Ergo's.

Thanks Rando. So, what you're saying is yes it's alright to use a Sugino crank. I'm using Campy barcons now but would like to move to Ergo's.

Yep. I'd think it should work fine w/ Ergos as well, though haven't tried that combo.

Yep. I'd think it should work fine w/ Ergos as well, though haven't tried that combo.

With stock combos, Campy shifting is just about flawless. Considering that Ergo's use a micro ratchet on the front I thought that any der would work. Just wanted to check it out with others that may have tried it.