Rogue Leader

I had posted in the past about switching out the groupset on my bike (I bought a sora 8 speed equipped bike before I knew anything about 4 months ago). Now that the Triathlon season is almost over I've determined 1. My wheels suck so I need new ones anyway (Alex DA22's that have bent 5 times now, once in a race... ugh!), and 2. I would like the extra ratios of a 10 speed rear, and the performance of a compact double crank. I am a lot faster than I was when I got the bike, I feel like I am beating the hell out of my shifetrs etc (500 very hard miles so far). Some may say, just buy a new bike, but I have seen a proliferation of sick deals on Campagnolo parts, specifically I have been looking at the Veloce line, which a few people reccomended to me here. Also, I like my frame, the way it looks etc, it fits me perfect, its very light lighter than my friend's equivalent and better specializeds and treks) and unless I crash it I dont want to get rid of it. Id rather have stronger better parts I can service (or get serviced) and just have this bike "forever". Excluding the wheels (which I was going to change anyway) I can get this done with new parts for under $500 between places like pbk, wheelandsprocket, and eBay. To offset the cost I'll even ebay my old parts (can't imagine Id get a lot but hey a few bucks is a few bucks, was gonna build my sister a bike with them, maybe I can do that for her for xmas).

this is the bike I'm doing it to https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...galaxy_al8.htm

Anyway shifters and derailers etc are straightforward, but I don't have a full understanding of bottom brackets, and whats with these bottom bracket cups that are out there too, do I need to add those? I see english threaded 102mm brackets, I would assume that is what I need....

Also when it comes to brakes Are pad mounts similar? can I use my koolstop pads I have on my tektros now?

When it comes to cranks, I have been looking at a lot that are 50/34 172.5mm whats the advantage of a longer or shorter crank? My final setup I hope to be that crankset with an 11-25 rear gear, that will fit all the courses I race on and everywhere I train pretty well. I currently changed my rears on the bike above to a 12-25, but still have the stock cranks.

I know this is an undertaking for a newbie, but I am going to take my time during the winter when I'm not riding and do it right. I have been wrenching on this bike since I got it, and I have some tools now too, I have a lot of mechanical experience so I am 99.9% sure I can do this right... and eh if I screw up I can always bring it to the LBS to fix.

mp123

I'm a big Campy fan but do be aware that they're coming out with 11 speed and dropping some of the lower end groupsets in a few months. That's why you're seeing such great deals. Not a bad thing but something to think about...

Campy doesn't use a traditional bottom bracket. Instead there are "cups" that screw into either side where a normal bottom bracket would. Then the crank comes in two halves which are bolted togther in the middle. Easier to assemble than to describe...

Campy brake pads are slightly different than Shimano so that you can't safely swap them into each others pad holders.

Have fun with it, you'll learn a lot wrenching on it!

Rogue Leader

Seems like Veloce is remaining 10 speed for 2009 (from what I have seen), I figure based on the price they are on the higher of the midrange, maybe not as good as shimano ultegra?

Why do I sometimes see campy "bottom brackets" If I buy a standard veloce crankset it will come with what i need to just get a set of cups and be good to go? what do I need to do maintenance wise, or even when just installing, pack it with grease? seal it somehow? Or am I maybe better off getting a bottom braket setup if there is an option to go either way.

The kool stops come in pad holders that screw to the calipers... i mean they "look" the same, and they seem to pivot in whatever direction and then screw down tight, i guess there is a difefrence in that mount?

Thanks for your help!! This should be fun!

G piny parnas

go with ultegra-- I love campy-- but price is sticky---- shimano has their stuff ready to go bro---
interchangeable, manageable, price worthy.......

Rogue Leader

I would but I can get the campy stuff for significantly less, and it is all serviceable, from what I see parts are out there as well, thats why I'm going with it.

embankmentlb

g@yd@r

Rogue Leader

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RockyMtnMerlin

You can see all of Campy's instructions online here https://www.campagnolo.com/jsp/en/doc/doccatid_4.jsp

I have managed to install and maintain a complete Record gruppo using the Campy instructions and a few other sites online. Start with the instructions and then if you have questions, let us know. Last week I even rebuilt an ergopower shifter using online (you tube) instructions. It was actually fun.

HillRider

Campy is good stuff and not any more difficult to install and maintain than Shimano. Veloce is generally considered at about the same place in the Campy pecking order as 105 is in Shimano's.

You will obviously need new wheels as Campy cassettes will not fit Shimano freehub bodies. Veloce cassettes are the sweet-spot in Campy's line. The higher lines are absurdly expensive for little to no benefit.

Campy brakes take different pads and holders than Shimano but Kool Stop makes both pads and holders for them. Here is a reference:

https://www.biketoolsetc.com/index.cg...tem_id=KS-RHC2

Campy's Ultra Torque two piece crank/bottom brackets come with the cartridge bearings already installed on the spindle halves. The bottom bracket cups are just empty shells and are very cheap.

11-speed is only going to be for Super Record, Record and Chorus for the immediate future. Centaur and below will be 10-speed for a while, probably a couple of years. Even if Campy drops their lower lines, I expect Veloce will remain as it's lowest or second tier group.

Rogue Leader

Thats a great reference thanks! How much did the Campy specific adaptor tools cost? I think I may get a sachs brand chain to avoid having to buy an $80 Campy chain tool.

Rogue Leader

Thanks for the tips. I was trying to figure out where it fit in compared to Shimano, 105 stuff I have seen very very cheap, as well 105 equipped bikes seem much cheaper as well compared to Veloce. I would assume weight/quality wise Veloce to be higher than 105, but maybe not as good as Ultegra. Campy just seems to have a much thicker higher end between Centaur, Chorus, and Record (and now Super Record), compared to Shimano only having Ultegra and Dura-ace on the high end.

I looked at the online instructions and I like the whole bearing cup idea, saves some money and cheap to fix/replace if it breaks down. I was surprised theres no grease involved, I guess its internal.

As for the wheels I had planned new wheels anyway, the ones I have are verging on terrible anyway. I had them professionally trued when I got it, and Ive had to re-true them myself 4 times now, worst being them going out during a race last week!

Road Fan

Until a few years ago Campy cranks were mounted on square taper bottom brackets using a different shape than Shimano (not interchangable with Shimano). Ultra-drive relegates that design to replacement parts only.

Yes, have fun!

interested

The functional difference between Veloce and Ultgra is very small. Photos generally doesn't do Campagnolo parts justice, they are just beautyfull when you are actually holding them in your hand.
One key difference between pre 2009 Veloce and Centaur is that Veloce uses stamped chain rings and Centaur the better forged rings. So if the price difference is small go for Centaur regarding cranks. Veloce chain rings are still quality stuff, so no need fret about it.

Veloce 2009 comes in two variations, the old "Escape" shifters with QS, identical with the 2008 edition, and the new Ultra Shift (US) edition. Both editions will work with older QS shifters though the US edition will give better performance with a new 2009 front derailleur. The point to this is that you don't need to worry about spare parts or upgrade paths.


Before 2007 Campagnolo used traditional square taper bottom brackets (ISO). In 2007 Campagnolo started their UT (Ultra Torque) crank series which utilizes external bearings. The bearings sits on the crank spindle. You do need some cups (BSA/English thread) to install them on your bike. To install them you need a 10 mm hex key and some thread locker. Use Campagnolo's online pdf-instructions. External bearings doesn't last as long as sealed bearings in traditional square taper bottom brackets.

Also watch out for whether the shifter and front derailleur is pre 2007 since Campagnolo started to use QS (Quick Shift) on these. So shifter and derailleur need to match (e.g. both being QS). I think that all 2007 og 2008 parts can be freely interchanged. If in doubt consult Campagnolo's pdf catalogues, they have listings of which parts are compatible with what.

--
Regards

interested

You don't need a campy specific chain tool to Campagnolo's UD chains (5.9 mm), I just use Park Tools cheap CT-5 chain tool. Just avoid using really ancient chain tools from when 7-8 speed chains ruled the earth. This goes for any 10 speed chain. I use Connex and KMC quick links to be able to get the chain of easily for cleaning. Campagnolo's chains are top notch, so no need to use anything else.

--
Regards

G piny parnas

I like the dura- ace stuff more than the ultegra---- if it was me and I was concerned about money-- i would stay away from the campy--- and do everything in DA--- or every thing in ultegra--- your bent towards campy--- creates campy fever-- and you will sell your car to buy the tool specific top notch stuff!!! I just bet ya

Rogue Leader

The Campy is the cheaper way to go, I would love to do a DA setup but I don't have $1000+ to drop on a new set, same with Ultegra. For that much coin I would buy Bikesdirect.com's nemesis triathlon bike for $1299 which is full dura-ace. I can do the campy for around $500 for all new stuff with the closeouts that are happening.

Rogue Leader

Hm I'll have to watch for this especially that I will be getting parts from different places....

HillRider

Campy chains can be properly installed with any good chain tool (Park's CT-3 is one of them) so you don't need the overpriced Campy tool.

SRAM chains have a good reputation but the 10-speed Powerlink is said by SRAM to not be reusable. Why? No one knows.

I have personally had excellent service from Wippermann chains with their reusable Conex link.

squidroadie

heads up on a deal, I was looking to do the same on my last bike and here is the set I was going to buy:

https://www.totalcycling.com/index.ph...urrency&id=USD

It looks like you can get the whole set in one shot. Good luck and have fun.

operator

The dura holders are not compatible with campy brake calipers. Been there tired that.

Rogue Leader

Dude thats perfect! Thats the same kind of thing pbk was offering but they are way out of stock on it.... Now the only question is... 53/39 or 50/34.... with a 12/25.... trying to decide which will be more versatile, I'm not in a very hilly area, but I do have some hills.... one race i do is VERY hilly....

nagsheadlocal

The Wippermann links work fine with Campy chains, too.

Veloce seems to be a particularly good deal right now. With Campy dropping their Mirage and Xenon sets

https://www.bikeradar.com/news/articl...ots-more-17089

I imagine Veloce will be a bit more expensive this time next year and dealers are getting rid of their stock in anticipation.

squidroadie

Happy to help. Go for the 53/39, I am in a similar area and I just started riding a similar one and find it to work pretty well.

MadeInItaly

You were doing so well till you made this up.

squidroadie

If you end up getting that Gruppo, let me know how it turns out.