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Old 01-14-18 | 09:37 PM
  #32  
nesteel
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Originally Posted by RobbieTunes
That would not work, given that Klein spec'd a Superbe Pro double on a symmetrical BB for a touring rig. There are triple square taper cranksets out there, but all I tried ended way too wide. I wanted a compact triple, and the RSX is that, and uses a symmetrical BB. Also, the direct bolt FD spec'd by Klein had the chainline in tight to the frame. The inner ring overlaps, and it gets in tight enough that the L shifter can reach all three rings. It did not have enough range on a "standard" triple that sat too far out. If parts of my inner chainring had rubbed, I'd have found a different one or ground off the offending metal.

Adapting modern-ish components to this frame was twice as hard as setting up an even older frame to Ergo.

It's a wonderful frame and takes a while just to take in the idiosyncrasies, rides amazingly well and is super light for a tourer. Klein just looked down the road and made assumptions, perhaps, that did not hold up, for that time, even though "correct" in many ways:

Press-fit BBs
Thru-frame shifter cables
OS tubing

And some that didn't:

Direct- bolt FDs
Piggyback "aero" DT shifting
25.4 seat posts

I learned a ton on this one, and have built other Kleins, and would again; but 'twill be with a touch of chagrin and a wry approach to Klein's innovative mastery.

I managed to integrate my wants and needs with what Klein thought I'd want and need. How, even now, I have no idea. Luck, I think.

Where are you finding the info that Klein spec'ed a Superbe Pro double crank? When I bought that bike, it had 6207 EX cranks, RD, and brakes. I would assume it used a Superbe FD because the Shimano units couldn't be adapted to the larger tube, or the through tube mounting.
But yes, finding a triple crankset that sits on a narrow BB spindle can be a pain. Not a situation that is very "vintage" friendly.
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