Originally Posted by
repechage
the variations between a 5 speed, ultra Six, Seven speed freewheels, 7 speed cassette, 8,9, 10. All frequently discussed on the C&V forum have many variables. Exchanging brands and tapers, makes of cranks, measurements are safe for a system design, for the typical kludge use here, evaluate the real world assembly is my point of view.
This was done by a bike shop, not someone going into their parts bin and saying "I wonder if I can get this to work." There was no need for any kludge. They simply didn't know what they were doing.
There aren't "many variables". Yes, there are a number of standards (dropout spacing, chainline measurement, bottom bracket and crankset types and so on) that might seem confusing to beginners. But every drivetrain part is designed to be compatible with one of those standards. I've been building and riding bikes a long time and have never had a need to kludge anything. Just use compatible parts. A Campy crank on a Shimano BB ain't right. I'm 100% sure that the mechanics at my LBS know that.