Originally Posted by John E
The Gran Sport works great on half-step gears, but a Campag. Record or a SunTour Cyclone will outperform it on a modern 53-39 setup. Don't even think about asking a Gran Sport to handle a triple!
The Simplex Prestige's pushrod moves horizontally, whereas the Gran Sport's is sensibly angled a bit upward.
Be sure to keep your Gran Sport well-oiled. The first owner of my 1959 Capo evidently didn't, and the aluminum body was so badly worn that the cage would not track properly during shifts.
Figured it wouldn't take anything other then a half-step. For that matter, I doubt if the GS rear derailer has enough travel either.
However, I would not say that a Gran Sport FD could not handle a triple. It most certainly can. The rings have to be in half-step increments, but it COULD handle it. I have a spare GS mech if anyone is up for a little bet...
I'll pop some oil in my GS mech tonight. Of note, the Paramount's original GS body was seized inside, but was easily brought back to life by removing the pivot arm, cleaning, lubricating, and re-installing.
Take care,
-Kurt