Basic Hub Upgrade Question
 

I am considering two sets of wheels for my current bike that has a 11sp 2014 Chorus groupset. I have a late 90's vintage set of 'Mavic Open Pro" wheels that are in very good shape (I am the original owner and they were ridden less than 2 years), but the freehub will not accommodate a cassette compatible with my bike. I would like to use these wheels for routine stuff and save the racing wheelset for the more serious stuff.

I don't know squat about wheelbuilding. Is it possible to install a Campy 11sp compatible freehub on such a wheel?

Thanks.

dave

Open Pro sounds like the rim.

Do you know what the hub is?
Maybe a photo of the hub?

the vast majority of hubs, IME, use a proprietary freehub although retain some compatibility WRT cassettes. their attachment methods are for the most part proprietary. consequently freehubs are not candidates for swapping. :(

I don't believe Shimano makes Campy compatible freehubs.

Many other manufacturers do, however, especially on high-end wheels (which these probably aren't). In which case, it would be a simple freehub body swap.

One of the other issues is 11s support. I believe that Campagnolo 11s cassettes will fit on Campagnolo 9s/10s freehubs.
However, Shimano 11s cassettes won't work on 9s/10s freehubs (without modification), and Shimano 10s aluminum freehubs are worse.

Some people have had success using Shimano 11s cassettes with Campy 11s shifters/derailleurs, even if the width is slightly different.

The front hub is labeled Campagnolo Brevetti Internazionali which I believe translates roughly into "Campy International Patents".

The rear hub is obviously the same model but only says "Campagnolo Brev Int".

The wheels have 32 spokes.

And I have no idea if a swap out of hubs/hub parts could allow these wheels to accommodate an 11sp cassette.

Thanks.

dave

Do you have a Campy 11s cassette? Does it fit?

I have read from multiple authoritative sources that the answer is no (that would include my LBS who did the Chorus 11sp upgrade from its old 8sp Chorus groupset).

My mechanical skills WRT a bicycle are limited to changing pedals and clincher tires. Not that this couldn't change, but that is where I am at.

dave

ps. I do virtually all of my 'biking' on a Lemond Revmaster Sport spinner bike in the winter. I guess that I should give myself credit for have swapped out the BB (replacement part from the manufacturer) on this bike once.

Sounds like you have the 8speed Campy free hub... in which case, the Campy 9/10/11 cassette won't fit without swapping out the freehub itself. There used to be a replacement part available to convert, but this is no longer the case. I know there are other methods, but I'd have to search for them. Honestly, I'd just find a new hub/wheelset... either Campy 9/10/11 or Shimano 11 compatible would work with the respective 11speed cassette.

I assume that if I preferred, a skilled wheel-builder could buy new spokes and a compatible hub and build a new wheel (saving only the rim). I'm not sure that there is a reason to do that, but I assume that is possible - that right?

I guess that this would be an interesting learning project for me if I wanted to build that skill. I do build my own golf clubs (where 'the ramifications of doing it poorly are less obvious and the basic craft of assembly is pretty simple).

And I am assuming from all that I have read that it is very easy to make either a Shimano or Campy 11sp cassette work in my setup. My best guess is that moving between them regularly is potentially an issue (constant rear derailleur adjustments when changing wheels). I'd be interested in more informed than my own opinions on this.

Thanks.

dave

I'd find a new hub. 32 spoke is a common enough design, even by modern standards. 8 Spd campy had 2 different spline designs. one will accommodate 10spd(maybe 11?)cassettes, the other will not. Interchanging the free hubs may or not be possible???, if you can track the other down. I still say lace in a different hub & be on down the road again. There are plenty of Campagnolo & aftermarket options available.

Less expensive Fulcrum wheels use 12mm hollow steel axles matching the 12mm drive side stub which are still available new. People report success upgrading with 2000+ Veloce freehubs which should be the same although I haven't personally done that.

8 speed Record Titanium hubs got the new spline pattern without the step so they could use alloy freehubs without the denting problem which plagues Shimano. You could run 9/10/11 cogs on there with a little grinding on the cassettes, although as a Chorus guy the original poster doesn't have one.

Freehubs interchange - I upgraded two 1996 Chorus hubs after Campagnolo discontinued 13-21 which was my favorite 8 speed cassette.