JoeF45

Folks;

I got great help on bikeforums when I went looking for advice on making my '87 C-dale more rider-friendly. Thanks to all who commented. Here's a brief status report on what's becoming a project.

Just mounted a new Campy Mirage compact crankset (50-34), with new Veloce BB. All procured on ebay, NIB, for a very reasonable price (it seemed to me). Did the work myself, having purchased the required tools. The old Sugino BB and 52-42 cranks will be cleaned and archived for the day when the bike gets a new home, and a buyer who wants the original components.

So far, the original Suntour front derailleur appears ready to pick up chain and let it down smoothly on the new crankset. The chain needs to drop some links, about 8-9 if my calculation is correct (right now the cage is nearly doubled back on itself), and I haven't used the small cogs with the chain on the small ring in front.

I'm going to torque the crankbolts before any riding, per Campagnolo's recommendation. Then maybe add a seven-speed freewheel, some barcons, and wait for the rain to stop so I can ride the bike.

I'll appreciate any reactions.

--JF

joejack951

Don't bother trying to calculate chain length. Wrap it around the big/big combo then add 2 links (1") and be done with it. If the rear derailler won't wrap the chain enough in the small/small after using this method, you need a new rear derailler with more wrap capacity.

Nice job on the upgrades. Sounds like a fun project (like most bike related projects).

oldtrekguy

Hi JoeF45:

I did basically the same thing on my 1989 Trek 400. I bought a Campy Mirage 50/34 crankset and a Campy Veloce BB from Wheels and Sprockets, and replaced the original 52/42 setup. I used a SRAM PC-830 chain, a Campy Centaur braze-on front der with an adapter from Bike Nashbar. I still have the original wheels, Suntour Edge 4050 rear der and suntour seven-speed freewheel and Suntour downtube shifters. This setup works amazing well, and the index shifting (Accushift) was unfazed by the changes. The nine-speed cranks tolerates the eight-speed chain, which tolerates the seven-speed freewheel. My lowest gear is now about 35 gear inches (34/26) which my knees greatly appreciate.

cs1

Great job. I was looking at one of those cranks myself. IMO, just replace the entire chain. SRAM work great and they're cheap.

JTGraphics

Any pics? I did this with my 87 SR500 also.

JoeF45

Thanks, OldTrekGuy, JTGraphics, and JoeJack951;

It's great to have affirming comments, and to think this bike might work out! JTGraphics, your ride is terrific! Basically, you've done what I'd like to do, although I'm leaning toward Campy components.

Again, the detailed comments and specific recommendations are very useful.

Cheers and good riding!

Joe F

Joshua A.C. New

Pics!

joejack951

Speaking of Trek 400's and upgrades, here's a before and after of one I bought for my wife on Ebay for $40. I upgraded it with Sora STI's and deraillers and spare wheels with an 8 speed cassette. I changed the crank from a 52/42 double to a 50/39/30 triple as well. I've since swapped out the saddle (for a Terry Butterfly), computer, stem, pedals, and bar tape (now silver) but don't have a new pic.

Before (from the Ebay auction):



After:

oldtrekguy

Here are some pics of my 400: