RAMBOZO

I just aquired a Campagnolo Athena double crankset, and want to know if there is a way to identify the year of manufacture. The only marking is 574 on the back of the arms. They are square taper.

IthaDan 

Pics.

FBinNY 

Why?

Just curiosity or is there a specific issue for which you feel you need to know the year.

Square taper Athena's were only made for a few years since the 9s era (recognizable by gated shifting cuts and pickup pins on the chainring), from about 1999 (or so) through 2004 (or so). There is no functional differences among these, so the exact year doesn't matter.

If I remember correctly, Campagnolo also used the Athena name sometime back, so if the cranks are more than 15 years old they would be of this older classic era, and probably set up for 8s or less and not have gated shifting.

RAMBOZO

FBinNY 

From the shape of the arms and logo style, I make these as being of the 1999-2005 era, though they're well worn.

RAMBOZO

Yeah they are not pretty. I am using them to build a single speed winter bike.

FBinNY 

It's a minor detail, but they'll look nicer of you move the ring to the outer position (depends on the chain line) or at least turn the chainring bolts so the hex key is to the outside.

RAMBOZO

Yeah I just got them last night in this condition on a trade. Gotta clean them up and get a little bigger chainring unless I go small on the wheel.

FBinNY 

You won't find any Campy brand rings for this between 42t and 52t. If you want something mid range, I might still have some in 135BCD from other sources. Let me know if you're interested, and I'll check on Monday.

RAMBOZO

That's a 42 tooth on it, but I would like a 48. I may compensatet with a 12, or 14 on the wheel not sure whats out there, and what my options are. Just decided so planing and research is just starting. Any advice is really appreciated.

IthaDan 

Read up on gear ratios. Even 42/14 is very high for riding on the street.

There was also an iteration of Athena from the late 80s- I have a 7s bike with synchro II shifters and Athena parts.

RAMBOZO

My old Jeunet was 48/14 and it seemed perfect too me.

RAMBOZO

IthaDan 

So, you're asking for advice then shooting down the advice you're getting? Good luck with that.

Pretty bike. More advice ahoy: if you're only going to take one pic, make sure it's of the drivetrain side.

RAMBOZO

Don't see how I was running down anyones advice. It's a old picture of that bike. Thanks for your input friend.

davidad

Nice horse. I have a set I bought in the mid-90's that a friend engraved for me. On the back it has the no. 93 stamped on and the arm length.
I don't ride doubles anymore so it is for sale. I'm too old and ride triples.

FBinNY 

Dan,

The OP never asked about gearing, nor did he ask about how to photograph a bicycle. So no one should get miffed if unsolicited advice is ignored.

IthaDan 

Guess when I read this:

I misunderstood him somehow.

Apologies.

FBinNY 

One of us did. I read that as wanting advice about availability of sprockets, not the wisdom of his choice.

In any case, you have to have thick skin when you offer advice (whether asked for or not) since asking for advice, then disputing or ignoring it is a common occurrence.

IthaDan 

Oh, I know that all too well.

RAMBOZO

Look, I am just banging around ideas. I was in no way trying to discount any advice, or offend anyone. If I don't agree with something someone says thats no big deal. In all seriousness maybe the way I typed out something was misconstrued, but I am definitely not trying to be a jerk or piss anyone off. I appreciate advice, I don't know everything about bikes (not even close), but I do know some, and I am entitled to my opinion. Let's just stay civil here.

FBinNY 

Don't sweat it, sometimes we just have to vent.

miamijim

Rambo, what it comes down to is this, No, your never going to know the exact date of your Campy cranks. That's just the way it is. And second, intermiate toothed rings like 46, 47, 48 are very hard to find for your crank.

Your best option is to keep the 42 and run whatever out back....

onespeedbiker

I'm guessing more like 1995-1999; Campy didn't start marking their components with the gruppo name until 1995 and didn't have the Athena gruppo from 2000-2009..and the 2010+ Athena cranks are Ultra-Torque