What non-Campagnolo cranksets, mainly triples, work well in Campagnolo 10x3 systems? I like the way Campy chainsets work but I'd like to see if there are any really good cheap alternatives. I'm mainly worried about compatibility issues not "aesthetics" or "the proper solution."

Cheapskate? stick with Shimano then .. & you really dont need 30 speed stuff .

there are low end Romanian made Campag components.. they kick in at the 105 level in Shimano's prices .

and go up from there ..

Campy ergo fronts are micro ratchet, not indexed. So they don't care what cranks you use, though a modern one with pickup pins or ramps is a big help.

Buy the crankset of your choice, consistent with the front derailleur.

Unless it's a patent issue, why can't Shimano design a front brifter like Campag? It's just so much easier, IMHO, to setup and use, not to mention trim out while riding, than the Sora I've used in the past. Or am I clueless, and Shimano offers a front rachet brifter?

My Soro triple trims fine? What's wrong with me?

Some people prefer indexed front, others micro ratchet. It's like wine vs. beer. Pick either according to your preference.

BTW- early editions of Shimano index front had no provision for adjusting trim, newer ones do, so the lack of trim adjustment is no longer a factor.

Well, what I need is only my opinion, and at the same time, nobody else's.

I have a bike mostly equipped with Campy Ergo 10 and I want to add a triple. It functions beautifully as a 2x10, but I want a 3x10. We don't need to discuss the reasons, but if you think about doubles or compacts versus triples, you might guess right. And it would not become a 3x5, because the rear of the bike is already built out as a 10. Sunk costs with no liability, if that's any clearer.

Just because you mentioned it, what Campy parts are made in Romania, how can I tell by looking, how do you know, and have you seen physical evidence? Which level of Campy aligns with 105?

It sounds like a rumor to me. But mainly, I don't see why you even mentioned it.

Yes, you asked a question and deserved a simple answer (which I hope I offered). But don't get worked up about the rest, it's par for the course here on BF, and you should listen to that kind of stuff with both ears --- one in, one out.

As for Campagnolo having a factory in Romania, that's true, and they've moved much of the detailed assembly work there, though I can't say which components and what work is done there and what comes out of Italy. Either way, it's not really anybody's business, you pay for product that works, the how and why it's done isn't relevant (unless you have specific issues with the country of origin.

My advice, buy and install the crank of your choice (I use vintage Superbe Pro with Campy) and enjoy your bike, and wear your teflon suit when you post on BF.

Thanks, FB!

I've been here a while, maybe too long (over 10k posts). Sometimes the irrelevancies get to me.

Many thanks for the constructive inputs, gentlemen!

I agree about the Romania production. If the product works, the sourcing site doesn't matter. Same for China, Singapore, and Thailand for Shimano.

With 9 years and 11k posts here on BF you should be long past the teflon coat, and have kevlar body armor by now.

I think they had a group buy on teflon armor in the 41, but I missed it.

Campy is made in Italy, Romania, Taiwan and China (if you see those last two as different).

I find it interesting because Romanian is quite a lot like Italian and people speaking can understand each other.

Easiest way to know, if to look at the box with the components and it will say "MADE IN XXX."

I'm sure the folks in Taiwan would see them as different.

In any case, don't believe, (not doubting, just don't think it's the case) that any Campagnolo is made in the Orient, or at least I know for a fact that it wasn't a decade or so ago. If you have any factual info about this then it's changed since my last official contact with Campy.

You can't always tell by the boxes, because many items are only partly made in one country or another, and the labeling "country of Origin" rules can be tricky. Likewise, with sales to OEMs where there's no obligation to report the COE, (under US law).

One other bit of camouflage is related to Romania being in the EU, and therefore there may not be an obligation to list it as a COE for sales within the EU. (I don't know EU rules).

In any case, as I said earlier, the COE shouldn't be an issue for anybody as long as the product works.

I've run FSA SLK and SLK-Light triple cranks using OEM FSA 50-39-30 rings with a 2004-2006 Record Titanium front derailleur and 2010 Centaur Ultrashift lever for two years.

They shift quickly when they should in both directions. With a fresh 39 ring they don't shift when not commanded. I've never dumped my chain to the outside or noticed it bouncing off my chain catcher.

saw it on a German cycling site.

Campagnolo - Made in Taiwan!?! | Rennrad-News.de

personally, I don't think it matters and I think that most Americans get worked up about "Made in Italy." There are Chinese towns there that allow the "Made in Italy" stamps to be applied, even if they're illegal Chinese immigrants. I've seen many of them pumping out garments that get distributed around the EU for cheap stores in large cities.

Ribble and Wiggle and xxcycle sell Campagnolo stuff at prices that would surprise an American. Even with shipping. Some deals are unbeatable.