Ofmega Question
 

I normally wouldn't bother everyone with this, but the search function on this forum doesn't appear to be working properly, so I can't do any research. I see a bike on eBay that has Ofmega compnents, and I don't know anything about Ofmega. Can someone briedly tell me about the company, its history, and whether they are respected component makers. On this bike, the crank, both derailleurs, and hubs are Ofmega. The brakes are Universal. Thanks for any input!

AFAIK, Ofmega is on par with Zues, They made quailty copies of Campy parts. I personally like the idea of Ofmega because its something that not everybody has

Are Ofmega parts rebuildable like Campy?

what do you mean by rebuildable? or i guess what part are you looking to rebuild

Just a general question. Wondering if component deterioration necessitates replacement.

ofmega
 

pretty good stuff i think. i have a 1987 Bianchi Campione d'italia and everything is ofmega except for the modolo brakes and itm bars and stem.

If the group is as vintage as I am thinking, most everything was serviceable.

I think i found the bike you are talking about. Ill let the experts wiegh in on this, I would think that they would be rebuildable but i can not tell you for sure

FWIW, I have several Ofmega hubs, head sets, cranks from the early '70's and I've been very happy with their overall performance. The hubs when re-packed, are very smooth and fast :)

(And, any of the Universal "Super __" are great brakes..)

depends on what you're looking at and comparing to: Ofmega was a "2nd tier" component line that offered the buyer a lower-cost alternative to Campy, it was lower cost for a reason (not made in China, so same Italian labor costs). Some of the materials were lower grade, sometimes just the finish was lower. I happen to like the Ofmega touring triple crank that was brought in the US under the Avocet label, likewise their 2-bolt seatpost...but not a big fan of their hubs, and don't know about their pedals. The reason Campy is considered "rebuildable" is not just the design: they made ALL the parts available as spares, and for a long time (but don't ask about the hub races) and tools as well, they provided after-market support for their dealers and customers. Some spares will be available for Ofmega stuff, but a lot of the time you'd probably find Campy parts (those that will fit) more readily. I have a lot of Ofmega chainrings on Campy cranks (and lower cost is why), the only thing I'd completely avoid is the weird plastic derailleurs in '80s pastel colors.

With only a few exceptions, Ofmega equipment is generally easily repaired and in many(most?) instances, will even share parts interchangability with their Campagnolo, Gipiemme,Zeus, Miche, etc counterparts. Unlike Campy, however, there was never a total service support network established for spare parts inventory outside of italy, so whether components can be repaired easily with OEM or will need outright replacement will depend on obtaining the needed parts.

+1.

I just got back into my office after a quick ride on my Italvega singlespeed, which has Ofmega hubs, circa '73. They look beat up, but they're smooth as butter; when I rebuilt 'em on acquisition a year ago, the races looked to have many, many miles in 'em yet.

http://www.vintage-trek.com/images/t...gaMistrale.jpg

Nice cranks.