Anyone know how to triplize a 151 BCD crankset?

It can be done the same way Campagnolo did the 144 BCD Record cranks. If you can locate the hardware, I can drill and tap the arms for you. Bob Freeman at the now closed Elliot Bay in Seattle I believe had the hardware in stock. If you are serious about getting it done PM me and I can check if he has the parts.

If you are using a period Campagnolo GS, Record, or NR RD you will need to add a longer cage. I think Bob has some aftermarket ones of those as well.

PM sent!

Here's some good images of stock and converted Record cranks, 144 and 151 from Bob Freeman's Flickr gallery:

https://www.flickr.com/search/?w=8379107@N03&q=triple

Drilling the 151 is a good option. You could also ebay the 151 and buy a set of 144 cranks. With a little luck, you might approximately break even on that. Then you could use the 144 with a 42-tooth triplizer ring (the only size available for that BCD).
By the way, I have a NOS 50-tooth Campagnolo 151 chainring sitting around here somewhere. Let me know if you decide to stick with the 151 and need a chainring in that size.

I don't think triplizing the 151 is such a great idea. What's the point? It will significantly decrease in both monetary value and authenticity. If you're after utility, there are other cranks that offer lower gears and have the option of a granny gear.

Hi Otis,


I talked with Bob Freeman a couple of months ago about tapping and adding an inner chainring to my campy cranks, and had been getting ready to send my cranks to him, but now I suddenly find out that he's retired. Bummer! However, I noticed that you mentioned above that you could do this. I have standard 144 BCD campy cranks and I want to add a third chainring. I've been trying to figure out what will work and also possibly keep my front NR derailleur. Here's my setup:


1981 Ron Cooper (bought new)
13-28 IRD freewheel
I'm currently running a modern triple 52-42-30 and modern triple front derailleur with an outboard bearing setup, but I want to dump it...it just doesn't look right on the Cooper. My preference is to triplize my old Campy NR crankset (approx 1972 vintage). It currently has 52-42 chainrings and I'd like to add a 30 or lower inner chainring. Thing is, I don't think the NR front derailleur can handle this big a jump. I'd be willing to drop to a 50 large ring to make this work, and I think the FD will probably handle a 50-42-30. Do you know if this would work, or could I go even lower (50-42-28?)


So, a lot of questions. Let me know if you can do this, how much you'd charge, and if Bob is still available to source the small bits that I need to make it happen. I can't send PMs because the forum requires that you have a post count above 50 to do so, which I don't have.


Thanks a lot.

I sent you a PM with my email address.

wrt 3X-ification of the 144 - Campag only offered a 36T for the 144 3X but framebuilder Jim Merz offered 31T and 30T sizes for it.

Framebuilder Bernie Mikkelsen offered adaptor inner c/w's for the 144 2X which had mounting points for a third c/w. No drilling.

I could be wrong, but I don't think a 1961 Record Strada crankset in well used condition is worth enough that I need to worry. I looked on eBay and seems you can pick up ones nicer than mine for $100 or so?