Making a '96 Record into a Compact

[Druid]

Just been out on a 120k mountain sportif and for the second time in 2 weeks I've had my arse whipped by everyone on compact gear set ups. I have a '96 Campy Record with 53/39 : 12/23. The 8 speed can be turned to a 13/26 handy enough. Not gone too far as I've only sat down after the event but Wiggle have an 8 speed record for 50 quid so at least I know they are out there. I can search for less expensive alternatives. However, according to the catalogs on this site (great feature btw) the '96 Record did not come with anything smaller than a 39 and from what I can see, the chainring may not be compatible with non campy alternatives.

So:

1: Is there a '96 Record front ring smaller than 39?

If not:

2: Is there an alternative that can be used?

 

[littlestwoo]

Hi,
The bolt circle diameter of your cranks will not allow anything smaller than a 38 (if you can even find one). Use a compact from a more modern groupset, although you may need advice on which chain to use and whether or not you would need a 9/10's block spacced to 8. Not entirely sure, definately do-able, personally I tend to take the suck it and see approach. You may also need a compact front mech, although again you might be inclined.to see how the shifting is first. Other options would be to investigate what the other manufacturers where offering for 8 speed at the time, stronglight etc.

 

[NA]

A Campag racing triple or a 2006 Centaur square taper all alloy compact would be my suggestion - both would suit the style of your current components and I think work for you but suggest you tease through chains etc with your lbs

 

[Druid]

Thanks for the advice. Changing the entire crank and chainring set up had crossed my mind. My own cranks are 170's and I think a little short for my big feet.

 

[hamster]

There is also a cheaper way to go triple. TA do a chainring that has extra tabs to bolt on a granny ring. It used to be for 130mm PCD only, but a 135 is now available.

This saves you buying a new set of cranks.

I think Spa cycles carry the rings.

 

[dbmtb]

You could get away with fitting a modern alloy Power-torque compact chainset.....

 

[Druid]

You could get away with fitting a modern alloy Power-torque compact chainset.....

Similar has been mentioned in my LBS. Seems I may be confusing things for myself though 'cause one problem solved creates a new. The size of the chain on the 8 speed and the spacing it has when used with a compact may cause more chain rub when I go to the inside ring and lower sprockets for example.

I may just try the 13/26 I found on Wiggle and see how it works with the 53/39. It is only a small change but if it helps take the sting out even a little it may be a simple solution.

 

[Druid]

Back to the drawing board! Ribble had an 8 speed cassette but it is not compatible with the '96 Record hub. Any ideas on a source for a campy or other manufacturer of an 8 speed cassette that will match the 96 Record? Have a 12:23 and trying to move to at least a 26. A 27 or 28 would be even better because it would mean the front ring would not need to be changed at all but a 26 would take the sting out.


EDIT: I have found other sites listing a similar cassette to Ribble's but many state "Fit all 8-speed hubs except 1996 Record Ti". Bloody typical! :roll:

 

[Tel]

Have you looked at Miche to see if they do a compatible one in the ratio's that you seek?

 

[Druid]

Miche's own site only lists a Primato 8/9 speed that comes in a 12/21 so worse off than my current. However there are online stores listing even 13/28: 13|14|15|17|19|21|24|28. Big jump from the 24 to 28 but I suppose it keeps the ratio close down low. Most of these stores don't have them in stock though accept 1 German site I found: Link. I reckon next stop is a mail to this crowd to see if it is compatible. As far as I recall the splines on the '96 are bigger than the later 9 speed hubs but if I can get a 28 it most certainly rules out the need for a compact front. If this one fits the price for the part looks keen so should offset the cost of shipping from Germany.