TA Carmina?

nun
nun Posts: 434
edited October 2007 in Workshop
Does anyone have experience with the TA Carmina? What do you think of it? I'm setting up a touring bike and it seems to be the only available option for a square taper 5 arm 94/58 BCD crank. Are there any others out there still?

Comments

  • maddog 2
    maddog 2 Posts: 8,114
    mtb chainset?

    most are 4-arm admittedly but equivalent ring sizes. Middleburn, old Deore and Raceface all do square taper c/sets. If you're willing to change the BB then you've got a choice of hundreds.
    Facts are meaningless, you can use facts to prove anything that's remotely true! - Homer
  • nun
    nun Posts: 434
    maddog 2 wrote:
    mtb chainset?

    most are 4-arm admittedly but equivalent ring sizes. Middleburn, old Deore and Raceface all do square taper c/sets. If you're willing to change the BB then you've got a choice of hundreds.

    Thanks the Middleburn might be an option, but the TA carmina in the old Hyperdrive config 94/58 looks like the easiest way to go. Does anyone ride one?
  • Eddie1943
    Eddie1943 Posts: 2
    I am looking at a TA Carmina (triple) also. At present using a Campag triple (fitted TA rings) but problem is you cannot go smaller than 39 teeth on middle ring. The Carmina would overcome this problem, but my question is will the TA chainset fit onto the Campag taper axle, thereby saving on having to purchase the TA axle also. :?: :?
  • aracer
    aracer Posts: 1,649
    If you just want smaller than 39 middle ring, what's wrong with a more standard 110/74 triple which will go as low as 34 middle (or even possibly 33)? Good selection of those around.
  • Eddie1943
    Eddie1943 Posts: 2
    Thanks for the reply. Agree that there are several options but like the look/quality of the TA Carmina (which will go down to 34 middle ring also), but not sure if the TA cranks will fit directly onto Campag axle or else will need to purchase the TA axle (which I'd rather not).
  • aracer
    aracer Posts: 1,649
    If it's 94/58, the Carmina will go to a 29 middle (and 20 small). Usual place has all the answers: http://sheldonbrown.com/gloss_bo-z.html#bcd
  • cpeachey
    cpeachey Posts: 1,057
    TA cranks fit the standard Shimano BB's but when I fitted a Campag Chainset to a Shimano BB it did not fit right and I had to change to a Campag BB so I suspect the opposite applies also and you will need a TA compatible BB.
    Chris
  • pieinthesky
    pieinthesky Posts: 417
    I have a Carmina Triple crank and it has 110/74 PCD not 94/58

    I also use the Stronglight Impact cranks which are also 110/74 on another bike. Available from Spa Cycles. They are re-badged Sugino Cranks and are excellent value.

    The difference?

    The TA cranks look nicer but the Stronglight cranks are a third of the price. Performance wise there is no noticeable difference.

    Unless you think the TA cranks are worth it for looks alone, get the Stronglight ones, a spare set of TA rings and take the wife/GF out for a meal with the change!
  • nun
    nun Posts: 434
    pieinthesky wrote:
    I have a Carmina Triple crank and it has 110/74 PCD not 94/58

    I also use the Stronglight Impact cranks which are also 110/74 on another bike. Available from Spa Cycles. They are re-badged Sugino Cranks and are excellent value.

    The difference?

    The TA cranks look nicer but the Stronglight cranks are a third of the price. Performance wise there is no noticeable difference.

    Unless you think the TA cranks are worth it for looks alone, get the Stronglight ones, a spare set of TA rings and take the wife/GF out for a meal with the change!

    Lots of answers here, but most reference 110/74. I'm looking at putting something like a 46-34-20 on my bike which can be done with the old 94/58. Ideally I'd use a 110/74/58 TA Zephyr, but finding one in 175mm crank length is impossible. So the only thing I can find being made today is the TA Carmina. I might start looking on ebay for some old Shimano or Ritchey Logic cranks, however, I really rather not buy old cranks as the square taper hole can be rounded due to wear.
  • cpeachey
    cpeachey Posts: 1,057
    Spa have Zephres with 177.5mm cranks. These are 110/74/58. You have a choice of 2 sets of granny ring holes. The Zephres are, presumeabley, "new old stock".
    I bought 2 155mm Zephres from them earlier this year.(for the tandem) They were new and perfect condition.
    Chris
  • andrew_s
    andrew_s Posts: 2,511
    pieinthesky wrote:
    I have a Carmina Triple crank and it has 110/74 PCD not 94/58

    Carminas have a separate spider, so they come in both 110/74 and 94/58 (and 4-arm) versions.

    Theoretically, you get to change your mind later without having to buy a new crank. On the other hand, the spider/crank interface is another possible source of irritating creaking noises (on Middleburn in my case - the cranks broke before I'd tracked it down, probably due to repeated tightening of the crank bolt).

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