Campag Ultratorque Chainset - bad design?
I've been using the Campag Ultratorque chainset for about a year now and I noticed they were getting a bit sluggish. Also some brown residue around the shaft hole. :?
So I explored some more by taking it apart and found the bearings had rusted. In all my time using sealed BBs I've never had this problem. Looks like a poor design - the bearings have a seal, but water can obviously ingress over time.
The worst of this is that there is no obvious way to get replacement bearings and they don't look easy to remove anyway.
Anyone else have this experience?
Perhaps the old sealed BBs were better - easily available and replaceable.
- JimW
So I explored some more by taking it apart and found the bearings had rusted. In all my time using sealed BBs I've never had this problem. Looks like a poor design - the bearings have a seal, but water can obviously ingress over time.
The worst of this is that there is no obvious way to get replacement bearings and they don't look easy to remove anyway.
Anyone else have this experience?
Perhaps the old sealed BBs were better - easily available and replaceable.
- JimW
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Comments
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The Ultratorque bearings have a reputation for poor weather sealing. As the bearings are pressed onto the crank arms you'll need a puller to get the bearing off without damaging anything. If you're not sure or don't have the tools take it to a shop that does.0
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Replacement bearings are available - I've just ordered some replacements from Parkers got them on special at the mo for £14. I noticed that the new bearings do appear to have improved seals over the originals so hopefully should last longer. The bearings are quite a good fit on the shaft so do need a bit of coaxing to get them off.Make mine an Italian, with Campagnolo on the side..0
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Yep they are noted for their bad weather proofing.You live and learn. At any rate, you live0
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Very useful responses - thanks all.
- JimW0
