Converting to Campy Triple

derbygrimpeur

I've currently got a Veloce double setup but am thinking of investing in a triple for next year as I plan to do some hillier sportives.

From looking at the Campy website, I need to buy the following...

Front Derailleur - Comp Triple
Rear Derailleur - Comp Long Reach
Crankset - Comp Triple

The cause for confusion is the bottom bracket. I have a Ribble Winter frame which I believe the Veloce bottom bracket will be of the 111mm variety. Unsure whether I will need to buy a 115.5mm b/b, or whether the existing 111 will be okay. The Campy Triple catalogue seems to suggest that you can use a 111mm b/b.

Also, currently have 172.5mm cranklength but the triples are only available in 170 or 175. Any suggestions on whether I should go longer or shorter? My current thinking is that I would go for 175

Any advice appreciated

EwanR

According to Bike24 (who are usually pretty accurate) the Campagnolo triple:

"Requires bottom bracket with square ISO spindle and 111mm (for seat tube diameter 28,6 mm) or 115.5 mm (for oversize seat tube diameter 32 or 35 mm)."

The other thing to remember is that any 10 speed triple crankset should work absolutely perfectly with the comp triple derailleur so there's no problem putting something like a Shimano 105 crankset on should you so desire.

gkerr4

personally I wouldn't bother messing about with the BB length - get a triple crankset with external type bearings - if Campag don't do an Ultra-torque triple then go for an FSA or something.

in fact, and I'm a big campag fan, going for an FSA will probably get you a better crankset for less cash!

gkerr4

Hmm - having had a look - I might need to retract my statement - it appears the chainset world has gone compact-mad.

You probably don't really want a shimano chainset on a campag setup but there aren't a whole lot of other options are there!

derbygrimpeur

It's definately Campag I want, it's more the bottom bracket issue I'm most concerned about.

The crank length isn't so much of an issue, although I need to do a bit more reading about what difference it will make (still relatively new back to cycling after 11 years away)

Wheelspinner

You'll likely need a new chain as well, or at least a longer one with a couple of extra links.

For parts, try the HighOnBikes Ebay store in the UK. He's an excellent seller, and had some NOS Record and Chorus triple cranks a little while back, may have some left.

I'd get the 175 mm arms. The lower gearing meanings you can use the extra leverage no problems.

father_jack

So it's ok for me to change Mirage/Veloce chainsets (with the cartridge type BB) with new one and it doesn't have to be Campag? Triple on both, 9 speed.

ie this one

http://www.planet-x-bikes.co.uk/i/q/CSF ... et-megaexo

gkerr4

Father Jack wrote:

So it's ok for me to change Mirage/Veloce chainsets (with the cartridge type BB) with new one and it doesn't have to be Campag? Triple on both, 9 speed.

ie this one

http://www.planet-x-bikes.co.uk/i/q/CSF ... et-megaexo

yeah - that would be fine - a great price too!

derbygrimpeur

Cheers, think some of the stuff will be going on my Christmas list

Am sure the wife will enjoy spending her money on my bike :twisted:

Hadn't thought about the chain - that's a good call, cheers.

David-Witts

Hi,

I've a Ribble Winter frame and used a Veloce 115mm bottom bracket from Highonbikes mated to a centaur triple . Davy

jimwin

derbygrimpeur wrote:

I've currently got a Veloce double setup but am thinking of investing in a triple for next year as I plan to do some hillier sportives.
....
Any advice appreciated

Why not go for 11-speed Athena? With a compact chainset and 12~29 cassette, you can climb almost anything. I use this combo in west Devon where there are steep hills aplenty and got up the 30% Millook climb with no problem.

arlowood

Hi derbygrimpeur

I had a similar quandry a month or so back when I decided that the BB on my Mercian Audax Triple Mirage needed replacing. I was faced with the problem of what to order - a 111mm or 115mm in British or Italian thread. Like you I assumed that the triple would need the 115mm BB.

However before taking the plunge I called Mercian in Derby who, as well as building bikes, are a registered distributer for all things Campag. A very helpful guy confirmed that since I had a standard steel frame, I would need the 111mm in British thread. The 115mm is only needed in frames which have oversize seat and downtubes eg Alu.

You should be able to check with Ribble or measure your seat tube but if it is 28mm or less then you should order a 111mm BB

5pudgun

Will your shifter do triple?