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Post by brianbutler on Apr 22, 2020 20:56:44 GMT
I have been working on this full Campagnolo Bianchi even though it is pretty far from my main interests and, in many ways, reinforces what I prefer about the older road bikes. I think ntegrated brake/shifters are convenient but very complicated to work on and expensive to replace and I'm not a big fan of cables routed under the handlebar tape. The eight speed cluster seems wasted by using 12-23 cogs, giving a low gear of about 46 inches, too high for the hills around here. On the other hand it is a handsome bike that I got from a fellow amateur musician for $25 (he was going to give it to me and I tried to pay him $50). With an eBay front mech, cables, tape, hoods, bottle cages, chain, and tires I probably have about $150 in it. The most expensive parts were the genuine Campagnolo brake hoods. Should be a fun ride if I can find some flat and smooth roads.
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Post by triitout on Apr 23, 2020 18:53:00 GMT
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Post by brianbutler on Apr 23, 2020 23:56:03 GMT
This is where is gets tricky with freehub cassettes vs freewheels. The freehub body has to fit inside the Campagnolo wheel and provide the correct cone and clearances for the wheel bearing. There are many width, depth, and threading issues. The whole thing looked pretty specific when I took it out and rebuilt it, much more to it than just threading on a freewheel - and another case of retrograde bike development in my opinion. The other possibility would be to see if the Shimano cogs would fit the splines on the Campagnolo freehub, but probably not. You mostly need cogs designed specifically for the hub body. Unfortunately mine is an "original" 8-speed freehub made for only a few years, with different splines than even other Campy freehubs. NOS 12-26 cog sets are available but they cost about $175, which is more painful than climbing in a 46 inch gear. So the real choices are selling the bike, building up my quads to freakish proportions, or moving to Iowa.
Brian
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Jem
Viscount
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Posts: 3,385 
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Post by Jem on Apr 24, 2020 19:18:59 GMT
That is a good looking bike! That was very generous of your friend. Has he got too many bikes?
I too prefer a big loop of brake cable over the bars, not under the tape.
My thighs are aching just looking at the rear set
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Post by triitout on Apr 24, 2020 22:39:01 GMT
I hate when there's no interchangeability. I'm locked into an old Shimano Uniglide hub on my Vitus 979 that's 11-26. I miss the 28 on the Long Island north shore hills. I feel your dilemma. Too bad you don't have an old wheel to swap out with a Shimano hub....or do you??? But then I'm sure the Campy RD won't be happy. It never ends!
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Post by wheelson on Apr 24, 2020 23:19:48 GMT
I hate when there's no interchangeability. I'm locked into an old Shimano Uniglide hub on my Vitus 979 that's 11-26. I miss the 28 on the Long Island north shore hills. I feel your dilemma. Too bad you don't have an old wheel to swap out with a Shimano hub....or do you??? But then I'm sure the Campy RD won't be happy. It never ends! Is that Uniglide hub version the old 5 or 6 speed cassette? If so, those are held together with three screws from the spoke side and the sprockets can be changed. I think I have a box with various suspects even up to a 32t. Let me know if I can help. Best, John "wheelson" Greensburg, PA USA
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Post by brianbutler on May 24, 2021 12:47:57 GMT
I sold this bike last year and just now saw it on Craigslist. I know it is the same one because I put the yellow shrink wrap on the cable ends. The buyer contacted me a while ago asking about straightening a dropout because he ran over some "debris" that put the RD into the spokes.
Brian
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Post by oldroadietehachapi on May 24, 2021 18:22:59 GMT
Brian, absolutely wonderful bike! The gearing is what I rode when I was young; now it would be a real killer. I have to change the gearing on nearly ever bike I buy. Unfortunately, changing the gearing always costs money; not too much for Shimano, but expensive for Campy. A compact crank would help; but would it be enough? A good bit more with a cassette change. For about half the cost of Campy, perhaps a Miche Primato cassette will work? I usually end up changing the drive train and either selling the original, or install it on a bike I plan to sell. Ride Safe Jim |
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