Campy - switching to a triple chainset

[simonineaston]

Hi all,
I've been right out of the loop for months for one reason and another, and am now picking up the traces, prompted by lockdown, as I understand that cycling is one activity that is non-threatening, both to the public and to the cyclist ('specially now the roads are virtually empty!).
Background: Some years ago, I built up a Moulton TSR, using a 10 speed Campagnolo Veloce groupset, which dated from 2012. I am about to swap the twin chainset for the triple (50/39/30) so that I get a greater range (getting old...). Can you Campy experts tell me if I will need to swap a) the front mech. b) the shifters, in order to accomodate the extra chain ring?

[sukuinage]

Not an expert but I think you will probably need to change the rear mech to a long cage. The left shifter may be ok or may not; at some point they changed, the older ones could handle double or triple. Same for the front changer I think. I may be wrong but I think the 9-speed Shimano rear mechs maybe ok as a replacement as the Campg ones are quite pricey. I'm sure Brucey will be along to set you right.

[simonineaston]

I'm sure Brucey will be along to set you right.

Nice day... he might be out! Hadn't thought about the rear mech cage. The Campy mech's still in its box, as I set the bike up to use a Shimano Zee mech.. I'm so out of practice - my mind has shifted gently away from bicycle matters! Thinking back to the last time I used this bike (2014... ) I think you may be right about the shifters being capable of coping. Back in '14, I recall bumbling round Brittany thinking to myself that the relevant shifter had too many clicks on it to be soley for a single shift. Thank goodness!

[peetee]

Depending on the size of the rear cassette you might get away with a short cage mech. I am running a Campagnolo triple with 12-25 cassette and a short cage Shimano 105. I am also careful about not using extremes of gears (ie small ring + small cog) too.

[simonineaston]

Encouraging, PT!

[Tigerbiten]

Capacity is easy. you need 2mm per tooth.
Put the chain small-small and measure the gap between the chain and the bottom of the front mech.
If your shrinking the outer ring then the mech will move down by 2mm per tooth shrunk.
If your only shrinking the inner ring then the chain will move down in the mech by 2mm per tooth shrunk.
Will the rear mech take up he extra chain ??

Swing is more tricky as it depends on how the centerline of the chainset moves.
If you need to swing in further then the mech may interfere with part of the frame.
The angles of the mechs parallelogram may make it hard to swing out further.
How much more room have you got on the top/bottom limit screws.
This may give you an idea if it's possible.

Luck ..........

[simonineaston]

Just found the 2013 Campy catalog and included in the Veloce system is both a long cage rear mech. and a deep cage front, so the writing is on the wall, I guess... I'll take it a step at a time. Thanks everyone Keep safe.

[Mick F]

Can I ask the total capacity you're suggesting?
The issue with a small-wheeled bike is the requirement for big chainwheels to compensate for the small wheels.

Capacity = front big minus front small .......... plus rear big minus rear small.
My TSR is now a 61 big minus 34 small = 27 .............. plus the cassette of 11-28 = 17 giving a total capacity of 44.

My TSR30 originally came with a 58/48/34 triple and a 12-26 10sp cassette. Total capacity = 38

Campagnolo would cope as much as my TSR as it is now, so long as you have a long-cage rear mech.

[simonineaston]

So, the chain rings are the Veloce triple - 50/39/30, the cassette I can't find yet, (its in a box somewhere from when I moved...) but from memory its 10 speed,11-29. Sheldon (of blessed memory) tells me that gives 19 to 85 inches, which is perfect for me.
That works out at: 20 + 18 = 38

[simonineaston]

This is getting interesting... I've just read a post on another forum where the poster unequivacally states that the 2012 Campy Veloce levers are operated by a ratchet, and can readily accomodate twin / triple chain rings. On the other hand, Campy's own 2013 catalogue specifically list separate components to go with the triple chainset... long cage mech.s and a different left lever. Oh Boy!
I'm gonna throw it together and see what works and what doesn't! Doesn't do to be buying Campy gubbins on spec..
BTW does anyone know if Hilary Stone is still going - a local (I live in Briz'l) went to an property auction some months ago and told me it was his house, nearby. Apparently, it was full of cycle parts...

[simonineaston]

Turns out the cassette I have spare is 12-25, so the capacity works out at: 50 minus 30 = 20, 25 minus 12 = 13, 13 plus 20 = 33. The rear mech. turns out to be medium cage (thank-goodness...) which is rated at a max. capacity of 37, so I should be good to go! Horray
Question for you, Mick F. Did you have any issues when fitting the front mech on your TSR? The tab on mine is situated on the seat post in such a position that suggests it was placed to accomodate chain rings of 54 teeth or more, whereas the chain rings supplied with the Veloce groupset are 50 teeth or smaller.
EDIT: just for the record, in case it helps anyone else, the medium-cage Veloce rear mech. is rated as follows: min 11t, max 30t, chainring difference 22t, total capacity, 37t.