What to replace TA cyclotourist chainset with?

AlanCampbell · Post by **AlanCampbell** » 19 Jul 2008, 4:30pm

Hi,

I have a TA cyclotourist double chainset on my Hetchins. 165 cranks, 30/50
rings. (Amazingly that jump works, with a little gnashing of teeth now and again).

Right crank has broken (after 30 years of hard use), and I suspect I won't be able to to replace (I've found a source of 170 cranks, but they're a bit pricey, and not sure its worth spending money on stuff that might not last -- in any case the rings will need replacement sooner or later.

I want to keep the wide range of gears, so maybe I'm best off switching to a triple chainset. I've got a suntour 6 gear cluster, not terr8ibly keen on changing that if I don't have to.

But: I can't seem to find a triple chainset with something like a 30-50 range, 165 cranks and that could interwork with a six gear rear cluster.

Any thoughts?

PW · Post by PW » 19 Jul 2008, 4:47pm

The TA may be obsolete but it's still available from Spa Cycles in Harrogate. If you wish to upgrade to something a bit more modern the Stronglight Impact is quite decent at a good price. The staff are friendly & knowledgeable.
(01423) 887003
(Usual disclaimer, customer only).

Paul Smith SRCC · Post by **Paul Smith SRCC** » 20 Jul 2008, 2:37pm

Although the Carmina model is the current popular triple chainset TA still make the Cycle Touriste, be careful if using the older version with modern components though as it may not be compatible

Paul_Smith
www.bikeplus.co.uk

glueman · Post by **glueman** » 20 Jul 2008, 6:30pm

Longstaff used to keep a comprehensive range of TA cranks and may still do. As Paul says, they almost certainly won't work with newer derailleurs so it may be a re-fit is in order.

andrew_s · Post by **andrew_s** » 20 Jul 2008, 6:51pm

Paul Smith SRCC wrote:TA still make the Cycle Touriste, be careful if using the older version with modern components though as it may not be compatible.

The problem with the Cyclotourist is that the crank arm is too close to the big chainring for most modern front mechs. The mech hits the crank before it's shifted the chain onto the big ring. Modern mechs have wider cages than old ones as index gears mostly aren't trimmable.

I'd suggest the Stronglight Impact triple (Spa, £58 for 165mm 48/38/28). It will probably need a shorter BB than the Cyclotourist uses.

Spa sell new TA Cyclotourist cranksets for £85, plus rings and bolts

Paul Smith SRCC · Post by **Paul Smith SRCC** » 21 Jul 2008, 9:53am

andrew_s wrote:
Paul Smith SRCC wrote:TA still make the Cycle Touriste, be careful if using the older version with modern components though as it may not be compatible.

The problem with the Cyclotourist is that the crank arm is too close to the big chainring for most modern front mechs. The mech hits the crank before it's shifted the chain onto the big ring. Modern mechs have wider cages than old ones as index gears mostly aren't trimmable...

The Campagnolo Ergo Chorus and Record shifters are trimmable, although outer plate on mdern front mechs are not as flat as older models, so the mech will hit the crank arm as Andrew described. The rings may also be to far apart for modern narrow chains, what would happen is the chain may fall between the rings.

Paul_Smith
www.bikeplus.co.uk

PW · Post by PW » 21 Jul 2008, 12:11pm

Best bet is an old Suntour front mech if you can find one, the outer cage plate wasn't flared at the back. Failing that a bit of butchery with a mole wrench at the back of the cage used to work. :oops:

scottg · Post by **scottg** » 21 Jul 2008, 6:59pm

[quote="andrew_sThe problem with the Cyclotourist is that the crank arm is too close to the big chainring for most modern front mechs[/quote]

The latest CycloTourist crank arms are a new forging, spaced
out for modern front mechs.

Scott G.
source Bicycle Quarterly crank review.