The
Ultra-torque campagnolo crankset technology was introduced in
2006 with a high degree of fanfare. Reviews certainly suggest
this is a new approach to crankset design.
Up until this point in time, Campagnolo has stuck with the traditional
3 piece crankset, (bottom bracket + two crank arms), unlike all
other bicycle part manufacturers that have evolved to some version
of a 2 piece crankset. Many think Campagnolo has been a little
late to step up to the plate.
That may be true, but maybe their new innovative design deserved
a little more time on the drawing board. You be the judge. This
ulta-torque Campagnolo crankset review will give
you some insight into its somewhat unique features.
Spindle: includes a "split"
spindle where half of the spindle is attached to the right crank
arm and half is attached to the left crank arm.
Crank Arms: Each crank arm plus
the "half" spindle creates a "L" shaped bicycle
component, that installs from either side of the bicycle, creating
essentially a two piece crankset.
Hirth
Joint: a borrowed technology from the automotive and aviation
axle industry. It is used to connect the two halves of the spindle
at the mid point within the bottom bracket shell. This connection
technology forms an extremely rigid assembly capable of transferring
very high torque values while in use. The hirth joint is capable
of self-aligning as well as self-centering.
Bolt: a 10 mm bolt travels through
the assembly and gets tightened down to 42Nm with traditional
bicycle tooling. It is installed with a spring washer that loads
the joint between the two bicycle crankset half-axles to create
single solid and rigid spindle with the spring exerting a pressure
600kg/1300lb.
Weight: the new ultra-torque
Campagnolo Crankset, when reviewing its weight advantages seems
to be a real winner. It will weighs in at approximately 70 grams
lighter, compared with the previous years bottom bracket and crank
arm equivalent.
Q-factor: (the distance between
the pedals) the new ultra torque crankset requires no increase
in lateral distance between the crank arms, which is somewhat
impressive given that most suppliers were forced to increase the
Q-factor with all two piece cranksets and external bearings. This
is quite convenient in that it avoids any adjustment to cycling
shoe cleats.
External Bearings: provide the
traditional friction free wheeling that we have come to expect
from Campagnolo bicycle components,
quite a nice surprise from the drag experienced with competitors
external bearing bottom brackets
Installation: the installation
process of the campagnolo centaur ultra-torque crankset is pleasingly
simple It uses straight forward thread-in cups as phase one.
The "L" shaped half spindle plus crank are then inserted
from each side and a 10mm through bolt holds the entire assembly
together.
Specifications:
Record Ultra-Torque Carbon 10s crankset:
170, 172.5, 175, 177.5, & 180mm, 39-52, & 39-53,
Ultra hollow composite cranks arms, requires the BB aluminum overboard
cups. 643
grams
CHORUS™ ULTRA-TORQUE™ Carbon 10s crankset:
170, 172.5, 175 mm 39-52, 39-53 chainrings
composite arms, requires Ultra-Torque BB overboard cups 679
grams
Centaurt ultra-torquet carbon 10s crankset:
170, 172.5, 175 mm, 39-53 chainring,
requires Ultra-Torque BB overboard cups 707
grams
Further Information:
Campagnolo Bike Parts
Index of Campagnolo Bicycle Part Articles
