New Campagnolo Record Crankset: Review of
Design Specifications:
Campagnolo
Crank Arm: The Record™ crank arms are entirely hollow,
NOT like Chorus™ Crankset that uses an uncompressed low density
foam in the interior. This gives the Record™ cranksets a
significant weight advantage and the associated increase in cycling
efficiency. This is predominately what you are paying the extra
dollars for when you jump to Campy's top line of bicycle components.
The Record cranksets are approximately 75g lighten than the Chorus
crankset.
Multi directional carbon fiber is laid down the length of the
crank arm to create rigidity in all directions.A second layer
of unidirectional fiber is added in strategic locations to reinforce
points of peak load to create an extremely rigid carbon crankset.
- From 2007 on, the Record™ crankset is only available
in the Ultra-Torque (UT) design where the axle is split in half
in the middle of the bottom bracket shell. (more information
-
Ultra-torque Campagnolo Crankset)
- Spider and crankarm are fabricated as a single carbon fiber
unit and each half axle is molded directly into this carbon
crankarm-spider combination offering significant weight advantages.
(pre 2007 there was an aluminum option, but today the Campagnolo
Record crankset is only made in carbon fiber and only Ultra-torque
design)
- the fifth spider arm is hidden behind the crankarm to give
added strength. This allows the chainring bolt to attach the
chainrings directly to the crankarm adding rigidity to both
the crank arm AND the chainrings
- metal is only used in the threaded interfaces and fixing bolts
necessary for pedals and the fifth "hidden" spider
arm and of course the axle.
- Bearings are press fitted onto the half axle, rather than
mounted within the bottom bracket cups
NOTE: so if you are buying their
newest design you should see "carbon" in the description
(2004 designs were aluminum) and "Ultra-Torque" or "UT"
in the name to indicate their newest split axle design (some on
the market are carbon fiber but NOT split axle).... anyone not
including this in the description of their Campagnolo Record Crankset
is selling you older stock so pay accordingly. They are still
a great crankset, you just don't want to be paying current pricing
for older stock.
Campagnolo Record Chainrings:
- nickel plated chainring (this is the upgrade from the Chorus
line)
- use a anti-friction coating for smoother chain-chainring interaction,
and longer life for both the chainring and the chain.
- chainrings use a 135mm bolt center diameter, unique to Campy
- Chainrings are NOT interchangeable with other brands
- uses alloyed chainring bolts (lighter than the steel bolts
used on the Campagnolo's Chorus crankset)
- 53-39 or 50-34 compact option
Note: starting in 2008 there
is no Campagnolo Record triple crankset. Their feeling is that
the compact 50-34 option offers a more effective cycling solution
than their older triple crankset. Campagnolo record group set
then only includes a double chainring option, not necessarily
satisfying all campy lovers.
Bearings:
- press fit onto the half axles
- standard steel or ceramic bearing option
Reviewing this, from an engineering point of view you realize
it allows the Campagnolo Record crankset to make a tighter fit
with lower tolerances between axle and bearings, creating the
extremely smooth rolling action that Campy is known for.
Pedal Spindle Holes: 9/16"
x 20 tpi threads
Q-factor: (the distance between
the pedals) the new ultra torque Record 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 great in that it avoids any adjustment to bicycle shoe cleats.
Weight: Campagnolo™ Crankset
claimed weights
- 640 grams
- 55 grams for BB cups
Pricing:
- $550-$675. ... seems to be quite a variation of prices when
buying this particular bicycle part online so check around
- $800+ for the ceramic bearing model and harder to find, many
of the comments from users suggest that the rolling action is
so fantastic with the standard bearings that it is a waste of
money to upgrade to the ceramic. (further information: advantages
bicycle parts made with of
ceramic bearings)
- $20-30 for the cup set, Italian or English thread
Make
sure you understand what comes with your purchase.. ie. with or
without cup set included in the price.
Also note as suggested earlier that there are alot of older models
out on the market. The Campagnolo Record Carbon Crankset at $480
is not a great buy if you can buy the Campagnolo Record Carbon
Ultra-torque Crankset for $550 that includes the axle and bearings
and cups and all its advantages!
New Campagnolo Record Crankset: Review Basic
Installation
- important to have your bottom bracket shell shaved square
before you install the cups
- screw in a cup from either side, making sure the thread of
the cups matches the thread of your bicycle's bottom bracket
shell
- Each half axles of the ultra torque design is threaded through
the middle of the bottom bracket shell and a 10mm bolt through
the axle holds the two halves of the crankset axle together.
- Bolt gets torqued down to 42N
Further Information:
Campagnolo
Bike Parts
Index of Campagnolo Bicycle Part Articles
