Serotta Ottrot with Campagnolo 48/32 and 11-34

[merckxman]

Wore out old group and decided to try the new Campagnolo 48/32 with 11-34 to tackle some of the steeper climbs in western NJ (over 20%). Everything works very well but note: my mechanic said to be sure not to cross chain from the 48 to the 32 or 34 because bad things will happen to the rear derailleur; apparently this becomes an issue with longer chainstays, mine are 42 cm. I know to avoid cross chaining like that but I know too that I've been tired enough on a hard ride that my brain doesn't work normally. Btw, the Chorus levers are alloy, the brakes have impressive stopping power.

[fa63]

Looks great.

If it is a mid-cage RD designed to handle a 32-tooth cassette, then you should be fine even if you cross-chain. That said, one trick I utilize when I set mine up is to let the chain rub just a little bit in the big-big combo so that it acts as an aural cue.

Enjoy the ride!

[johnmdesigner]

I've been thinking of making this upgrade to my own Ottrot (still running Record 10).
Geez, the rear derailleur is huge!

[cgolvin]

Just one data point: I’ve been running Chorus 48/32 with 11-32 on my Peg for a while now and, while I rarely use big-big, I have on occasion and it has never been a problem. I have to trim the FD one click when in the uppermost part of the cassette so the suggestion above on noise as a reminder is kind of built in to the setup.

I don’t recall my chain stay length; frame is a 50 so probably best to heed your mechanic’s advice given that it was specific to your geometry.

[Dave]

With stays over 415mm, Campy recommends a chain length of 56 inches. A new chain is 57 inches. With an 11-34, the chain should not hang loose in the little/little combo. Instructions come with a new chain.

I have a SRAM 10-36 on mine that exceeds the RD wrap capacity. That required a 1 inch longer chain than Campy recommends for my 406mm stays and that makes the smallest two sprockets unusable with the little ring.

I can use the 32 or 34 or even the SRAM 36 with the big ring. Nothing bad happens with the correct chain length.

https://forums.thepaceline.net/picture.php?albumid=93&pictureid=665

[thirdgenbird]

I’ve got long chainstays and have gone 52x34 without issue.

[Black Dog]

Longer chain stays are better than shorter chain stays when it comes to cross chaining. There is less of an angle. I think you are good to go.

[oldpotatoe]

Longer chain stays are better than shorter chain stays when it comes to cross chaining. There is less of an angle. I think you are good to go.

Asked and answered, me thinks your 'mechanic' made the chain too short. :eek:

[merckxman]

Only one link was removed from the chain so the length is correct.

[thirdgenbird]

Only one link was removed from the chain so the length is correct.

I ended up using the full length of chain for a 52t ring so I wouldn’t think you would have issue.