The 'Un-Official' Campagnolo Ekar thread

[vespasianus]

Originally Posted by Gwerziou

Any thoughts on Ekar GT vs Ekar shifters? The GT shifters seem like they might actually be better than the originals. No heavier, no different features, and the claim is for a slightly smaller, more ergonomic shape. Although it isn't something that bothered me, the Ekar GT hoods have done away with the “bump” under the palm.

Can you use the EKAR GT shifters with an OG EKAR RD?

You can use the EKAR OG crankset - which is lighter by some 200 grams and EKAR GT for everything else and have a great groupset.

[Gwerziou]

Originally Posted by vespasianus

Can you use the EKAR GT shifters with an OG EKAR RD?

Yes you can, completely compatible.

[vespasianus]

Originally Posted by Gwerziou

Yes you can, completely compatible.

Interesting. I have a new Italian bike build underway and this is making me consider EKAR GT. Honestly, I have been ignoring it for the most part.

[NateFrentz]

Sometimes I can't upshift into a smaller cog. The shift blade behind the brake lever seems to get caught somehow and so the thumb shifter can't engage. When this happens I need to manually move the shift lever before I can then use the thumb shifter to shift. Anyone else experienced this and have tips for fixing it?

[herb5998]

Originally Posted by NateFrentz

Sometimes I can't upshift into a smaller cog. The shift blade behind the brake lever seems to get caught somehow and so the thumb shifter can't engage. When this happens I need to manually move the shift lever before I can then use the thumb shifter to shift. Anyone else experienced this and have tips for fixing it?

This is pretty common on the Ekar shifters, as well as the Mechanical Disc shifters. The issue is the reach adjust for your brake lever is closer in than your shift lever, so the shift lever catches on it. Can be adjusted closer to the bar so that it doesn't catch on your brake lever.

[NateFrentz]

I will give that a try, thank you very much for the quick and helpful response

Originally Posted by herb5998

This is pretty common on the Ekar shifters, as well as the Mechanical Disc shifters. The issue is the reach adjust for your brake lever is closer in than your shift lever, so the shift lever catches on it. Can be adjusted closer to the bar so that it doesn't catch on your brake lever.

[vespasianus]

Originally Posted by NateFrentz

I will give that a try, thank you very much for the quick and helpful response

The hole for the 1.5mm Allen is small and you have to get it right. Make sure the key engages the head - you will feel it when it does- and only proceed to turn at that point.

[Hindmost]

Any recommendations?

Two piece seems desirable. As does centerless ground surface.

[vespasianus]

Originally Posted by Hindmost

Any recommendations?

Two piece seems desirable. As does centerless ground surface.

Any one will work. I have been using a Swissstop rotor on one set of wheels. They have them for 6 bolt as well.

[Hindmost]

I set up an all EGT drive train, 36 x 10/48. It worked well except for chain noise/vibration in the two largest cogs. I am thinking it was due to the chain angle. Chain stay is 43 cm the rear axle is 142mm..

Installed a Ekar crankset, 38. No noise/vibration. Maximum smoothness.

The E chain line measures about 46 mm; the EGT about 50 mm.

I really prefer the 36 for the low gearing. Does this make sense? Am I missing something?

[vespasianus]

Originally Posted by Hindmost

I set up an all EGT drive train, 36 x 10/48. It worked well except for chain noise/vibration in the two largest cogs. I am thinking it was due to the chain angle. Chain stay is 43 cm the rear axle is 142mm..

Installed a Ekar crankset, 38. No noise/vibration. Maximum smoothness.

The E chain line measures about 46 mm; the EGT about 50 mm.

I really prefer the 36 for the low gearing. Does this make sense? Am I missing something?

Where is the noise coming from - from the chain rubbing the cog plates? Can you adjust that a little with the barrel adjuster.

Or is it from the pulley wheel hitting the cog?

[herb5998]

Originally Posted by Hindmost

I set up an all EGT drive train, 36 x 10/48. It worked well except for chain noise/vibration in the two largest cogs. I am thinking it was due to the chain angle. Chain stay is 43 cm the rear axle is 142mm..

Installed a Ekar crankset, 38. No noise/vibration. Maximum smoothness.

The E chain line measures about 46 mm; the EGT about 50 mm.

I really prefer the 36 for the low gearing. Does this make sense? Am I missing something?

Yes, there are chainline differences, Ekar is 45.5mm, Ekar GT is 47.5mm. Yes, that's pushing the chain angle a little more than a standard Ekar Crank, but shouldn't be adding a lot of vibration.

Did you make significant changes in the B screw adjustment between cranks? While there are specificied distances stated in the tech manual, in real world installs, I use that as a starting point, then adjust for good shifting/less noise.

[Hindmost]

Yes, I have adjusted the barrel and B screws many times. B screw far in far out to the point of the pully dragging on the cog. Noise/vibration remains. In the stand pedaling slowly while applying slight brake resistance, the chain noticeably hangs on a cog tooth then releases--repeatedly. The chain angle off the cog and onto the chain ring looks extreme but the chainring manages ok. This looks like the problem.

With the Ekar crank no problem. Measured with a simple scale the chain line difference looks more like 4 to 5 mm. It seems weird that the cranksets would function differently which is why I've asked you all.

(Update: with Ekar crank still some minor noise using 48 under load.)

[vespasianus]

Originally Posted by Hindmost

Yes, I have adjusted the barrel and B screws many times. B screw far in far out to the point of the pully dragging on the cog. Noise/vibration remains. In the stand pedaling slowly while applying slight brake resistance, the chain noticeably hangs on a cog tooth then releases--repeatedly. The chain angle off the cog and onto the chain ring looks extreme but the chainring manages ok. This looks like the problem.

With the Ekar crank no problem. Measured with a simple scale the chain line difference looks more like 4 to 5 mm. It seems weird that the cranksets would function differently which is why I've asked you all.

(Update: with Ekar crank still some minor noise using 48 under load.)

So the noise comes from the chain against the cogs?

[Hindmost]

Yes. The chain disengaging and angling outward toward the chainring. Under load the chain sticks then releases. When riding makes a slight grinding sound and vibration. On the stand that is the only irregularity I can see. Was pretty annoying in the two biggest cogs with Ekar GT crank Only slighty noticeable in biggest cog with Ekar crank.

Maybe it goes away with wear?