The 'Un-Official' Campagnolo Ekar thread

[cgolvin]

Can't help on the comparison front, but I really don't get the complaints about the OG shifters as mine are quite comfortable.

[vespasianus]

Originally Posted by cgolvin

Can't help on the comparison front, but I really don't get the complaints about the OG shifters as mine are quite comfortable.

It depends upon the bars. On the bars that came with the bike -Kru brand- there was no issue. I put on some cheap Chinese flare bars and on those I felt the ridge people talk about.

[Gwerziou]

Originally Posted by quacker2000

Fwiw this is the best resource for finicky campy setup info that I've found anywhere: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1176127782723445

This is good for Ekar: https://ispithotfire.com/2024/03/16/...pert-mechanic/

[Gwerziou]

Originally Posted by cgolvin

Can't help on the comparison front, but I really don't get the complaints about the OG shifters as mine are quite comfortable.

The old ones are perfectly fine; folks mostly used to Shimano etc might complain because they're different than what they're used to. The new GT ones are a mild evolution, a bit smaller and quite nice in the hand.

[Will_Elder]

The GT shifters are really nice, one of the best shifters I have tried.

Has anyone run two sets of wheels with different cassettes (with the same chain)?

I have a 10-44 on a gravel wheelset and am thinking a 9-36 on a road wheelset.

[RemixRob4]

Originally Posted by Gwerziou

This is good for Ekar: https://ispithotfire.com/2024/03/16/...pert-mechanic/

One hell of a write up! Love it

[RemixRob4]

Originally Posted by Will_Elder

The GT shifters are really nice, one of the best shifters I have tried.

Has anyone run two sets of wheels with different cassettes (with the same chain)?

I have a 10-44 on a gravel wheelset and am thinking a 9-36 on a road wheelset.

That's too big of a big cog difference - I don't think the ekar derailleur could handle that

[vespasianus]

Originally Posted by RemixRob4

That's too big of a big cog difference - I don't think the ekar derailleur could handle that

Yeah, that is too much of a jump for the chain. Might just need to get two chains. Very easy and the quick link is pretty robust.

Alternatively, you cold get two front rings. The front ring is very easy to change.

[vespasianus]

Originally Posted by Gwerziou

This is good for Ekar: https://ispithotfire.com/2024/03/16/...pert-mechanic/

Great site with lots of good information. This should be a sticky and has great information.

The one thing I don't get is this statement:

"Set the b-screw at maximum closeness to the cassette – every mm helps. Ignore Campagnolo’s guidance."

The official Campagnolo guidance is that the jockey wheel should be between a maximum 3mm away from the cassette to as close to the cassette cog as possible without rubbing.

They are the same thing and this is one of the most important pieces of information in setting up the RD. If that is too far away, shifting in certain gears will be bad.

However, the #1 biggest thing I hear with most all EKAR setups is this:

"Right Shifter Adjustment to Prevent Shift Lever from Sticking"

This is where the thumb button won't work because the inner shifter lever is rubbing against the brake lever.

[Gwerziou]

Continuing from my earlier post. In building up the bike with a new mixed Ekar drivetrain (GT shifters, original derailleur + 9-36 cassette, Hope RX4+ brakes, King T47 bottom bracket w ceramic bearings) I was having issues with the lengthy 129 mm spindle on the Easton SC90 crank, which I think is too long. So I ordered another crank instead - a 5Dev titanium gravel/road crank, and a Ratio 38 tooth direct mount (8 bolt) Ekar chainring. I'm pretty stoked to just put my dream parts on every aspect of this build. I've long thought that not having a fleet or quiver of bikes like so many do, but just one old bike (Original owner on 2001 Gunnar crosshairs steel cross bike running Paul Minimoto brakes) and one 'modern' bike (Factor LS gravel bike) allows me the budget to put in the spec I really want on each of them. I'm pretty excited!

[perdido]

I've tried all the tricks in the thread, but can't make my Ekar group shift consistently. It did shift great for the first 2000km or so.
It works great with a 9-36 cassette can't make it shift right on the 2 largest cogs.
I've had it for about a year on a dual purpose bike. As a road bike with road wheelset and 9-36 cassette I have no complaints. Shifts consistently, brakes excellent, ergonomics are perfect, gearing is spot on for me...but when I throw in a set of 650b wheels with 9-42 gearing, it's just so finicky. I can make it shift fine on the workstand, but going up a steep gradient, it won't shift to the largest 2 cogs consistently. I have to keep pushing the lever to make it finally engage and shift on to the largest cog. If I adjust cable tension tighter, it won't shift down to smaller cogs.

Hanger is straight, shift cable and housing is spotless, b-tension set to almost rub on derailleur cage. I am thinking about filing down the cage so I can set it even closer.

Any other ideas?

[herb5998]

If tension isn't helping your movement up to the last two cogs, check your indexing. Also, are you using the same chain for the 36 and 42 cog cassettes?

[Hindmost]

Chain length, b adjustment, hanger alignment...all important.

[perdido]

Originally Posted by herb5998

If tension isn't helping your movement up to the last two cogs, check your indexing. Also, are you using the same chain for the 36 and 42 cog cassettes?

Yes, I'm using the same length chain. The bike came built with a 9-42 cassette and I bought a second road wheelset with the 9-36 cassette, which works better, consistently better.

I do adjust b-tension when swapping wheelsets.
I'm going to try jagwire fully sealed system and their top level campagnolo compatible inner cable. I have seen water coming out of the frame after riding in downpours (Open U.P. frame).

[perdido]

Originally Posted by Hindmost

Chain length, b adjustment, hanger alignment...all important.

I go by Camgagnolo's instructions on setting chainlength. I did try adding one additional link but it was no help.