Got better shifting

[Michael Hechmer]

A while ago I posted about a problem getting my tandem to down shift onto the little ring on my tandem.  I got lots of good suggestions and followed up on one from this list and another from the tandem list.  Now I have much improved front end shifting.

I did switch to pinned rings.  I now realize that the added pressure a tandem puts on the chain and the potential for mis-communication that pinned rings really do work better in this application.  I had a set of pinned White Ind. rings which came with the DaVinci cranks when I bought them used.  This did require raising the gearing all the way up to 54/44/30, but the smoother shifting offsets the loss of momentum from the old setup.  We seem to do OK in a 30/32 up to about a 12% grade, then we just have to push.

I also put in a longer BB.  The Crank called for either a 110 or 113 and I had the 110.  Going to a 113 moved the rings out just enough to give the derailleur a better angle.  I ordered the bike with the Campy Triple derailleur but it was actually delivered with  Campy Record derailleur.  Classy looking, but perhaps less effective with a triple.  But then most triples don't begin with a 54 ring!

Again, thanks to all who shared their wisdom.

Michael