Campagnolo UD10: 53/42 vs. 53/39
10-01-21, 08:14 PM
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Campagnolo UD10: 53/42 vs. 53/39
On Campagnolo 10-speed era chainsets, how much difference does it make to match the outer ring to the tooth count of the inner ring?
oldschoolbike
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10-01-21, 09:28 PM
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In my experience, it doesn't make a whole lot of difference, despite what Campagnolo would insist. I've run standard 39/53 combinations, and swapped the 53 for 50t and 51t TA big rings (all 10sp). The shifting has been (and still is) good with all combinations.
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10-03-21, 12:03 AM
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The 39 gives you a 7% lower gear than the 42 in every rear cog. It will also weigh some utterly insignificant amount less.
There are no other differences.
--Shannon
There are no other differences.
--Shannon
10-03-21, 09:17 AM
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10-03-21, 06:48 PM
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OP here. A bit of clarification for those not familiar with the UD10 system: Campagnolo made at least two different UD10 53T outer rings that I know of, one to match the 42T inner of the racing triple set-up, and one to match the 39T inner of the standard double. I am guessing the difference is the timing of the shift aids, and need to know how much it affects shifting to use the "wrong" 53T ring. Campagnolo has a "the sky is falling" attitude to such things and would forbid it if they could, but Litespud had the real-world answer I needed.
10-04-21, 05:54 AM
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I have 3 Campy 10 speed bikes. All my cranksets originally were 39/53. I've replaced all of the 53s with a 50t outer ring, using Stronglight and TA brand chainrings. All shift without a hitch.
10-04-21, 08:22 AM
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Dean
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10-04-21, 04:41 PM
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Since my use is completely in non-competitive and non-group riding, I've always just been careful about doing the shift. Some might say I don't have it dialed in correctly and are probably right. I went with a 50/34 compact Chorus UT setup for 10sp, which is difficult to find. Combined with a 13-29 rear I have decent old dude climbing gears now. I rode in the San Francisco area with a 34-34 combo and it was nice for there but I don't need that in NYC.
