Hello folks! I got this bike as a gift from a friend some time ago and since then I've trying to fix it up to use as a commuter.
However I'm running into some problems and need your help. It has these campagnolo shamal wheels with a campagnolo 8s casette on it. Would it be compatible with a shimano 8s derrallieur? If not can can change casette or freehub body? What would be my options to hame some gearing on this case?
by Melodic_Shock2825
5 Comments
Your options are going to be limited. You can’t use 8 speed Shimano derailleur and shifters, the spacing is different. You’re also going to have very limited options in cassettes.
Those wheels would be worth some money to the right person. I’d sell them and buy some Shimano compatible wheels
That spline pattern is 8 speed Campagnolo only. Fortunately Miche still manufacture correctly compatible cassettes. There’s still plenty of serviceable Campy-8 drivetrain components on eBay some reasonably priced more than others.
If it was a more recent campagnolo wheel with the OS hub standard it would be easier to find a shimano compatible freehub providing more gear options.
It’s true if you’re running indexing that it won’t be compatible. A 8s shimano chain should work and you can run your derailleur friction. That keeps the cost and maintenance down for a commuter too. Be aware that once that Cassette goes, you’ll need a new one or new wheel.
Evidently for 8-speed Shimano cog spacing is 4.8 mm and Campagnolo is 5.0 mm. In other words, using a Shimano shifter and derailer, the derailer wouldn’t move quite enough for good shifting. It would work but the shifting wouldn’t be great.
Option 1: Try to find a Shimano compatible freewheel, because they were made back in the day.
Option 2: You could build a Shimano-spaced cassette from a Campagnolo-spaced cassette like the Miche Primato 8? There’s a plastic spacer between each cog, so remove 0.2 mm of material from each spacer? It would take some time obviously, but with a good caliper it would be easy to get the spacing close enough.
Option 3: Replace the hub. You could use a 32-hole hub and use half of the holes.
If it’s “just” a commuter, I would even consider selling the wheelset.
I don’t know where you’re located, but around here (Germany) people pay seriously stupid amounts for classic Schamal wheels (250-600€ for front and rear, depending on condition and which hubs, of course).
You could sell the wheels for a pretty penny and “invest” your profits into a different set of wheels + compatible rear mech, chain, etc. and still come ahead.
On the other hand, they’re cool wheels and coveted for a reason. And some of the funnest projects as a hobby mechanic are finding clever solutions and working with what you’ve got.