Bruce Rinnert wrote:
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> I just came across a chainring which appears definitely to be made by Campy and it has 41 teeth - only markings are a 'C' within a diamond (a known Campy logo) and "41" - the Campy time line reports that in 1968 when they went to the 144 crank pattern they offered a 41 tooth ring. All through the 1970s we could not get them, I've never seen another, 42 being the smallest
> available. My guess is Tullio and his wizards were never satisfied with the way the cut recess for the fixing bolt bushing showed a reveal at the top & was inherently weakened and so they quit making 'em. (& yeh, I know about the knockoffs with 41 teeth & own a couple). Anybody out there know more?
My guess is that Tullio saw and was aware of the reveal from the countersink when they were made and thought that it was of no consequence. I'm not aware of any weakening of the ring; at least I've never heard of a breakage problem with the rings. I have two of the 41 tooth rings on bikes I have ridden since the late 70s; got them from the Campagnolo importer here in SoCal, Euro-Asia Imports.
They also show up on eBay once in awhile.
Chuck Schmidt South Pasadena, Southern California http://www.velo-retro.com (Timelines, reprints and t-shirts)
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