Re: [CR] What's wrong with titanium?

(Example: Framebuilders:Alex Singer)

In-Reply-To: <E62210DE-3995-450D-8412-382809EB781E@sisuhome.com>
References:
From: "Chuck Schmidt" <chuckschmidt@earthlink.net>
Subject: Re: [CR] What's wrong with titanium?
Date: Fri, 27 Oct 2006 00:05:02 -0700
To: CR <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>


Mark Buswell wrote:
>
> I recently picked up a NOS Super Record Titanium bottom bracket. I
> know that these were only in production for a short time and I'm
> wondering why Campy discontinued them. Were they prone to breakage?
> Thread strippage? Or were it simply too costly to make? Other factors?
>
> What gives?

First version intro'd in 1974, second version intro'd in 1982. Obsolete with intro of C-Record in 1985, so current for 11 years.

Yes, the Campagnolo titanium bottom bracket axles broke... well come to think of it, so did the Campagnolo titanium spindle SR pedals, and yes the Campagnolo aluminum cranks, and the Campagnolo aluminum freewheels, and the steel Record bottom bracket axles, and the aluminum Gran Sport shift levers, and the steel rear axle on the Record hubs, and undoubtedly so other Campagnolo parts I'm forgetting right now...

Not a good idea to substitute titanium for steel in a part without a redesign I'd guess. Stronglight made a larger diameter axle for their titanium, sealed bearing bottom bracket axle.

Chuck Schmidt
South Pasadena, Southern California
United States of America
http://www.velo-retro.com (reprints, t-shirts & timelines)