Winter Worn Cleats

We see a lot of very worn cleats especially during the winter months.  With the extra clothing like heavy socks and booties, it is easy to loose the feel for the extra play that wear introduces.  Simply put, the extra clothing often masks the proper interface between the shoe and the  cleat.  Most cleats are designed to have plastic parts that wear, and as they wear they no longer lock-in your foot like a new cleat. 

You can check your cleat by snapping your shoe onto the pedal with your hands.  You shoe should have some lateral float, but it should not have any vertical rocking or play.  If there is a significant amount of rock or play, then the cleats should be replaced.  Replacing your cleats regularly is paramount to staying ahead of knee strain and injury.  Most riders should change their cleats up to two to  four times each year.  One should keep in mind that cleats can wear from both lots of riding miles as well as from walking.  New properly fitting cleats will give a solid feel and be more integrated with the bike's drivetrain.  It is important to keep your knees stress free and pain free throughout the whole season.

The New Campagnolo "Ultra Narrow" Chains

Campy has introduced a new lineup of chains for Record, Chorus, and Veloce groups for 2006.  The new 10 speed chains are marketed as “Ultra Narrow” and measure only 5.9 mm in width.  Campy states that this evolution creates a lighter and quieter chain.  It also allows for more precise adjustment of the rear derailleur while maintaining previous generation’s traction force, pin retention force, resistance to wear and stretch, flexion, and torsion.  The 2006 Record Ultra Narrow chain (SRP $50.00) tips the scales at 255 grams due to the narrow width, hollow pins, and drilled out outer plates. The Chorus (SRP $43.00) and Veloce (SRP $38.00) Ultra Narrow chains weigh in at 270 grams and 272 grams, respectively.   Both do not have hollow pins, however, the Chorus chain does have drilled side plates.  For installation the new chains require the use of the new 5.9 mm coupling pin which is different but similar looking to all previous 10 speed pins.  Of course, Campy recommends the exclusive use of their chain tool.  All of the chains have a nickel plated, teflon infused finish for improved durability and lower shifting friction.

We believe the new chains are a welcome upgrade to the previous generations of 10 speed chains.  The narrower profile and increased lateral flexibility make for smoother shifting and a quieter drive train throughout the cogset range.  These new chains better accommodate the cross-chaining sometimes realized as people get used to the new shifting patterns required by the compact 34/50 rings as opposed to the traditional 39/53 setup.  We have also found Campy’s 10 speed chains to be far more durable than Shimano’s 10 speed chains.  Campy chains are lasting up to four times longer than Shimano chains under similar conditions and usage.  We believe Campy leads the way for lower maintenance costs since both manufacturers’ chains are similarly priced.

Nick Saucier, Mechanic/Technician/Photographer