Campy Record 2003 or 2004?

Here are the changes:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

RECORD

The carbon-fiber Record crankset outclasses itself with a new carbon-fiber crankset with decidedly 'Ultra' components.
The new carbon-fiber Record crankset uses an innovative technology of composite materials that was recently introduced in the aerospace industry.

Ergopower Record controls have been further improved by concentrating on gear shifting and on reducing the weight of the internal components.

The new Record rear derailleur has a new carbon-fiber cage crossed at 90° that complements the existing front plate to further reduce weight and increase visual appeal.

The new Record front derailleur has a carbon-fiber external cage and an aluminum internal cage.

The new Record C10 Ultra chain is incredibly light. The new lighter links connected to the hollow pins have produced an amazing result. It weighs 20 g less than the already light Record C10.

The new Record seatpost has a carbon-fiber top head clamp and a new groove for the head.

I was hoping someone could help me sort through the technical jargon from Campy's website, as you have most kindly cut and paste, like myself.

Which of the 2004 improvements are really significant or are they all minor.

Is more carbon an improvement in weight only? Did Ergo and the chain need improving?

Sometimes it is better in terms of cost to go with the previous years model. My LBD claims the increased cost of the 2004 components (everything except frame) is close to $1000. Does not sound right.

I know there must be many of you wondering the same since you are considering an upgrade in components.

Thanks,
Paul

Only real difference seems to be more carbon. Some 03 Record groups had aluminum crank, while 04's have carbon, that could bump the price up quite a bit. Campy carbon cranksets are beautiful, but sinfully priced. $1k difference sounds very high to me, though.

I made the same choice last year - ended up getting a Chorus 10 group with Record triple crankset upgrade (crank, deraillers). Paid around $1k for it - full Record triple group was another $350. Only difference between Chorus and Record was a few carbon and titanium parts instead of aluminum and steel. Below Chorus, there are design changes - 2 bearings instead of 3 on the pedals, etc...

Ergo shifters and 10 spd chain have been flawless on my 03 Chorus group. Only change I made was to add a removable link from Branford Bike to the chain, which I installed using a Park tool. Highly recommended over the 1 use only pin and $65 chain tool. Maybe Campy fixed that in 04, but the removable link didn't cost very much.