Campy/Shimano Drive Compatibility

dr.doodlebug said:

I currently have a Campy Veloce group (sort of 105 level stuff) and wanted to be able to switch over to a shimano wheelset (higher quality for less cost). Because I'm using ergo shifters there are obviously some compatibility/indexing problems. However, if I switch to friction shifters will my Campy rear derailleur work with a Shimano Cassette? I'm already using an SRAM chain and it works fine. Intuitively this seems like it would work, Am I crazy? Please advise.
En Velo est Veritas,
-Eli 😕

If you already have to buy a shimano cassette just buy an american classic conversion cassette (or another type such as world class etc.) instead that will give you campy spacing on a shimano wheel and your problem is solved.

dr.doodlebug said:

I currently have a Campy Veloce group (sort of 105 level stuff) and wanted to be able to switch over to a shimano wheelset (higher quality for less cost). Because I'm using ergo shifters there are obviously some compatibility/indexing problems. However, if I switch to friction shifters will my Campy rear derailleur work with a Shimano Cassette? I'm already using an SRAM chain and it works fine. Intuitively this seems like it would work, Am I crazy? Please advise.
En Velo est Veritas,
-Eli 😕

Yeah, friction works.But why bother. In most cases a shimano 9 or 10 wheel cassette will work ok with an otherwise 9 or 10 campy drivetrain since the spacing is close enough. There is also a device called a shiftmate that may make it totally compatible. Just the act of switching wheels may throw off derailer adjustrment due to slight dimensional differences.