converting shifters...

Quoted post said:

Originally Posted by gman0482 [IMG]/img/forum/go_quote.gif[/IMG]

Awesome info guys !! Thanks. The last thing I want to do is spend $$$ when I don't really need to. Did I mention the labor to install just a shifter/brake is $350 ??

Also, as I am shopping for the shifters, do the 10-spd Ultegra work with a 9-speed cassette ? I have 11-25.

The next thing is, making sure I do the job right by myself. [IMG]/img/vbsmilies/smilies/rolleyes.gif[/IMG]

10s levers shift 10s spacing. The amount of cable pull in the lever determines how far the RD goes.

$350 had to include the price of the levers. I install NEW STI for $30 labor plus parts..

Thanks guys. I got that $350 labor quote for an 8-piece set. So what I'll definitely do is get the 10spd cassette/chain, along with the shifters, unless I will find a great deal on a set. I would like to get a whole set, but I'm also planning on the SRM/Qrq, so don't really need a new crank. If I can find a 5-piece (shifter,RD,FD,cass,chain) that would be perfect. I'll try to learn all the labor.

Also, as a side question, can you guys rank these from best to worst:

(Obviously Campy Record, Dura Ace, Sram Red are on top)

C.Chorus
C.Centaur
C.Veloce
C.Athena
Sh.Ultegra
Sr.Force
Sr.Rival

For example, is getting S.Force any better or worse than Ultegra ? Or any of these any better than others ?

There are a bunch of deals on eBay for used or new groupsets, one example is a used 3000 miles C.Centaur going for $550. Some Ultegra 8-piece going for $700, same with Force and others.
Another one, SRAM Force 5-piece (FD,RD,cass,chain,shift) $675.

I'm just trying to figure out the ranks of these, in case I end up buying.

Thanks,
-Greg

Quoted post said:

Originally Posted by gman0482 [IMG]/img/forum/go_quote.gif[/IMG]

Also, as a side question, can you guys rank these from best to worst:

(Obviously Campy Record, Dura Ace, Sram Red are on top)

C.Chorus
C.Centaur
C.Veloce
C.Athena
Sh.Ultegra
Sr.Force
Sr.Rival

For example, is getting S.Force any better or worse than Ultegra ? Or any of these any better than others ?

There are a bunch of deals on eBay for used or new groupsets, one example is a used 3000 miles C.Centaur going for $550. Some Ultegra 8-piece going for $700, same with Force and others.
Another one, SRAM Force 5-piece (FD,RD,cass,chain,shift) $675.

I'm just trying to figure out the ranks of these, in case I end up buying.

IMO, very subjectively (shifters & derailleurs):

Campagnolo Record ... Shimano Di2
Campagnolo Chorus ... (Dura Ace)/(¿Red?)
Campagnolo Athena ... Shimano Ultegra ... SRAM. Force/Rival
Campagnolo Centaur/Veloce ...

Some Centaur are better than others ... pre-2007, pre-QS are better than Centaur "QS" ... most pre-QS Campagnolo shifters are essentially (but, not exactly) the same as Campagnolo Record shifters.

Quoted post said:

Originally Posted by gman0482 [IMG]/img/forum/go_quote.gif[/IMG]

Thanks guys. I got that $350 labor quote for an 8-piece set. So what I'll definitely do is get the 10spd cassette/chain, along with the shifters, unless I will find a great deal on a set. I would like to get a whole set, but I'm also planning on the SRM/Qrq, so don't really need a new crank. If I can find a 5-piece (shifter,RD,FD,cass,chain) that would be perfect. I'll try to learn all the labor.

Also, as a side question, can you guys rank these from best to worst:

(Obviously Campy Record, Dura Ace, Sram Red are on top)

C.Chorus
C.Centaur
C.Veloce
C.Athena
Sh.Ultegra
Sr.Force
Sr.Rival

For example, is getting S.Force any better or worse than Ultegra ? Or any of these any better than others ?

There are a bunch of deals on eBay for used or new groupsets, one example is a used 3000 miles C.Centaur going for $550. Some Ultegra 8-piece going for $700, same with Force and others.
Another one, SRAM Force 5-piece (FD,RD,cass,chain,shift) $675.

I'm just trying to figure out the ranks of these, in case I end up buying.

Thanks,
-Greg

Best how? In terms of function and reliability, frpm your list, for 2011-Chorus. In terms of reliability, anything Campagnolo, then anything 10s and shimano, then sram..mediocre stuff well marketed.

Overall, SuperRecord is hard to beat, followed by Record, Chorus. I think Athena or Centaur is on par with Ultegra, Veloce with 105. Veloce is better(reliable, functional) than sram anything including red.

Peter, appreciate your experience here. When you compare "reliability" of the groupsets, are you also taking into account "durability", or how long they last before wearing out? The distinction I make is that a reliability failure is one where the part just jams or breaks on the road at any time, while a durability failure is one where you know the item is going and have time to buy and replace it whenever. Examples might be the shifter that fails by jamming on the road vs typical chain or cassette wear.

Specifically, when you rank Sram on the bottom of the "big 3", is that due to early failures you see at the shop due to defects in quality, or is it because their pieces just wear out faster than campy or shimano?