Group Question

tuxfan said:

I am deciding between two different bikes, at two different shops.
Both are from the same manufacture but different model
years, so the frame sets are identical. The only real difference
is the component group which is Shimano Ultegra vs Campy Veloce.
It seems like Shimano is more popular, and it is what I have been
riding. The only real difference I can tell is Shimano has the
flightdeck. Is there any real difference in
terms of performance, durability, maintainance.

Probably the biggest factors will be which hoods feel more comfortable
to your hands, and which method of downshifting you prefer (Campy uses
a thumb lever and Shimano uses the brake lever to downshift). Take them
both out for a ride. There may be other subtle differences you haven't
noticed.

If everything else is equal, buy from the shop that is more helpful
with fitting you and such. In fact, the shop may be more important than
the component group

Campagnolo Ergo shifter innards can be repaired if they fail, Shimano
STI can not. I've had no problems with two sets of Shimano shifters on
two different bikes over several thousand miles of riding.

I'm not too familiar with the Veloce group, but it's 4th down in the
Campy line, while Ultegra is 2nd in Shimano's line. Altough some will
argue that Campy's Chorus group(2nd in line) are equal to Shimano's 1st
line Dura Ace.

Art Harris

I have the Campy Veloce on my Specialized Allez, works great, no
problems, comfortable and easy to use. Don't have experience with the
other so I couldn't comment, though Shimano is well known and makes
high quality products. Prolly can't go wrong with either choice. Choose
for comfort first, reputation second, price point third,(if you have
that luxery).
Paul

tuxfan said:

I am deciding between two different bikes, at two different shops.
Both are from the same manufacture but different model
years, so the frame sets are identical. The only real difference
is the component group which is Shimano Ultegra vs Campy Veloce.
It seems like Shimano is more popular, and it is what I have been
riding. The only real difference I can tell is Shimano has the
flightdeck. Is there any real difference in
terms of performance, durability, maintainance.

Campy fits my hands better, is quieter when coasting, and is extremely
durable. The Campy I also like the "no cables" look on the handlebars with
the Camp Veloce. I can't speak for all Shimano, but I have been riding near
some guys whose gears and pawls make all kinds of noise just while coasting!
That would drive me nuts. So, ride both bikes and pay attention to how your
hands feel and the noise.

Pat in TX

In article <[email hidden]>, tuxfan

Quoted message said:

riding. The only real difference I can tell is Shimano has the
flightdeck.

campagnolo has also a neat computer, compatible with the group you're
looking at. called the ergobrain you may want to check it on the
campagnolo website:
http://www.campagnolo.com/computer.php
they can be found around US$140.00

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"tuxfan" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

I am deciding between two different bikes, at two different shops.
Both are from the same manufacture but different model
years, so the frame sets are identical. The only real difference
is the component group which is Shimano Ultegra vs Campy Veloce.
It seems like Shimano is more popular, and it is what I have been
riding. The only real difference I can tell is Shimano has the
flightdeck. Is there any real difference in
terms of performance, durability, maintainance.

As I understand it Campagnolo makes their groupo components to be more user
serviceable, and repairable in a lot of cases, without using a lot of
strange and special expensive tools and so on.
Shimano on the other hand tends to be non-repairable for a lot of things,
and uses a lot of special tools and procedures to do things.

Pat in TX said:

Campy fits my hands better, is quieter when coasting, and is extremely
durable. The Campy I also like the "no cables" look on the handlebars with
the Camp Veloce. I can't speak for all Shimano, but I have been riding near
some guys whose gears and pawls make all kinds of noise just while coasting!
That would drive me nuts. So, ride both bikes and pay attention to how your
hands feel and the noise.

Pat in TX

I honestly think you tend to like what you learned on, Shimano in my
case. I tried an upscale bike with Campy and it just felt odd to me,
though it shifted and braked just fine. As for the sounds, I have two
bikes with all Shimano equipment (one pretty new and one from the late
90s, 105 and RX100 respectively) and they are both so quiet that they
are almost downright stealthy.