Road Cycling - Campy xenon grouppo

I didn't want to post a "which bike" question, but I bought my beau and I a set of road bikes. I got the Giant OCR 1, and originally ordered him a Felt 60. Both bikes were equipped with a 105/ultegra setup, which I know about and understand. However, they can't get a Felt, and are offering a Orbea Aspin in it's place. It's equipped with the xenon group, and I know nothing about Campy. I know it's the lowest group Campy offers, but how does it stack up? Any info would be appreciated.

a step in the wrong direction if you asked me.
Comparable to 105 would be Veloce or Daytona
groups.

Marty

Thanks Marty. I'm not sure what we're going to do. I feel like with the Orbea, I'm paying for a name. If xenon is a solid group, then it could become a consideration. I'm lost when it comes to campy, though.

What I don't care for on the 2004 Xenon group is that they use too much of this "composite" material on the parts (basically re-enforced plastic - please correct me if I'm wrong). The brake/shift levers and rear derailleur use this material. I'm sure that it works but will take a beating if dropped.

105 all the way on this one - well proven group.

Xenon = Sora, Mirage = Tiagra, Veloce = 105, Centaur/Daytona=Ultegra, Chorus = Dura Ace, Record = A class by itself. These aren't exact comparisons, but fairly close. Go with the 105 from the things you have mentioned. I like campy better - but Shimano works great and 105 is going to be way better than Xenon. Veloce on up come in 10 speed versions if youa re so inclined.

One thing to consider is longevity. My Mirage stuff is 9 years old and still works beautifully. I just replaced the bottom bracket, chainrings and cassette for the first time. It was shifting better last season than when it was new. I replaced the bb because it was just starting to scrape a little bit in a couple of spots in its rotation, and the big chainring had one broken tooth. I replaced the cassette beacuse I bought a new set of wheels, and none of the new Campy hubs accept an 8 speed cassette, so i bought a SHimano compatible wheel and respaced a SRAM cassette to fit. The old adage is: Campy wears in, Shimano wears out. Take a look at Campy's website, and if you still have questions, go back to the shop and take it for a test ride before you pay the bill.

I'm a big Campy fan, but Xenon is not nearly as nice as a 105/Ultegra mix. Stick with your original choice or keep looking for a similarly priced/equipped bike. Arizona-Cyclist got the comparisons right on as far as how Campy parts compare to Shimano.

would the LBS trade up to a Veloce equipped
bike? would they upgrade components for you?
I'm fully a campy type person, but I'd steer
clear of the Xenon stuff.

Marty

All Campy levers use composite bodies, even Record. Then again, carbon fiber IS a composite!!! Go with the Campy.