Road Cycling - Pretext (Not a Campy v. Shimano Debate)

I'm about to order a new ride. The LBS has informed me of the shortage of Shimano groupos due to increased demand this year. Evidently, it will take an additional 2-4 weeks if I order the bike with Ultegra as I had originally planned. If I go with Chorus, I can get it sooner but it costs about $500 more. I have no experience w/ Campy components and I know that some people prefer them for different reasons. My question is, what do you get for that extra $$$? I could possibly see myself going w/ Chorus if it's justified but I have no idea why it could cost so much more. I don't want this to start a Campy - Shimano debate that a buddy of mine has told me is common on this forum. All I want to know is whether someone can tell me how Campy sets their pricepoint and why they are more expensive (if the reason is other than production volume, economies of scale, etc.)

It's true Shimano is short this year and delays are common for everyone BUT Campy is expensive for 2 reasons this year. They bumped their prices up and the dollar is weak so the prices are doubly high.

If you want a Campy group comparable to Ultegra you need to price shop Campy Centaur. Chorus is = to Dura Ace. Prices are accordingly comparable.

I agree with RacerX about going with Centaur. Should be about equal in price to Ultegra. You are correct about economies of scale. Campy is less common than the ubiquitous Shimano stuff, so it can be slightly more expensive. You should try to ride a bike with Centaur on it to see if you like it. If you have your heart set on Ultegra, wait for it. If you like the Centaur stuff, I would go for it. I'm a BIG Campy fan, but you need t get what works best for you and your budget.

To join this peaceful thread: I have nothing whatsoever against Campagnolo. In fact, if I look at my friend's Chorus drivetrain, I might even get jealous. But NOT when the time comes to replace stuff (the usual short-lived suspects such as chain, cassette, etc.): Campy parts are expensive! Usually twice as much as I would pay for my Shimano Ultegra replacements.

Another thing to bear in mind is that with Shimano being ubiquitous, you will relatively easily (and cheaper) find the necessary tools to maintain your machine. E.g.: I bought some cheap (but decent, so far) bike tool box (by Lifu), only realising afterwards that the tools (such as cassette lock ring remover or bottom bracket remover) were Shimano-compatible. So I cannot be of much assistance to my friend, who has to buy his own tools.

Something I forgot to mention: another 'objective' difference between Campy and Shimano is the shape of their brake hoods and the distance from the levers to the handlebar. Check out whether that difference matters to you.

To join this peaceful thread: I have nothing whatsoever against Campagnolo. In fact, if I look at my friend's Chorus drivetrain, I might even get jealous. But NOT when the time comes to replace stuff (the usual short-lived suspects such as chain, cassette, etc.): Campy parts are expensive! Usually twice as much as I would pay for my Shimano Ultegra replacements.


I rode Chorus last season and it has been more durable than Shimano. The only way a Campagnolo cassette will wear faster is if it is the Titanium cassette. I have no issues with their fine 10 speed chains.

Campy parts are expensive though. The cable set is $50-$70 compared to Shimano's $20 or generic $10 cables.

$500 and 2 -4 weeks, or $125 - $250 a week more!? You're correct, it isn't the group that matters, it's whether, hmmm, I'm not sure what it's whether... In the worse case you ride your old bike a little longer or, if you don't have another bike, buy a junker and pedal it around, thereby appreciating the new bike that much more. Then you can donate the savings to a good local cycling advocacy cause.

My question is, what do you get for that extra $$$?

NONE Like what the other guy said, the dollar is weaker. Both companies offer excellent products regardless of the price. Always find out what you prefer in fit, ease of operation and budget restraints. The components of your bike won't make your bikes speed faster if you put a shimano or campagnolo. It can take a long time to wear those components out regardless of what brand unless you ride 15 hrs a day. I use campagnolo because it fits me better and like the ease of operation. Try both and find out what's best for you. If you really like shimano, get it. It's worth the wait. REMEMBER, you're the one riding your bike and not others in this forum.

Hmmm,
That $500 would get you a mostly Durace grouppo.

campy is more expensive due to lower production volumes and amnufacturingbeing centred in Europe. Shimano can be sourced from Japan or europe so thesuppliers can aways get the best deal.

Chorus or Centaur are equivalent to Ultegra, Actually Ultegra slots in between them. Chorus is really a dumbe down Record is all aspects wheres Ultegra is really a high end next tier gruppo higherin performance than Centaur.
however for all intents and purposes yu or your friend will be hard pressed to tell the difference in quality. ULtegra dn Chorus have their own 'feel' and this appeals to different types of people. You won't be sorry you bought Chorus but in terms of performance it's not worth $500 more, goo as it is.

campy is more expensive due to lower production volumes and amnufacturingbeing centred in Europe. Shimano can be sourced from Japan or europe so thesuppliers can aways get the best deal.

Chorus or Centaur are equivalent to Ultegra, Actually Ultegra slots in between them. Chorus is really a dumbe down Record is all aspects wheres Ultegra is really a high end next tier gruppo higherin performance than Centaur.
however for all intents and purposes yu or your friend will be hard pressed to tell the difference in quality. ULtegra dn Chorus have their own 'feel' and this appeals to different types of people. You won't be sorry you bought Chorus but in terms of performance it's not worth $500 more, goo as it is.

Where do you come up with this?

Campy is more expensive because of two reasons this year: 1. They raised their prices across the board because Chorus has carbon and Centaur has a new finish among other things. 2. The Euro is kicking the USD's ass so imports are expensive.
It has nothing to do with where it's sourced or lower production. Campy has always been slightly more but also better quality across the board.

Shimano is in shortage right now because they did not predict the boom in demand for bicycles. Manufacturers are suffering waiting too.

Performance, finish, quality, materials- Centaur=Ultegra Ultegra is not a "high end next tier grouppo". It fits the pricepoint, just as Centaur does. The Centaur ergo levers are of much better quality than Ultegra STI. If you see them apart, it's very clear.

Chorus=Dura Ace

Damn, I'm kicking myself because I know Dr. Seuss didn't want this to turn into a debate and that's what it happening. Well, technically I guess it's just about which groups are comparable but I'll stop posting on this.