Bicycle Mechanics - Upgrade to Campagnolo

I would like to upgrade my Trek 2200 from Shimano 105 components to Campy components, but don't all the options and how to's to accomplish this ... i.e. which Campagnolo components are best, what kind of conversion kits do I need, etc. Any advice on this subject would be appreciated.

Scotscat

I would like to upgrade my Trek 2200 from Shimano 105 components to Campy components, but don't all the options and how to's to accomplish this ... i.e. which Campagnolo components are best, what kind of conversion kits do I need, etc. Any advice on this subject would be appreciated.

What level of components do you want to move to? Do you want to move laterally as in do you want Campy components that are at the same or near the same level of 105 or do you want to move upwards as well? I know this sounds like a goofy answer but have you thought about getting another bike? Bike manufactuers get deep discounts from the component manufacturers so if you're think another bike might be nice, look for a "spare" bike that has the components you want and then swap the parts. I'm looking into this option myself for a travel bike (read: one with S+S connectors). I think for me, it would work out better financially. It might work for you too.

To go Campy you need to add a new wheelset to the list. EVERYTHING needs to be replaced. Grouppo's are like $1200-$2200... how much did you pay for the bike? Why do you want to leave Shimano? Did some neanderthal Campy head tell you that Shimano will explode and burst into flames after 1500mi? They like to do stuff like that. Funny thing is, just this week, I saw a friend of mine who is the biggest Campy Nazi I had ever met. Now he is riding a 105 equipped bike, and said it is easier to work on and works better than any of his Campy stuff ever did. Go figure.

To go Campy you need to add a new wheelset to the list.

Not necessarily. Conversion cassettes are available to run Campy drivetrains on Shimano built wheels. I haven't used them myself, so I can't comment on how well they work, but a little googling shows they have a following. American Classics makes one for about a hundred bucks.

Also, Sheldon brown has had enough success building mixed Shimano/Campy groups that Harris Cyclery sells hybrid nine speed kit with Shimano hubs and Campy drivetrains. They might be able to make it work with ten-speed setups too.
http://sheldonbrown.com/harris/kits.html

Everyone I know that has had a conversion says they suck... I'm not sure specifically why but at least 3 different mechanic friends of mine have all said that.

I'm not sure if they are called a conversion cassette, but a few companies make cassettes with Campy spacing and cog width but have Shimano spines to simplify conversion. I've heard the name "Shimoglo" kicked around in refererence to them.

I would like to upgrade my Trek 2200 from Shimano 105 components to Campy components, but don't all the options and how to's to accomplish this ... i.e. which Campagnolo components are best, what kind of conversion kits do I need, etc. Any advice on this subject would be appreciated.

Scotscat

I have campy centaur and really love it. My bike came with campy option and I went for that, if I already had shimano I'm not sure if I would go with the added expense or not. You could always save your shimano gruppo to build up a new frame. It might be better in the long run to get a whole different bike with campy on it.

I have 9 year old Mirage 8sp on my Bianchi. I also have Spinergy wheels with a Shimano compatible rear hub. I used the Wheels Mfg. respacing kit and a SRAM cassette to match the Campy spacing. It works perfectly. Your 3 mechanic friends are wrong. It also gives me the advantage of being able to get a spare wheelset during a supported ride, since most of the spare stuff is gonna be Shimano compatible.

Thanks for the input. No one has scared me into the Campy camp, I've just ridden a bike with Campy components and like the feel a lot better. I like my Trek frame but it sounds like I may need to get another bike. The conversion kits option sounds like you have to know the right mechanics to make it work. Thanks again.

Scotscat

Actually, I did the work myself. It is a simple matter to replace the spacers in the SRAM or Shimano cassette with the ones from Wheels Mfg. and put the cassette back on the hub. It took less than 10 minutes, and required NO drivetrain adjustments from my old Campy hub/OP rim.

[QUOTE=seely]Grouppo's are like $1200-$2200... [QUOTE]

i dunno where you shop but i can get the record carbon for less than $2200.
http://www.labicicletta.com/edatcat/us/tlsstore.cgi?user_action=list&category=Component%20Groups
check it out.

I would like to upgrade my Trek 2200 from Shimano 105 components to Campy components, but don't all the options and how to's to accomplish this ... i.e. which Campagnolo components are best, what kind of conversion kits do I need, etc. Any advice on this subject would be appreciated.

Scotscat
I'm a Campy nut. Everything I ever had was Campy. But the Shimano stuff works. The Campy stuff isn't going to get you to the finish line any faster. By the way I never had good luck with Campy cutomer service.
When you buy your new bike, get it with Campy. I would be happy with Campy Record or Shimano Dura-Ace.

[QUOTE=seely]Grouppo's are like $1200-$2200... [QUOTE]

i dunno where you shop but i can get the record carbon for less than $2200.
http://www.labicicletta.com/edatcat/us/tlsstore.cgi?user_action=list&category=Component%20Groups
check it out.

Which is why I didn't say Campy Record Carbon...

Which is why I didn't say Campy Record Carbon...

i didnt mean to be offensive...what i was trying to say is it is not as expensive as you are making it seem for a grouppo...maybe im wrong. maybe you know of a $2200 grouppo. sorry for the misunderstanding