Bicycle Mechanics - Campy Left Ergo Functionality

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View Full Version : Campy Left Ergo Functionality


Fast505
01-19-10, 11:14 AM
I have a 1999 Campy Chorus 9 speed group that I'm thinking about moving onto a refinished RB-1. I currently have a perfectly functional Ultegra 9 group on there now, so this is about seeing how the other half lives. I am not familiar with how the left Ergo shifter works, so I'm unsure if my lever rebuild was done correctly. I want to make sure I have it right before installing the grouppo. The downshift on the left lever seems to move proportional to how far you move the thumb lever (i.e. a large throw on the lever produces more cable movement). Shimano simply "clicks" in distinct increments and has only three clicks for a double chainring (at all of mine only have three). I can upshift one click at a time, if that's useful information.

I also wouldn't mind anyone's thoughts on whether it's worth the hassle to make the switch. I will also need to build a wheel, but that's no big deal.

Thanks!


carpediemracing
01-19-10, 11:53 AM
The Ergo left lever is a ratcheting lever. You click until it shifts, in either direction. If your shifter does that, and holds whatever position it's in, you've probably done it right.

cdr

Fast505
01-19-10, 12:16 PM
that's what it seems to do. Thanks!


tjspiel
01-19-10, 12:19 PM
I'm actually switching to an Ergo on the left for this very reason. I've got kind of an odd setup and indexed shifting on the front doesn't work very smoothly. The Ergo left shifter works more like a friction lever in that it doesn't require everything to be just right in order to have smooth shifting and no chain rub.

I can't say whether it's worth the hassle for you or not. I've got no problem with the way Shimano right shifters work and many prefer their lighter action. There's also more cassette options with Shimano.

You don't have to switch out everything just to try the shifters. A jtek shiftmate will let you use your current wheel, cassette, and derailleur.

Fast505
01-19-10, 12:31 PM
being an engineer and self-professed tinkerer, after refurbishing the Campy grouppo (esp the levers and rear hub), the mechanics of this system appealed to me. I also admit that it's about the bling factor too, which is definitely higher with Campy stuff. I also like the idea of internal cable routing for cosmetic reasons.