zacster

I know the discussion comes up every now and then, and I posted something myself the other day. My question isn't whether it will work or not, but which combo works the best.

I have Campy Chorus 10s shifters/derailleurs, and they are staying. I'm not looking to switch that at all. I have a Velomax Tempest rear wheel with a 9s Shimano cassette on it and I tried it the other day and it worked, but not perfectly, and was quieter than the Campy Ventos that I usually use.

The Velomax wheels are a bit older, maybe 2003 models. Can these wheels take a Shimano 10s cassette? Are all shimano 9s wheels capable of taking a 10s? And if they can take a 10s Shimano, which would work better? A 9s or a 10s? I've read differing opinions on this, some saying the 9s Shimano spacing is the same as the 10s Campy and works well, others saying a 10s will shift flawlessly. And still others mention the Jtek Shiftmate as being the ultimate. I myself would rather stay with 10s.

How about chains? I'm using the latest Record ultra-narrow chain, the one that doesn't require a special expensive tool.

Using Shimano compatible wheels really opens up the market to what is generally available, especially used.

So which works best? 9s cassette, 10s cassette, or Jtek with either? Or should I go back to a Sturmey/Archer 3 speed?

cslone

All Shimano 9's wheels can take 10's, but 10's only wheels cannot take 9's. 9 vs 9 will work pretty much flawlessly. 10 vs 10 will ok, but you "may" have to do some adjusting when you switch wheels. The shiftmate should be spot on every time. If it were me, I would run Campy 10 drivetrain, with Shimano 10 cassette and a shiftmate. But, try it without the shiftmate once to see if it works. I have all Campy bikes and use Shimano 10 cassette on my Powertap without a shiftmate. It's fine. As far as chain, I generally use a Wippenman 10 speed.

Al1943

Depending on your particular hub you may be able to replace the freehub shell with a Campy compatible without having to rebuild the wheel. If so you could run a Campy 10-speed cassette. This would be better.

Al

Grasschopper

Just get a 105 10s cassette for that hub it will fit fine and shift fine as well. Your chain is fine as well...I like the KMC chains but that is because I like their removable link. Didn't like the Wipperman chain I used.

wonderboy

do yourself a huge favor and get a jtek shiftmate and use whatever combination you like without wondering whether or not it will work well. The jtek rocks - I use all campy but ultegra 9 cassette. shifts at least as well as the ultegra shifters did.

zacster

Thanks. My main hesitation with the Shiftmate is that I still want to use my Campy wheels as well with a quick swap. Can I do that with a Shiftmate or does using it make it difficult to then use the original Campy? Maybe I'll ask the maker directly as I understand he's pretty responsive.

I'll give a 10s Shimano cassette a try without the shiftmate, they aren't that expensive and won't preclude swapping at will. Maybe my next chain will be something else, but it made sense to use Campy on an all Campy setup. I'll probably replace it at some point in the spring as part of regular maint anyway.

Grasschopper

Yea you don't want a shiftmate...they are for running Campy Ergo levers with an otherwise Shimano drivetrain or vice versa (i.e. Shimano derailleurs as well as the wheel). I have tried this and so have others...it shifts fine. Shimano splined wheel with a Shimano 10 speed cassette and Campy everything else shifts fine (some say better than an all Campy setup). If you plan on switching wheels back and fourth just make sure you adjust your RD limits and cable tension when you do and you will be all set.

zacster

Thanks. I think that's what I wanted to hear, a definitive answer that it all works fine. Now I just have to find gearing that I like. I'm running a 13-26 Campy with a 36-50 compact, maybe I'll go for an 11-23 or something in Shimano. I'll break out the spreadsheet.

It's kind of funny how I was scared off by my bike shop from using the Shimano wheels. They weren't trying to sell me wheels as much as give me the perfect bike. And it was perfect, now I want to try something else. I guess they don't have to do as much after sale tweaking if everything is right to begin with. All shops should work that way.

Grasschopper

Yea your LBS will tell you you can't use a master link on a Shimano chain too. A lot of it has to do with liability...they will only pass the company line.