Campy Chorus?
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Indiana: "It's Not As Flat As You Think!"
Posts: 54
Bikes: 2007 Cannondale System Six; 2006 Serotta Fierte IT; 2005 Giant TCR C2
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Campy Chorus?
I have a chance to pick up the frame I want in either Campy Chorus or Ultegra. The Chorus bike comes with Fulcrum Racing 3 wheels and some other upgrades, but basically it would be about $900 more.
I have never owned a Campy bike, so I wonder if it's worth the upgrade. I'm certainly no huge fan of Ultegra, which quite often feels sloppy and imprecise when I shift (and that's based on owning the last 3 Ultegra bikes over thousands of miles of high-intensity riding and racing).
I know this thread has been done to death, so apologies if this annoys the forum. But I wanted current thoughts on 10-spd Chorus v. Ultegra. Or should I go SRAM>? <g>
I have never owned a Campy bike, so I wonder if it's worth the upgrade. I'm certainly no huge fan of Ultegra, which quite often feels sloppy and imprecise when I shift (and that's based on owning the last 3 Ultegra bikes over thousands of miles of high-intensity riding and racing).
I know this thread has been done to death, so apologies if this annoys the forum. But I wanted current thoughts on 10-spd Chorus v. Ultegra. Or should I go SRAM>? <g>
#2
Throw the stick!!!!
Give it a test ride and see what you think. Some people prefer shimano, some campy. You are going to have to see how the hoods feel to you before you can make an informed decision.
__________________
I may be fat but I'm slow enough to make up for it.
#3
Sarcastic Member
Join Date: Dec 2003
Posts: 482
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I own both: Shimano DA and Campy Chorus. In terms of smooth, consistant shifting under and above pressure--the same. As stated above, the hoods are different in size and comfort. I have thumb shifters on the Campy, and love it; but also like the tall hoods on the DA. Try them both and see what you like. It's all PP: personal preference.
Cheers
Cheers
#4
Quarq shill
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Ohio
Posts: 3,962
Bikes: 08 Felt F4, 05 Fuji Team SL, 08 Planet X Stealth, 10 Kona Jake the Snake, 03 Giant OCR flat bar.
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
As Lowcel said, you need to ride both(or all three). I had ShimaNO on my first bike and though it was fine, never really cared for it. I rode a friends' Campy bike once and I was hooked. Every bike since then has been Campy. I feel so uncomfortable on the ShimaNO hoods.
As long as it's comfortable to YOU, it will be fine.
As long as it's comfortable to YOU, it will be fine.
#5
just tryin' to keep up
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 452
Bikes: Marin Portofino - Foco Steel built by Billato
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I have a chance to pick up the frame I want in either Campy Chorus or Ultegra. The Chorus bike comes with Fulcrum Racing 3 wheels and some other upgrades, but basically it would be about $900 more.
I have never owned a Campy bike, so I wonder if it's worth the upgrade. I'm certainly no huge fan of Ultegra, which quite often feels sloppy and imprecise when I shift (and that's based on owning the last 3 Ultegra bikes over thousands of miles of high-intensity riding and racing).
I know this thread has been done to death, so apologies if this annoys the forum. But I wanted current thoughts on 10-spd Chorus v. Ultegra. Or should I go SRAM>? <g>
I have never owned a Campy bike, so I wonder if it's worth the upgrade. I'm certainly no huge fan of Ultegra, which quite often feels sloppy and imprecise when I shift (and that's based on owning the last 3 Ultegra bikes over thousands of miles of high-intensity riding and racing).
I know this thread has been done to death, so apologies if this annoys the forum. But I wanted current thoughts on 10-spd Chorus v. Ultegra. Or should I go SRAM>? <g>
Doesn't that answer your question (if the $900 isn't prohibitive).
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,744
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 9 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
2 Posts
My Pedal Force RS is showing up in a few days. I went with the Chorus group, first time Campy user here after only using Shimano on previous bikes. I'm looking forward to it.
#7
ugg
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: CA- bayarea
Posts: 601
Bikes: Steelman road & a plastic Pedal Force ZX3
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
well the upgrades on the campy sound about right for the price if there are other upgrades on the bike. Fulcrum 3 wheels are around $700+ . I agree with everyone test out the bikes first. then take it from there. Now If you're enjoying Campy a lot more than the Shimano go with the Chorus...just so you won't end up having those what ifs...
BTW what are the other upgrades on the bike ?
BTW what are the other upgrades on the bike ?
#8
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Royal Oak, MI
Posts: 58
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Does the bike come with a Centaur option? Centaur and Ultegra are usually almost dollar for dollar. I'm running Campy Centaur 07 on my ride and really love it.
#9
Guest
Posts: n/a
Mentioned: Post(s)
Tagged: Thread(s)
Quoted: Post(s)
Chorus should be compared to Dura Ace, not Ultegra. Chorus makes the most sense of the Campy line in terms of cost, and performs identically to Record, it just weighs more. But unlike DA, with Chorus you can get compact cranks.
Once setup, forget it. Not barrel adjusters needed, and the micro-adjust FDR means that all 20 speeds are usable. Then there is multi-shifting and lever brake release, which Shimano can't do. Rebuildable, unlike Shimano (although this is a moot point, I've never worn out a Campy component). There are also ceramic bearing options.
Shimano's focus on development has been shifted to MTBs, whereas Campy is still a road group company.
If Shimano XTR features end up in Dura Ace, we might have something, but there isn't a real Dura Ace change until 09.
Once setup, forget it. Not barrel adjusters needed, and the micro-adjust FDR means that all 20 speeds are usable. Then there is multi-shifting and lever brake release, which Shimano can't do. Rebuildable, unlike Shimano (although this is a moot point, I've never worn out a Campy component). There are also ceramic bearing options.
Shimano's focus on development has been shifted to MTBs, whereas Campy is still a road group company.
If Shimano XTR features end up in Dura Ace, we might have something, but there isn't a real Dura Ace change until 09.
#10
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Los Angeles/Aveyron France
Posts: 5,308
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
if you're used to 9 speed ultegra, i think you'll find the 10 speed stuff much better, the new ultegra sl even more so. but given the choice, i'd go with the campy without a second thought. i went to campy a couple years ago and like it much better. rebuildable, more fd trim options, hidden cables, independent brake levers all give campy the edge to me.
#12
bannned
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: philadelphia
Posts: 2,228
Bikes: black bike, white bike, blue bike, yellow bike, silver bike
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Yes. Crash wrecked my Centaur levers. Easy as pie. Also just finished re-lubing my Centaur hubs. Easy as pie.
To the OP: go with Campy, unless you want to go with Shimano. In that case, go with Shimano.
To the OP: go with Campy, unless you want to go with Shimano. In that case, go with Shimano.
#13
Senior Member
Get the chorus, wipe the tomato sauce off and you will be very pleased!
#14
Senior Member
I had to have my Chorus right brifter rebuilt after an accident. The body broke. I sent it to Branford when he was still in Montana and it came back a few weeks later good as new. I've been riding it for 2 years now and it hasn't given any trouble whatsoever.
I'd be interested to know if anyone has ever worn one out.
I'd be interested to know if anyone has ever worn one out.
#16
Guest
Posts: n/a
Mentioned: Post(s)
Tagged: Thread(s)
Quoted: Post(s)
I had to have my Chorus right brifter rebuilt after an accident. The body broke. I sent it to Branford when he was still in Montana and it came back a few weeks later good as new. I've been riding it for 2 years now and it hasn't given any trouble whatsoever.
I'd be interested to know if anyone has ever worn one out.
I'd be interested to know if anyone has ever worn one out.
#18
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Northern Ontario
Posts: 3,659
Bikes: Colnago Master XL, Bianchi Via Nirone 7, Marinoni Fango
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
#20
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 226
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
#21
Faith-Vigilance-Service
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Port Orchard, WA
Posts: 8,330
Bikes: Trinity, Paradisus, Centurion, Mongoose, Trek
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Chorus.
But then, I'm Campy biased after using both brands. Chorus is really better suited to a DA comparison. For a more direct comparison, Centaur is more like an Ultegra equal as far as performance goes.
There's nothing sloppy about Campy stuff. The shifting is much more snappy and mechanically sound than most of Shimanos stuff. When it shifts, you know it. You go "click", it goes "clunk". And, if it isn't tuned just right, it also lets you know it. Shimano tends to be very smooth and quiet, so determining the precision of your setup can be a bit more tedious. But, when it is right, Shimano is actually very nice shifting.
All in all, I still prefer Campy.
But then, I'm Campy biased after using both brands. Chorus is really better suited to a DA comparison. For a more direct comparison, Centaur is more like an Ultegra equal as far as performance goes.
There's nothing sloppy about Campy stuff. The shifting is much more snappy and mechanically sound than most of Shimanos stuff. When it shifts, you know it. You go "click", it goes "clunk". And, if it isn't tuned just right, it also lets you know it. Shimano tends to be very smooth and quiet, so determining the precision of your setup can be a bit more tedious. But, when it is right, Shimano is actually very nice shifting.
All in all, I still prefer Campy.
__________________
President, OCP
--"Will you have some tea... at the theatre with me?"--
President, OCP
--"Will you have some tea... at the theatre with me?"--
#22
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 511
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
same as everyone, new spring in shifter. 1997 9 speed record and 2000-2001 (I think?) 10 speed carbon record shifter.
OP, go with chorus. Fantastic group, I had a bike with it and passed all the group to my wife. Racing 3 look like the good balance of money/performance wheel.
Whats the frame too?
OP, go with chorus. Fantastic group, I had a bike with it and passed all the group to my wife. Racing 3 look like the good balance of money/performance wheel.
Whats the frame too?
#23
Cat None
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: San Diego
Posts: 4,508
Bikes: LOOK KG 461, LeMond Zurich, Giant Talon 29er 0
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
They are both good with the differences generally coming down to personal preference. I don't know that I'd spend an additional $900 just to get Chorus over Ultegra but if you are getting a much better wheelset then the difference might be warranted.
I've ridden both and there are things I like about both groups but ultimately I am riding Chorus and love it.
I've ridden both and there are things I like about both groups but ultimately I am riding Chorus and love it.
#24
Senior Member
And in the 6 hours since I posted on this thread earlier, I had a chance to ride a Shimano equipped bike for the first time in 3 years. It was 105 so maybe not a completely fair comparison, but there just isn't any comparison. There is a definite solid feel to the shifts of Chorus that was totally lacking on the 105. You know when you are in gear with Campy. The 105 would fall into the right gear, but going up on either front or back felt sloppy. Having the internal lever act like the thumb button, and the brake lever be the internal lever didn't help me either. I was totally confused by it all. And not having trim control just made it worse.
I was thinking I'd take the bike to a shop to have it all adjusted, but maybe it already is adjusted, just not what I'm used to. This bike is my daughters new Spec Dolce Vita, and it is tiny too. So maybe being all scrunched up on it didn't help. Nice bike BTW. I look at this frame compared to what I see out there, in particular the MB, Dawes, and other BD bikes, and other cheaper brands, and it is really well done with a spectacular paint job. CF bits too.
I was thinking I'd take the bike to a shop to have it all adjusted, but maybe it already is adjusted, just not what I'm used to. This bike is my daughters new Spec Dolce Vita, and it is tiny too. So maybe being all scrunched up on it didn't help. Nice bike BTW. I look at this frame compared to what I see out there, in particular the MB, Dawes, and other BD bikes, and other cheaper brands, and it is really well done with a spectacular paint job. CF bits too.