HJR

Not really looking for a Campy vs. Shimano thing here. I've read hundreds of posts on that subject.

I am looking for direct comparisons. Possibly, or preferably, with someone who owns or owned both.

Background info: My Soloist is currently set up with Ultegra 9-speed. I like it very much. I have test ridden other bikes that have had Campy parts and liked those. I recently bought a mid's 90's Bianchi Frameset and I am looking to build it out this winter. I've thought about putting Campy on it for the whole nostalga thing as well as gaining that extra gear. But I also like the idea of made being able to pass down components from the Soloist as I maybe upgrade it to Dura-Ace. May not also, since that would be a big splurge, but you never know once you get this cycling fever.

What I would like to know is what people think of these lines in direct relationship to each other? ie. Not much difference between the Ultegra and 105, therfore not worth the extra $100. Ditto for Veloce to Centaur. Or Ultegra shifts well, better than Veloce but not Centaur. Etc.

Thanks in advance for your opinions.
HJR

t_bad_one

Honestly speaking its how often and how far do you ride per week. In my case its about 120km per week and I do not race so the Ultegra fits me perfectly.
1. Shifting on the Shimano is smoother compare to the precise click of the campy.
2. Over here in Malaysia there are more Shimano than Campy so we could swap parts or resell parts easily among friends. Its easier to get supporting components on Shimano than on Campy (Wheelset, Cogs etc).
3. Reliability is more towards the Campy than Shimano. Somehow the Campy feels more solid.
4. Pricing between the two components are almost the same with Campy slightly more.

The rest is up to your taste, if you are building an Italian bike then hey what the heck go for a full Italian setup...looks great.


4.

sydney

Spend the $100,especially if the Bianchi is Celeste.

K6-III

I prefer the design of the 2004 and later Centaur rear derailleur, as it is basically now an alloy version of Chorus.

My suggestion is the following:

Centaur for brakes, hubs, and rear derailleur.
Veloce for everything else.
Truvativ/FSA/Stronglight crankset...

SJP

I had a few rides on a Specialized Allez and Avanti Giro with 105.....and they felt great.....from what I've heard about 105 vs ultegra.......it comes down to how much riding you do......If its only 100km per week then 105 should do the trick.....
I ended up getting a Steel frame Pinarello Sestriere with Veloce 9 speed and its fantastic......I have only put 3500 kms (approx 2200 miles) on it but it feels as good as the day i got it......

Dave Noisy

My previous bike had 105, and i found it to be very reliable, and durable, but my main complaint was the hoods, and how uncomfortable they were.

I'm now riding Veloce, and along with being reliable, the hoods are much more comfortable. I'm hoping to avoid Shimano in the future for this reason..

tvphobic

I own a full Ultegra bike and a full Centaur bike. I am not as partisan as some; I really like both rigs. My first integrated system (after years of simplex and campy DT shifting) was 105 STI for years, but now after many miles on both systems I will just say that both do the job really well.

- STI feels like rear upshifts to smaller cogs are the result of spring forces and this doesn't seem as fast or "positive" as upshifts. The Centaur ergo thumb lever is stiffer than Chorus/Record, but that's fine with me.
With ergo, it seems like your thumb "pushes" the rear der onto the smaller cog. Shimano feels like the paddle triggers "allow" the der to go to the smaller cog, and one is more aware that there is an eensy delay.

-I hit more front upshifts more "dead on" with Shimano, but Ergo gives two-directional trimming.

I am happy and comfortable with both systems, this includes the hoods.

shadowmark

I have a Specialized Allez with 105 components, except for an Ultegra rear derailler (it came that way), and have put 5600 miles on it this past year. Its been great. Initially I only rode about 75 miles per week, but now I currently ride about 150-225 miles/week, depending on weather. I haven't had a single problem with the 105 components except for the original chain, which wore out after only 2000 miles. For $26 I replaced the chain with an SRAM 89R, which I suspect will need replacement in the next 1000 miles (6K-7K total). The SRAM chain is lasting twice as long as the original Shimano (by measuring chain stretch). At that time I'll probably replace the cassette and one of the front chainrings as well (just normal wear). This stuff could get expensive if it were Dura Ace, but with 105 I can do everything for under $100.

So I don't buy into the argument that 105 components are only best if you don't ride much. They work perfectly well, and have excellent durability. The only reason to buy any better (in my opinion) is if you want lighter components, or you just want a "nicer" bike. Heck if I had more money to spend on it, I'd buy a nicer bike too! But the reality is I can't justify it for practical reasons, only the emotional ones....

My other bike is a 20+ year old Trek which I have upgraded with Sora components that I bought off Ebay. I use this bike as my backup bicycle, and on my indoor trainer. 8-speed Sora is a couple of steps below 105, but I have found it to also shift perfectly well. I've put several hundred miles on this bike as well, and its always shifted just fine.

I can't comment on Campy components as I've never ridden them. Based on what I've read, it seems to be as much an emotional / spiritual debate as anything. I admit to being drawn to the Campy image, but I just don't have the bucks. I think a 10 speed Centaur bike, or even the new 10 speed Ultegra would be very nice to have though, and if I were buying now, I would consider those.

That being said, I think you should buy what you really want, regardless of what you need. If you like a bicycle more, you'll ride it more, and in the end, that is what's important! There is need, and there is want... sometimes want wins!