Centaur to me became Campy's best overall value.

Certainly enough quality for criteriums.

Plenty nice for daily riding.

Looks great in its alloy version. imho

Priced right. Careful shopping a year ago allowed me to get shifters, brake calipers, (Record) crank, and front and rear derailleurs for under $500.

So 2009 Centaur was the right choice for me if I'm buying a new gruppo.

Here's a pic of Centaur on my wife's De Rosa.



and a virtually identical gruppo on my Merckx.