Originally Posted by
Campag4life
A note on the chain. I haven't broken into the 11s stuff like many of you guys have...and not sure if there is a decent 11s aftermarket chain. I run 2010 Campy 10s however and run KMC chains for years with their master link called a 'Missing Link'. I also run a 9speed Missing Link on my mtb Ultegra chain. The KMC 10s chain can be shorted with a $10 Park chain tool and their Missing Link can generally be taken apart and reassembled without tools. I really couldn't ask for a better shifting bike or one that rides more quietly...the wind and wheels make more noise than the driveline. Not sure if a 10s KMC chain will work for 11s Campy as it maybe a fraction too wide. It may work but not have the X-chain performance of the Campy 11s chain. My personal view is the 11s chain while no doubt works flawlessly is a case where the price exceeds its value. Some Campy purists may disagree however and say the exclusive Campy tool and chain are worth it. At the current time the 11s Campy chain maybe the only chain that will give 11s performance you expect from Campy but for 10s, KMC chains are hard to beat for cost and performance.
KMC makes a 11 sp chain and a quick link for it. Haven't used either though.
Originally Posted by
AndyK
I agree. If you pay retail, Campy is still a bargain considering how it's made. I'm glad they don't charge what they are worth in reliability and form! Not paying retail, I bought my full Record 11 group last year, when the dollar was killing the Pound, and got a great price from Shiny Bikes. WAY cheaper than an SRAM Red group from Performance or Competitive Cyclist, etc.
As for the chain, there are currently NO quick links (or 10 speed chain) that will work well with the 11 speed drivetrain. I tried a Super Link, and wound up going back to the rivets and Campy tool (which is a work of art in itself).
See above on the link.
Originally Posted by
halfspeed
KMC makes a Campy 11 compatible chain. I use the Campy chain, though. As I said previously, there is no reason to own their special tool unless you really want it. The Park tool works quite well. The Campy 11 chains don't last as long as the ten speed stuff, but the shifting is so much better, it's worth it. It has the shorter throw of recent ten speed with the snap and positive engagement of older ten speed. When the 11s chain wears, it tends to get noisy long before it gets measurable elongation.
There are now several aftermarket chain tool makers that can be used for the 11 sp just fine. They are all at the same price as the regular chain tools. I have 10 sp Record and use a Park Tool chain tool for it. I use the Campagnolo 11 sp tool for my 11 sp chain.
I haven't found the 10 sp chain to wear slower than the 11 sp. For me, I get about the same mileage out of both. The 11 Sp is a bit smoother on shifting.
Someone brought up the hands fitting on the hoods. That is a big deal. I have tried Shimano several times,especially lately on the hopes that my hands would like it so I could get Di2. Feels like chit to me and the same goes for SRAM. So, ergonomics is an issue for some.