Originally Posted by Chrome Molly

I run the campy veloce brifters and really love them. They are the most comfortable brifters on the hoods that I have ridden. Toss those together with an inexpensive shimano 8 speed cassette and a 105 or ultegra RD (often CL sourced) and you can build up on the cheap and give away nothing to the competition (especially if you run a triple up front). 8 speed chains are inexpensive too. I haven't found the campy brifters any less of a PITA to install and tweak than shimano, and find it's nice that they are usually purchased with the cables included.