We haven't had a good Campy vs. Shimano war of polemics around here in a while . . . soooooooooo here is a stimulating article from the weekly newsletter from roadbikerider.com

Have fun!

2. UNCLE AL'S RANT: Campy/Shimano Comparison

DEAR UNCLE AL: A bike dealer told me that Campagnolo
Centaur is on about the same level as Shimano Ultegra. I
always assumed that Chorus was the same as Ultegra. Can
you give me a comparison of these groups? -- Steve W.

UNCLE AL FIRES BACK: Comparing Campagnolo to Shimano
is like apples to oranges. Well, almost.

Campy Record stands alone, both in price and beauty. All
that carbon stuff sure is purty. Record works the same as
Chorus, but it's lighter.

Chorus and Dura-Ace are more or less equal, but Shimano's
group costs a bit more.

Your dealer is correct in equating Centaur to Ultegra. It's
as close a comparison as you can make, although Centaur
comes in 9- or 10-speeds and Ultegra is only 9.

If you go with Centaur and up, or Shimano 105 and up, you
won't be sorry.

The biggest difference I see when comparing the two
companies is their respective brake/shift levers -- Campy
Ergopower vs. STI Dual Control. Some roadies much prefer the
Ergo thumb button as opposed to the dual swing levers of the
STI system. And vice versa.

On winter rides, I'm reminded that STI can be difficult to
use when wearing heavy gloves. The separately located Ergo
shifters are easier in that situation.

The systems have a different feel, but both work really
well. Quality-wise, it's a wash. I've seen about the same
failure rate with either system. Failure is rare, though,
and both systems are repairable.

If you're a Campy fan, no amount of coaxing will change your
mind. If you like the feel and features of Shimano, then
that's what you need. I advise new cyclists to ride bikes
with Ergo and STI to find which they prefer.

If you do decide on Campy, go with 10-speed. It's easier to
get parts than it is for Campy's 9-speed. And 10 cogs back
there look extra cool!

One other observation (this will get me in trouble): Campy
users are emotional about their equipment. Shimano users
are more stoical.

RBR veterans will remember that this isn't the first time I've
compared and contrasted equipment from these two
companies. You can find some of that blather on our website
by eyeballing the index at www.roadbikerider.com/UArant.htm.
Or try the site's new search engine.