I'm in need of some info/advice on the different Ergo shifters that Campagnolo has made, specifically the different front shifting mechanisms.
I currently have a Lemond Buenos Aires running 8-speed Shimano 105. No complaints, except that the 18 year old STI shifters are starting to die. It looks like quality 8 speed STI's are getting a lot harder to come by (don't really want to buy any pre-worn out, non-serviceable Shimano shifters on eBay). All that's available new for 8-speed are the entry level groups. I also don't really want to give up on 8 speed right now. I know all I'd need for a 10-speed conversion is the shifters, cassette, and chain, but the narrow chain/poor durability isn't my cup of tea for now.
Enter Shimergo - sounds like a 10-speed Campy shifter has the correct cable pull for an 8-speed Shimano RD/cassette. Awesome! Campy shifters are serviceable, the cables are routed under the bar tape, and they look way cooler. And BONUS: the front shifting is friction, right?
I used these links for info:
A guide to rear shifting | Cycling UK
Shimano & Campagnolo - Can't We All Get Along? Cyclocross Magazine
SHIMERGO - Bombproof Wheels
Upon further research, though, it sounds like while Campy has kept the 10-speed rear shifting pretty consistent, they've made a few different versions of front shifters, ranging from micro-ratcheting to basically indexed. I'd really like to have the freedom to mix/match FD's and double or triple cranksets, so the micro-ratcheting/friction is very appealing to me.
What's out there to buy (new or used), and what should I stay away from? For instance I've seen a lot of the brand new Veloce shifters that are very reasonably priced, (like
these) but they have the "powershift" function which I think might mean front indexing?
Can someone set the record straight? And, if I have to buy used to get 10-speed rear and front friction, how do you know what model year shifters you're looking at? (the last link above seems to say that different years had different indexing). Are there still parts available for older Ergo shifters?
Thanks!!