steve13

about to switch to campy, but unsure of small thumb shifters.............can anyone who uses them tell me how they have worked for you?? can you shift them without a major relocation of your hand off the hoods? any 'best' technique??

thanks very much

R900

Just bought my first road bike with Campy components, so can't really compare, but in use I really like them. My wife has a Shimano, but I think I like the Campy better, simple and positive, easy to shift in the hoods.

John

suzyultra

I have used Campy for 10 years on my road bike. I currently use Campy record Shifters..GREAT! I have NO Problem with them, unlike the competition which feature the shifter on the same side... Go with Campy you will not regret it. as for best technique , you will soon discover what is best for you. hope this helps .

backinthesaddle

After not riding at all for about 15-20 yrs, I recently bought a new bike and started up again. It came with Shimano 105, which seemed to be the best price/value point in today's market. After riding the 105 for about 2 weeks, I was unhappy with the shifting and ended up switching the whole grupo to Campy Centaur. I'm much happier, and the little thumb levers work just fine. No problem to reach on both the hoods or on the drops without changing hand position. I don't think there is any "technique" -- just do it. I found it had a much more natural feeling than the dual levers in the 105 system.

The pluses are that you can drop multiple cogs at a time on the rear cassette, and that you can trim the front derailleur much more easily, which are the main reasons I switched.

P.S., I don't want to start another Shimano vs. Campy discussion as I was perfectly happy with the 105 except for the shifting.

tenorman

Just had a Gunnar frame built up with Campy Centaur since the other bike has Shimano, wanted to see what the fuss is all about. Actually I find hand-placement on the Campy hoods more comfortable (hands are on the large side), and no issues with the thumb shifters although maybe they take just a little more pressure to use but nothing that was a hardship to my hands. I *do* like the ability to shift more than one cog in either direction,works very well. I like the set-up, starting to have a preference for Campagnolo; but I like either one. Guess I can't really comment on "technique", except to comment that it wasn't a major adjustment from using Shimano.

backinthesaddle

hi Tenorman, curious about your setup and machine as the Shimano --> Campy swap I made was on my new Gunnar Roadie. Very happy with the whole setup now.

Wurm

To me, having the up/down shifting levers separated makes more sense. Also, I don't like having to throw the brake lever so far over with Shimano's - Campy's are simply much easier and quicker with the inside lever and thumb lever.

Skip many gears at one push, and FD trimming with Campy. Then you have carbon levers with Chorus or Record. It's all good.

tenorman

No problem, happy to answer your question about the other set-up. I bought a C-Dale CAAD8 R5000 earlier this year with Dura-Ace and it works like a dream. Smooth and precise, works very well. But I bought a used Gunnar frame from E-Bay (the owner of my LBS, also has become a good friend and a Gunnar/Waterford fanatic) and decided to build it with a good solid group that wouldn't break the bank so I went with Campy Centaur (still a little pricy). Like you, I really like the Gunnar set-up. The steel frame doesn't feel as "fast" as the uber-stiff CAAD8 but if the cycle computer doesn't lie which I'm sure it doesn't, my time on a 10-mile loop is the same on the Gunnar as it is on the C-Dale. Not sure if I'm real religious about Campy yet, but I like it better.

Now, if one of the groups makes it EASIER to go faster and up hills...but alas, all they do is shift the gears, I still have to pedal with the same effort regardless of whether it is Shimano or Campagnolo.

steve13

THANKS to all, I feel very good now about deciding to move from Ulteg 10 to chorus..........can't wait to try them when i get new frame and fork

backinthesaddle

I think that's a fine decision -- let us know how you like it when you get it set up.

backinthesaddle

actually the Campy made it a little easier -- I slipped the chain a couple of times on the Shimano shifing under load, I've never done that with the Campy.

but I don't think that's really what you meant

anyway glad you're enjoying your Gunnar, do you know if it's a Roadie or Sport or something else?

garysol1 

Love my Chorus. The thumb button is very fast and positive. The shifting is instantaneous. The added bonus of no visible cables is a real plus also. I am told that the Campy derailers will need a major adjustment after the first few hundred miles but I am not quite there yet.

simplyred

+1
I was wondering why that happens... just poor shifting on my behalf or the derailleurs?


steve.. this may sound weird but I prefer Shimano to Campy [please everyone... just leave it at that.. ]
I put my hands on the Campy brifters when over a bike & it just felt... awkward.. most likely because I haven't gotten used to it like most.
So... like most people who've posted - you'll eventually find your groove over time. Good luck w/ the drivetrain change..

Happy Riding
-Peter

tenorman

2003 Roadie...frame only had 50 miles on it, like new; 853 Reynolds. Very comfortable ride, frame has "character".