Feedback on Components
 

Hey all newbie here to the forum. I know that this is probably something that many people ask, so i apologize in advance. I am currently looking into upgrading my components. My road bike setup Cannondale synapse carbon 5 equiped with 105 groupo with FSA BB30 Gossamer crank and rektro brake calipers. i am currently looking at Campy Record (2010 or 2011) or Sram Red. really like the look of the Sram Red also a + with the option of BB30 crank, but am worried about wear. I have heard that Sram road groupos don't last as long as campy or shimano. I am looking for a long term investment and i have heard good things about campy but as we know it does not come cheap. Anyone ride Sram Red? any complaints?issues?mileage? Any feedback would be much appreciated!

For what it's worth, Campagnolo is rebuildable, SRAM and Shimano aren't. Granted, the only two gruppos I have meaningful experience with are Shimano 105 (5600) and Campagnolo Veloce from 2009, so I really can't speak to the quality of the higher-end merchandise, but for what you're talking about I doubt you could really go wrong.

Both of those are great components and I've heard people using Campy's for years. If you're worried about durability with the SRAM, then I'd consider using Force. The latest Force is virtually indistinguishable from Red and has some steel hardware instead of titanium that might make it more durable (for instance, the front derailleur). Only penalty is a little bit of weight.

Also, instead of just their appearances, consider other things as well. Some people don't like the thumb shifters of Campy, while others won't use anything but. SRAM uses a very intuitive "double-tap" system but is a bit noisier in terms of drivetrain.

Thanks for the quick replies really good points, i have tried campy and the thumb action does take some time to get used too. I have not had the pleasure of trying Sram though, but i assume it is pretty close to the shimano operation just that the brake lever is not used. as for drivetrain noise yeah i have heard that as well i guess it can't be any louder than my 105 setup i have now:lol:

I do like that factor about it being rebuildable!!!

Frankly your best option and cheapest would be to get an Ultegra crank and BB. Then get a set of Ultegra 6600 brakes and you will be set. I swapped out my FSA crank for a Shimano 105 Hollowtech and what a huge difference. I also replaced the cane creek sc3's with ultegra 6600 and they are better and look better for only $100. Get the older 6600 it is cheaper works good. I still have 105 brifters but they are fine with ultegra FD and RD. 105 stuff is fine unless you just have money you don't mind spending on the upgrade. For this upgrade you could spend less than $250 then look at wheels.

Campy is not any more expensive than the other groups if you compare comparable models from the same seller.
Best bet is to try different equipment, ignore the "xyz is best" arguments (they're all good). and go with what you like.

One argument against Campy is that it is not as readily available as Shimano and Sram are. So, if you ride a lot and constantly need replacement parts you may take that into consideration...

SRAM is rebuildable. A SRAM shifter is like five parts.

I have two SRAM Red bikes and really like it. I don't keep bikes more than about 3 years though. For a long term bike, I would probably go Campy.

I vote 2011 Record.

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/s...g?t=1293823696

If you go for Campy, you might want to work eBay for 10-speed components.

FWIW I agree with deacon mark re Ultegra 6700. If you go that route, you might want to pick up a set of brake calipers, too. I have older Ultegras; powerful and good modulation.

i've got red and da on my bikes. you can't go wrong with top shelf stuff.

But SRAM does NOT sell repair parts or kits for the internals. Hard to make a repair when all they sell is the brake lever and finger lever.

Campy no longer sells individual internal parts for the 2009+ shifters either, but they do sell reasonably priced assemblies that include everything but the brake lever, band clamp and brake hood ($90-130).

Maybe. It's a good idea to have spares of wear items on hand anyway, no matter the brand. Then you'll already have the correct item when you need it.