Ergo Levers
 

I have been thinking of switching my campy ergolevers to the newer shaped versions. Reason for the switch would be comfort. I find I spend much more time on the hoods while riding the tandem then when I am riding the single. I am running 10 spped campy levers with 9 speed shimano derailer and cog set, I am happy with the performance of that configuration and would only be switching for comfort. Can anybody offer some insight based on use of both versions of the campy levers? Do the new shifters shift any better or worse than the older versions? Based on expeience does this seem like a worthwhile upgrade?

Thanks

I can comment on old Dura Ace 7800 compared to the new Campy Ultrashift Centaur levers.
The Campy levers are much more comfortable with a large flat area on top and overall favorable shape.
I also much prefer the shifting over Shimano and I have used Shimano for a long time.
I just ordered another pair of the Centaur levers to replace the aging Dura Ace on my single bike.
I went with Centaur because they come in 10 speed instead of 11 and you can get them with carbon levers for around $200 here:

http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/sp/roa...SS943000000000

Are there any reasons (other than weight) for preferring Centaur over Veloce?

We have got the 2009 Ergo Levers on our tandem, and on my half-bike I just upgraded from 2006 to 2010.

The new shape is more comfortable. There is more to hold onto. What I really like about it is that it its uprightousness feels more secure, such that in a descent while on the hoods you don't feel like your hands are going to fly off if you hit a bump. It shifts a lot better too, however this is mainly because my 2006 levers were worn.

You'd be looking at Centaur, as these have the new shape, but are still in 10 speed, and will shift the triple. PBK has 2011's for $194 (or will, when they are in stock).

http://www.probikekit.com/_img_200x256/L0093.jpg

There isn't that much difference in price, and the Centaur has carbon, which would go well with Chichi's carbon frame.

http://www.probikekit.com/_img_200x256/L5068.jpg

The Campy website has a comparison tool, and the Centaur and Veloce apparently have different mechanisms. The Centaur is Ultra-Shift™, whereas the Veloce is ESCAPE™. You can dump multiple gears with Centaur with one thumb push, and with Veloce not so much.

I actually agonized between Centaur and Veloce on this last order because Veloce was about $70 less through Ribble. I think the only difference is really the levers. In the end it came down to I already have good experience with Centaur and my Time VXR being carbon "deserved" the look and feel of carbon levers.

I can dump about four or five in the back with one thumb push on my Veloce. If I need to go the full nine it takes two.

The difference in action between the Ultra-Shift™ and ESCAPE™ is that Ultra-Shift™ shifts when you press the lever and ESCAPE™ shifts when you release the lever, so you get only one "click" per shift with the ESCAPE™ mechanism. ESCAPE™ is really an inferior mechanism.

OK. I checked the Campagnolo web site (Tech Info), downloaded the 2009 Veloce catalogue, and - guess what?
We apparently have the Ultra-Shift™ version.

I also pulled down the 2010 catalogue, and the Escape™ version appears to be gone. But they're only 11 speed now, so if you have fewer than 11 speeds, you get some extra clicks on the ends.

Centaur and Veloce are still 10 speed.

Not according to the Campagnolo catalog. However, there may still be plenty of 10 speed stock out there.

From the Campagnolo 2010 catalog (see the Campagnolo website / Tech info / 2010 catalog - not Chinese): Roughly page 64.

Spoke to my mechanic today and he strongly discouraged me from using the "shaped" ergo levers. Customers have been happy with the feel of the shifters but performance and durability have not been as good as the older design.

Shape: Winner = 09+
Shifting: Winner = pre 09

I still like the strong click of the older stuff.

I have the 09 (new style) Centaur on my half-bike
I have 08 Chorus on our tandem.

they said "11 speed design" not 11spd... they are referring to the shape of the levers. they are shaped like the 11 speed levers that came out with that shape first.