2006-10-09 06:08:04 · 11 answers · asked by selorompio 2 in Sports ➔ Cycling
Wow talk about opening a can of worms. You will find most people are die hards being either a Shimano or Campy person. Once they have been inducted into the cult of Shimano or Campy they normally will not leave.
Now for the differences between the two, I would not say one is better than the other one.
Shimano out of the box works flawlessly, smooth clean shifts everytime. The shifts are on the brake levers with the full lever acting as one shift and a smaller leaver behind it acting as another.
Campy is a little rough out of the box. It usually takes about 500 miles to break in, but once you do its smooth as butter. The shifters are the brake lever and a thumb shifter on the hood.
The big difference and one reason you see a lot more Shimano out there than Campy is because of price. A full DA group is $200-300(or was has been awhile since I priced parts) less than a Campy record base group. Now add in the Campy carbon record components and you can jump even higher.
If your not sure what you would like go ride some high end bikes with both groups on them so you can get a feel and see what you like best.
2006-10-09 09:05:45 · answer #1 · answered by Dru 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In functional / reliability terms, you won't find significant differences. Meaning, it doesn't matter, buy the one you prefer.
Me, I prefer Campy for a variety of small reasons:
- I just like the way the shifters work vs Shimano
- I don't like the Shimano cable that sticks out the side
- I like being able to "multi-shift" - this may be important in 'cross.
- Campy small parts are inexpensive, rebuildable, and available. I crashed last year and broke my brake body. This made the difference between buying a whole new pair of brake levers, vs a $15 spare part.
- Campy has the cool factor.
Now the con's:
- price is usually higher, though if you shop around and arent' into full carbon, you can get good deals
- Most wheel makers build for Shimano, not Campy. But there are ways around this problem, for example if you have 10speed it's not a problem.
- Fewer shops are Campy trained. Don't let a guy touch your bike if he doesn't know what he's doing. Just like with Shimano, there are things you can do innocently that will ruin expensive parts.
Background: I've been racing bikes since 1982, including road, mtb, cross. Have ridden many different bikes and equipment setups including of course, Shimano and Campy.
2006-10-10 08:38:19 · answer #2 · answered by scott.braden 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Dru is right about the performance between the two. The big advantage that Campy has over Shimano is you can get all the parts to rebuild the levers & derailleurs. It may cost a lot and be hard to find, but it can be done. Shimano on the other hand, you can replace the brake hoods & pulleys on the rear derailleur and that is about it. Practically every shop has Shimano parts because that's what is on a majority of the bikes. They may or may not have the Campy stuff in stock, just depends on the shop.
This also applies to charity bike rides, you're going to find Shimano but probably not Campy at the tech support tent at the rest stops.
2006-10-09 14:41:57 · answer #3 · answered by icrashalot 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I heard it described that Shimano products are always leading in the innovative area, and Campy is flawlessly crafted. Both are outstanding, if you get their better group sets. One other benefit to Campy is the carbon levers - they don't get cold like the metal ones. That might be useful on a cold race day.
Personally, I use Shimano just because I always have.
2006-10-09 07:05:04 · answer #4 · answered by Jeff 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have some good answers here...
Both camps have fans, and both are excellent. I have Campy and love it. I've had Shimano and had perfectly good luck there too.
I would add that it does seem easier to get Shimano parts, service, repair, etc. More shops seem in tune with Shimano, but that could just be my area...
2006-10-09 10:15:42 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm a Shimano fan, but I haven't been in the market for a while and I do mostly off road.
2006-10-09 06:16:44 · answer #6 · answered by Wurm™ 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They both work very well, but I personally love Campy. The shifting has a more positive feel, and everything Campy makes is rebuildable instead of replacement only!
Campy is lighter, FAR more sexy, and of course more expensive. If aesthetics and superior craftsmanship mean a lot to you, then go Campy. If you just want to get parts for less money and be able to replace them easily, go ShimaNO.
2006-10-10 02:57:43 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I've had road bikes with grupos of both but I suggest shimano. Go for ultegra or dura ace.
2006-10-09 06:19:07 · answer #8 · answered by Nick F 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you are talking about cyclocross, Shimano is a HUGE player out there.
2006-10-09 14:29:21 · answer #9 · answered by davj61 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
shimano is good for bike parts, campagnolo would be best if they still exist.
2006-10-09 12:07:21 · answer #10 · answered by Good Grief 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋