Upgrading to Ergo/STI levers. Is it Campag or Shimano?

Question

Looking to upgrade to Ergo/STI system from "classic" friction gear levers and standard brake levers. Looking at 10 speed. From what I make out, I need a new rear mech, new wheels to hold the new cassette, a new chain and of course the levers. Having a rough price up, Campag & Shimano similar in price until you come to levers. Can pick up Campag Xenon for £45 while the Shimano come in at about £120. I appreciate the Campag are bottom of range but big price difference. From a users point of view and to someone that is still stuck in the 80's, how easy are these systems to work and what essentially is the difference between the Campag & Shimano? I'm looking for a system that will enable me to change up and down gears whilst on the hoods, in and out of the saddle and that are comfortable. Was going to keep everything one make but is there anything else I need to consider? I was looking to put these on my "old" Colnago which has "old" Campag throughout already. Also easy to self-fit? Cheers

Answer 1

Depending on the age of your frame, this might not work at all. Old road frames had rear spacing for hubs that had only 5 or six cogs. You might not be able to stuff the wider rear wheel of today in the rear dropouts.

Other than that, Shimano sets up easier and shifts smoother out of the box, while campy is a bit more finicky, and has a 'break-in' period.

but, the shimano stuff will wear out faster.

I'm no shimano fan. I hate the way the cables come out the side of the brake housing, and the double lever control doesn't give as nice and solid of a feel as the campy. Campy has a much cleaner look since the cables are all integrated, and the shifters are separated - upshift with the brake lever and down shift on the thumb lever. No chance of causing a shift while braking. Shifting with full finger gloves on the shimanao gives crappy tactile feedback, while I've been racing _same_ 9 speed Chorus ergo levers for almost ten years and they still feel solid.

I would buy a new bike with chorus or ultegra, and 'restore' the old colnago with period components. It's a great bike to take out on the fall club rides.

Answer 2

Unfortunately, if you are riding an older "10 speed" from the 80's it is going to be difficult to make either STI or Ergo work. The amount of parts needed would eclipse the value of the bike. Just in hardware, you would need, an entire drivetrain since the levers would not be compatible with your cranks or derailleurs. Additionally, you need a minimum of 8 speeds in the rear to use either system. I suspect you only have 5 or 6. Sorry the news is not better.

Answer 3

I am very biased, but as a racing cyclist campag has always been considered the Rolls Royce of components.I just think the engineering is beautiful.Treat yourself up to as much as you can afford with Campag.
They make racing car wheels too.The story of how Mr Campanolo started is fascinating.He was a racing cyclist and lost a race because of poor components and made it his life's work to make the best.

Answer 4

since you did not mention what type/style of bike and the name, I would only say that you are better off buying a brand new bike with the component group you want

cheaper in the long run, and with the newer technology you should be able to ride a bit faster, especially when you begin training and become accustomed to the new equipment and riding styles
good luck

Answer 5

they are each and all of the comparable, while you're comparing comparable stages. A teammate of mine makes use of Campy (Veloce), and he or she likes it plenty. Her purely grievance is that this is perplexing to discover aspects in united statesa., simply by fact Campy is an Italian organization by way of and by way of. besides the indisputable fact that, Campy is plenty greater value-efficient over in Europe, simply by fact they're a ecu organization. purely like how SRAM is greater value-efficient than comparable Shimano in united statesa..