Zonda v Racing 3 & Centaur v Ultegra

RB1260

I took up road cycling a year ago using a second hand bike, which was equipped with some older Campagnolo equipment (Accord gearing and Scirroco wheels).

I'm now in the market for a new bike and having already decided on which frame, I'm struggling on wheels and gearing systems, so therefore am looking for some advice.

My local dealer has presented me with two options for both components within my price range. Campagnolo Zonda and Fulcrum Racing 3 and Campagnolo Centaur (carbon I think) and Shimano Ultegra.

Living in Switzerland my cycling takes in a fairly mixed bag of terrain, I would say leaning slightly more towards time spent on long gradual climbs, with the occasional 25km triathlon ride.

I'm 188cm and 87kgs.

Any advice based on first hand experience of these products would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance, Richard.

kenbaxter

You won't got wrong with Campag Centaur. Reliable, long lasting and very very stylish.

Can't comment directly on your choice of wheels though. Fulcrums are made by Campag and all Campag wheels I've had have been bombproof and have had excellent hubs.

THEY DON'T CALL IT SHIMA-NO FOR NOTHING

redddraggon

Carbon Campag V Plain old Ultegra? Both about £380 (that's what I paid anyway). Campag anyday.

The question of wheels however? As they are both made by the same people, get the wheels which most match your intended frame, personally I'd probably go for the F3s.

SteveR_100Milers

Since you are 87kgs then strength is perhaps more important than all out weight. R3's seem to have a good reputation for being stiff but not especially light, i.e. ideal for someone of your weight.

McHattie

RB1260, I've just faced these same decisions for a new bike, and happily plumped for the Fulcrum R3's and for Ultegra. I was guided by some very helpful advice from the dealer, but really for the gearset it came down to personal preference. Personally, I prefer the chunkier brake hoods of Shimano, but that's just my choice.

Stwutter

Ask if you can ride both, and choose for your self. It's the only way. Genarally most Campag riders swear by it, and Shimano is almost a swear word (including myself... ). You'll probably get used to either, but if you try both, you may prefer the bigger surface area grip that Ultegra has, or the more understated Centaur.

As for wheels, I used to have Zondas, and they're great wheels, but I'm sure the F3's are good too (had F7's originally). Again, ride them - you'll probably find that you'll choose the par that looks the nicest...

wildmoustache

yeah, i would go for centaur and zondas as well, but it's a personal thing really which system you prefer and to be honest there is very little difference between those two wheelsets. same level, same idea, similar weight just different aesthetic.

i'd argue centaur has the edge over ultegra in that it's lighter and has the option of a 50-36 compact whereas ultegra only has a 50-34 compact option. i'd much rather have a 36 small ring to a 34.

but as another poster says, it's really more down to shifter ergonomic preference and aesthetics. carbon UT chainset or ultegra alloy ... hmmm

McHattie

That reminds me, actually - the gear ratios were relevant for me when choosing the gearset. With Ultegra I could have a rear SRAM cassette with a wide 11-27 range. It means I have decent gears for going up and down hills - possibly relevant for you in Switzerland.

Simon Notley

I have the Zonda/Ultegra combination and I'm very happy with both, the wheels are so good I'm planning on buying the top of the line Shamal for this season. The Shamal came top in an aerodynamics test a short time ago, so the zondas must be similarly quick as they have the same design.

Choose Shimano vs Campag based on the levers, they're the important bits... try both, even if you don't get to ride, just rest your hands on them.

Simon

a_n_t

just click on the pic down there VVV

il_principe

Fulcrum and Centaur - a marriage made in heaven.

Mog Uk

Zonda and Ultegra - a marriage made in heaven.

kenbaxter

Mog Uk wrote:

Zonda and Ultegra - a marriage made in heaven.

...and in need of a divorce lawyer.

Mind you although I'm a Campy fan I do like the way Shimano designed the levers to have a handy washing line on the front of your bike.

a_n_t

so we're agreed then? zondas and centaur?

kenbaxter

Its a deal.

Next.....