Campy vs shimano

Dazzza
Dazzza Posts: 2,364
edited August 2009 in Road beginners
Im really sorry for opening up this can of worms but what is the differences between the two, am i right in thinking some parts aren't interchangeable like the freewheel body for example you have to fit campag or shimano.
The trouble with having an open mind, of course, is that people will insist on coming along and trying to put things in it.
Giant Anthem X

Comments

  • redddraggon
    redddraggon Posts: 10,862
    SRAM
    I like bikes...

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  • dennisn
    dennisn Posts: 10,601
    Dazzza wrote:
    Im really sorry for opening up this can of worms but what is the differences between the two, am i right in thinking some parts aren't interchangeable like the freewheel body for example you have to fit campag or shimano.

    You are correct about non interchangeable parts. Generally speaking. Usually best to stick to one or the other. Nothing to be gained by mixing and (trying to) matching.
  • balthazar
    balthazar Posts: 1,565
    Any components involved in changing gears should be kept within one manufacturer. Other components – brakes, cranks (and once upon a time, seatposts and stems) – may be mixed, normally.

    There are exceptions to all of that, however.
  • Dazzza
    Dazzza Posts: 2,364
    So how about in use, is campy smoother and faster shifting, i see most roadies prefer sram red or campy over shimano how come?
    The trouble with having an open mind, of course, is that people will insist on coming along and trying to put things in it.
    Giant Anthem X
  • dennisn
    dennisn Posts: 10,601
    Dazzza wrote:
    So how about in use, is campy smoother and faster shifting, i see most roadies prefer sram red or campy over shimano how come?

    Don't know about "over there" but here in the States Shimano seems to be very popular.
    All good stuff.
  • Dazzza
    Dazzza Posts: 2,364
    Thanks, the reason for all the questions is im thinking of turning over to the dark side and im trying to brush up as best i can.

    Current bike choice is a focus cayo expert or a carbon caan9.
    The trouble with having an open mind, of course, is that people will insist on coming along and trying to put things in it.
    Giant Anthem X
  • Takis61
    Takis61 Posts: 239
    Think it is just down to personal preference, feel of hoods, campy thumbshifters or not.
    All 3 groupsets work really well, then there is cost of whiich level to aim at.
    I had Sora, entry level Shimano, for years - just got Campag Centaur, so not experienced SRAM or higher level Shimano.
    My knees hurt !
  • Harry182
    Harry182 Posts: 1,170
    What redddragon said.
  • I'm thinking of upgrading to SRAM rival groupset for £350 ish. It seems to me Sram is better quality for your £'s from reading a few reviews.
    Bianchi. There are no alternatives only compromises!
    I RIDE A KONA CADABRA -would you like to come and have a play with my magic link?
  • nferrar
    nferrar Posts: 2,511
    Much of a muchness really, anyone claiming one is much better than other is probably jsut trying to convince themselves the money they spent was worth it. Personally I use Shimano these days but only really because the last two bikes I bought had Shimano groupsets. SRAM looks best value for money but I'm not convinced I'd get on with the double-tap, not tried it though so wouldn't be a deal breaker for me if I had a chance to play with it first. If I were buying a decent Italian frame like a Colnago or Pinarello I'd likely go with Campag but other than that will probably stick with Shimano...
  • bobtbuilder
    bobtbuilder Posts: 1,537
    SRAM looks best value for money but I'm not convinced I'd get on with the double-tap

    It's really instinctive. I had always ridden Shimano, but took a test ride on a bike with the SRAM Force groupset. No problems with it at all.
  • nipon
    nipon Posts: 68
    Gears are gears to me i only went for the campag option because all the cables are out of site and the hoods were smaller which i personaly think looks better.
  • bikerZA
    bikerZA Posts: 314
    Got to me Campy in my opinion. The shape of the hoods and the position of the levers can't be beaten.
  • Meds1962
    Meds1962 Posts: 391
    Don't underestimate the importance of comfort on the hoods as you'll be on them for more time than the drops or top of the bars. No good if it looks nice but kills your hands on longer rides.
    O na bawn i fel LA
  • pickled
    pickled Posts: 439
    I much prefer the Campag thumb lever for changing down, plus shape and feel of the hoods.
    Haven't tried SRAM
  • kingrollo
    kingrollo Posts: 3,198
    Started with Ultegra, then Campy Centuar, and now back to ultegra. Ultegra provides a lighter shifting action - and I find the brake hoods more comfy.

    Campy hides the cables, which is nice. and in 8 years on campy I never had a mechanical issue. Neither is bad in my opinion - and if its your first bike - I d go with whats cheapest - put the saved cash to some wheels.

    Haven't used SRAM - but don't hear many complaints. No groupset will hold you back - or make you a champion.
  • Escargot
    Escargot Posts: 361
    As a neutral I tried both and found the Campag rear mech (Mirage) silky smooth and a joy to use. By comparison the Ultegra I now have feels clunky but the hoods are sooooo much more comfortable and I much prefer the up/down shifts.

    It's a real shame for me that you can't mix match as I'd love a Campag rear mech with my Ultegra levers.
  • Diogenes
    Diogenes Posts: 1,628
    I have Campy on my road machine and shimano on my tourer. Both are good, the only benefit I can see with Shimano is the ability to mix and match MTB kit with road kit which is really helpful when touring loaded. My tourer has a mix of Sora, 105, Tiagra and Deore, works as smooth as silk. Campy tend to limit to road kit and I reckon is more expensive for the same quality than Shimano.

    For years, and my humble opinion has not changed, the best value for money road groupset is 105.

    D :D
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Posts: 79,665
    It's all good.
  • dilemna
    dilemna Posts: 2,187
    Camano and Shimolo for me :lol:
    Life is like a roll of toilet paper; long and useful, but always ends at the wrong moment. Anon.
    Think how stupid the average person is.......
    half of them are even more stupid than you first thought.
  • bompington
    bompington Posts: 7,674
    Escargot wrote:
    As a neutral I tried both and found the Campag rear mech (Mirage) silky smooth and a joy to use. By comparison the Ultegra I now have feels clunky but the hoods are sooooo much more comfortable and I much prefer the up/down shifts.

    It's a real shame for me that you can't mix match as I'd love a Campag rear mech with my Ultegra levers.
    I need to check my profile - I must have missed the bit where you have to declare allegiance to a manufacturer. Is it just Shim & Campag or can you choose anyone?
  • dennisn
    dennisn Posts: 10,601
    I've got an old bike on a trainer with down tube shifters and brake hoods than have the cable coming out of the top. The hoods themselves(rubber of some sort and probably 20 or more years old) don't feel any more or less comfortable than my new DA hoods on my other bike. Must be a lot of really SENSITIVE people out there as they keep talking about
    this feels better than that and so on and so on.
  • I think its a preference, rather than being sensative. I have tried Shimano, Campag and SRAM. I run Campy on my SS (personal preference), and SRAM on my Roubaix.

    p.s. I can't help it if Shimano users are over sensative, conservative poofs... :wink:
    jedster wrote:
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    FCN 3 or 4 on road depending on clothing
    FCN 8 off road because I'm too old to go racing around.
  • Chip \'oyler
    Chip \'oyler Posts: 2,323
    IT'S CAMPAG NOT CAMPY FFS :evil:
    Expertly coached by http://www.vitessecyclecoaching.co.uk/

    http://vineristi.wordpress.com - the blog for Viner owners and lovers!
  • de_sisti
    de_sisti Posts: 1,283
    IT'S CAMPAG NOT CAMPY FFS :evil:

    Does it matter FFS? :roll: :wink:
  • Chip \'oyler
    Chip \'oyler Posts: 2,323
    maander wrote:
    IT'S CAMPAG NOT CAMPY FFS :evil:

    Does it matter FFS? :roll: :wink:

    Yes it does when it makes me a grumpy bugga at work :lol:
    Expertly coached by http://www.vitessecyclecoaching.co.uk/

    http://vineristi.wordpress.com - the blog for Viner owners and lovers!
  • Dazzza
    Dazzza Posts: 2,364
    IT'S CAMPAG NOT CAMPY FFS :evil:

    Actually it's campagnolo. :P
    The trouble with having an open mind, of course, is that people will insist on coming along and trying to put things in it.
    Giant Anthem X
  • Campag has the italian about it, the mamma mia its-a-me-mario.

    Put it like this: Campag is Pagani Zonda or Ferrari. ITALIAN

    Shimano is Nissan or Mitsubishi. JAPANESE

    And SRAM? A toss up between Dodge and Corvette. Sorry i mean chevrolet. USA

    I'll stick with whatever is the best price wise and weight wise.
    Ultegra ICE!!!!!!
    Must go faster.
  • Chip \'oyler
    Chip \'oyler Posts: 2,323
    Dazzza wrote:
    IT'S CAMPAG NOT CAMPY FFS :evil:

    Actually it's campagnolo. :P

    No shit sherlock
    Expertly coached by http://www.vitessecyclecoaching.co.uk/

    http://vineristi.wordpress.com - the blog for Viner owners and lovers!
  • If I won the lottery, I would get a Colnago c50 and put Dura Ace (Di2) on it. I'd get a cheap hybrid and put Super Record on that.

    Or do you reckon Red on an Italian bike would annoy people more?