Campag Mirage

Pross

OK before I start I don't want this to turn into a Campag / Shimano / SRAM debate. The bike I'm looking at getting comes with Mirage so it would be irrelevant.

This will be the first bike I've bought in the integrated gear brake lever age and I'm looking at the Wilier La Triestina which comes fitted with 10 speed Mirage (yes, I know it is being discontinued). My questions are:-

1. Is the kit good enough for me to make a comeback in races?
2. Is it easily compatible with Veloce or Centaur in order to allow me to upgrade bit by bit as funds permit?
3. What order would you upgrade components?

Thanks, I know I can rely on you all for good advice!

Slow Downcp

Nothing wrong with Mirage, but it depends how much you're getting it for. The list price is very steep for what it is. Personally, I'd try to stretch a bit further with budget fot at least Veloce - you could get this when available:

http://www.jejamescycles.co.uk/bianchi- ... 49949.html

Can't comment on compatibility, but if okay I'd do shifters first, then chainset, then brakes, and finally gears.

kingrollo

i used a mirage cassette with centaur - no probs

(got ultegra now though! - wow)

Pross

Thanks, I'd be tempted by the Bianchi if they do it in anything other than that traditional mint green / turquoise colour I'm also not overly keen on curved top tubes.

Slow Downcp

Look around - there are a lot better bikes for the money than the Mirage equipped Willier you're looking at (unless you're getting a big discount)?

Pross

I know - I've looked at them all, the Wilier just appeals as it's slightly less common. Tried to see a Boardman road team carbon but none in Hereford, Cwmbran or Newport Bike Huts. Told the guy in Hereford I was trying to choose between that and a Cayo and his only response was that it was a good idea to look around! :shock: I'm obviously living in a parallel universe cos where I am there's a recession and I'd expect any shop with a chance to get me to part with £1000 to be helpful

canamdad

There really isn't anything wrong with Mirage at all. I have it on my winter/rain bike and it works very well. That said, the levers with the Escape mechanism are a real pain because it makes it harder to trim the front derailleur (my principal complaint) and does not support multiple gear changes in the back if you're shifting to higher gears. I switched mine out for 2009 Veloce but the rear shifting is really vague- no solid clicks- something they've supposedly changed for 2010. It's really irritating though because my 2001 Chorus works flawlessly so why did they have to spend so much time getting their new products to work as well?

canamdad

There really isn't anything wrong with Mirage at all. I have it on my winter/rain bike and it works very well. That said, the levers with the Escape mechanism are a real pain because it makes it harder to trim the front derailleur (my principal complaint) and does not support multiple gear changes in the back if you're shifting to higher gears. I switched mine out for 2009 Veloce but the rear shifting is really vague- no solid clicks- something they've supposedly changed for 2010. It's really irritating though because my 2001 Chorus works flawlessly so why did they have to spend so much time getting their new products to work as well?

Monty Dog

The only decent kit you need that'll make you good enough for a comeback for racing is your legs! Upgrades are no problem with compatability - upgrading to Veloce levers first-off is a good idea - the feel more positive and robust in comparison.

Slow Downcp

Have a look at the first three Viners here:

http://www.epic-cycles.co.uk/Viner.htm

Or the Orbeas:

http://www.epic-cycles.co.uk/orbea.htm

I agree the Wilier is a nice bike, but it's not great VFM - Wiggle (I think) were selling them off for less than £700 recently. At that price it's a better option, but at £1,000 there's a lot out there.

gkerr4

mirage is OK - although the levers are a bit plasticy.

You can upgrade to any 10-speed campag bits as funds allow - it is all compatible.

Pross

Thanks everyone.

Slow Downcp, thanks for the links - I like the look of both carbons and the Cela Fuga. My shortlist keeps getting longer

Whay is the Miche stuff like? I not a component tart so I'm happy with anything as long as it works well and is durable. Tempted by the Orbea Vuelta 105 but would put £99 of my own cash towards it to get the 10 speed 105.

Slow Downcp

Miche have made quality track bits for years, and tests of the recent road parts in magazines have all seemed positive. The levers and mechs are Veloce, so one above the Mirage equipped Wilier.

Where are you based? A trip to Epic is well worth it IMHO (despite the recent topic), test a few bikes out, see whether you prefer Shimano or Campag etc.

Pross

I'm in Newport (Gwent) so it isn't too far. They seem to have a really good selection of bikes and slightly more "exotic" than the usual Spesh, Trek etc. so will be finding myself a spare Saturday and going window shopping. Thanks for the info

bigmat

Pross wrote:

Whay is the Miche stuff like? I not a component tart so I'm happy with anything as long as it works well and is durable.

I got the Gladius, didn't rate the Miche brake calipers so replaced those but the chainset / cassette / chain all seem to do the job nicely, nice bit of red anodized bling on the non-drive side of the chainset.

I think over a grand for Mirage on a bike is a bit steep, its decent enough but they must be making a serious mark-up on that. If you do go for the Wilier though I would upgrade to 2009 levers (Veloce or Centaur) as the new shape is a lt beter in my opinion, and also the Mirage plastic levers are a bit of a weak point (although they do the job).

Pross

Thanks, I'm going to look at the options at Epic in a few weeks. Still fancy the Wilier but would splash out on new levers and rear mech if I go that route.