Shimano Tiagra vs Campag Xenon / Veloce

ben7496
ben7496 Posts: 17
edited March 2010 in Workshop
Hi,

I am looking for a Winter Training / Commuting bike and am presently looking at the deals they have at Ribble Cycles.

My other road bike has 105 on, but I cannot afford 105 on my training bike.

I have never used a bike with Campag, but the price and look of the Campag components over the Tiagra / Sora mix seem a better choice.

Can anybody out there help me with advice on choosing the best components that I can afford.

I probably ride about 100 miles a week and take my bike into my LBS to be serviced every 12 months.

I like how my 105 shifts. I am not bothered about weight issues, as it is a commuter / training bike, not a competitive machine. All I want is something that will shift easily, smoothly and be good enough to be used in all weathers and conditions and will last for a good few years.

I hope you can help.

Thank you in advance for your responses.

Comments

  • ratsbeyfus
    ratsbeyfus Posts: 2,841
    I have a bike with Xenon on and have had a load of problems in the last year (broken left shifter and rear derailleur). Xenon seems very plastic. Upgraded these bits to Veloce and no problems since.

    My new bike on order has Tiagra - on the test ride the hoods seemed more roomy/comfy than the veloce ones IMO - this might be worth considering before making your choice.

    I had one of them red bikes but I don't any more. Sad face.

    @ratsbey
  • LDNTrailRider
    LDNTrailRider Posts: 103
    Hi mate

    I have the Ribble with Xenon/Mirage gearing and Veloce brakes. I bought it last autumn. As is noted above, the levers feel very 'plasticy' and cheap. The shifting is ok but could now do with a bit of adjustment after 6 months of riding (not bad I suppose). I don't know much about the Shimano stuff I'm afraid but I would suggest upgrading to a Veloce gear set-up if you're thinking of going down the Campag route and if you can afford it. The shifting is a lot more positive and has a more solid feel to it.

    I'd definitely recommend getting rid of those Rubino tyres as well. They're no good for commuting - or anything else for that matter. Get some that offer more puncture protection. Good bike though. I'm very happy with mine.
  • sturmey
    sturmey Posts: 964
    Can recommend Tiagra -the latest sti shifters are excellent-no difference between these and 105 which i also use.
    I'd definitely recommend getting rid of those Rubino tyres as well. They're no good for commuting - or anything else for that matter. Get some that offer more puncture protection.

    This may be the experience of the above poster but I have ridden on these Rubinos for 5000 training and commuting miles without a single p******e. I think they are worth the paltry £9 each they sell them for.
    Don't know how some people get so many p******es!
  • LDNTrailRider
    LDNTrailRider Posts: 103
    sturmey wrote:
    This may be the experience of the above poster but I have ridden on these Rubinos for 5000 training and commuting miles without a single p******e. I think they are worth the paltry £9 each they sell them for.
    Don't know how some people get so many p******es!

    Lucky you!

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