Views on Shimano 105 and Campagnolo Xeon

TheWildHaggis

Hiya folks,

I am relatively new to this road cycling lark (having converted from the dark side of MTB), I know that campagnolo is well thought off and that the xeon is the lowest offering on their range, but how does it compare with the 105 groupset? I am looking at doing a Ribble 'build your own bike' using super light frame with either a 105 or the xeon groupset, any advice? The ridding will be mainly for Duathlons and the occasion TT as well as training runs.

Thanks in advance.

RedAende

Xenon probably closer to Tiagra. For 105 I'd compare to Veloce.

Cleat Eastwood

xenon is/was entry level campag, similar to shimanos entry level sora. 105 is more 'advanced', and in my opinion more comfortable and easier to maintain.

g00se

Campag stopped making Xenon (and Mirage) in 2009 - though they still appear as OEM kit on some Bianchi and Willier bikes. I would agree that they're lower spec than 105 - for similar Campag, you'd need to look at Veloce.

The Xenon still works though...

TheWildHaggis

Okay thanks for the replys. Gave me more to think about. I am attracted to the 105 groupset but i am trying to convince myself that it worth the extra dosh over the tiagra. Does any body know what the weight difference between 105 10spd and tiagra 10spd is?

t4tomo

less than a large pre ride dump. i.e the weight difference is minimal.

The "cockpit" i.e shifters etc are slightly different, 105 will be marginally slicker shifting but not that noticable. The biggest difference is that you and other riders will know you've spent marginally more on 105 kit than tiagra. That may or may not make you feel better. Go into a bike shop and compare the two side by side and see what you think.

petemadoc

TheWildHaggis wrote:

Okay thanks for the replys. Gave me more to think about. I am attracted to the 105 groupset but i am trying to convince myself that it worth the extra dosh over the tiagra. Does any body know what the weight difference between 105 10spd and tiagra 10spd is?

105 shifters have cables which all run underneath the bar tape

Tiagra has gear cables which stick out from the side of the shifter and run in front of your bars

This is the main difference between the two I would say

wheezee

A large pre-ride dump can be about 300gs :shock: This is the kind of important info. that other sites neglect.

Evil Laugh

Tiagra and 105 have different shaped hoods. That is probably the most important difference as you hold these the majority of the time you are riding. I prefer the new shape (105 5700).

As for the equivalent campag to 105, you could argue 105 is equivalent to chorus in that they are both the first group in the range to have the same ergonomics, function and design as the top group, discounting electric.

Performance is at least on a par with Athena IME. Weight and arguably looks suffer though.

ddraver

For Shimano/SRAM

Tiagra = Deore = Apex (but with a big asterix by Apex as its a bit special)
105 = SLX = Rival
Ultegra = XT = Force
DuraAce = XTR = Red

give or take....

with regard to Campag or Shim - find a shop with both and see which one is most comfortable for you - performance is identical - much like the Shimano/SRAM debate on the light side . I'm afraid I don't know the campag groups so well so I'm loathed to list them in order lest I give you bad advice...

g00se

This is completely subjective - but it may help:

Campag : Shimano

Super Record
Record
Dura Ace
Chorus
Ultegra
Athena
Centaur 105
Veloce
Tiagra
Mirage*
Xenon* Sora**
2300

* Only available OEM in older shape levers
** The new 2013 Sora is higher specified.

p1tse

Good informative post. Does this still hold true now on the above?

g00se

Yup. But I wound say the 2013 Sora is higher spec than Mirage.

ratsbeyfus

Xenon is sh!t and not worthy of the campag name. Weak plastic FD shifter paddles break easily when working against the spring action of the front derailleur. Steer well clear.

velohutts

I have ridden veloce for the last year on a lovely bike , I have also ridden some older 105 and just purchased some ultegra di2 for for 'best'.
The veloce groupset has proven faultless in all that time as has the 105. The di2 is superb.
Unless you are a real weight weenie I would say both are very good , the ergonomics are different and the change is also slightly different in campag gives a more mechanical change in you feel it move and the shimano is quieter.
This is not a fault and there are endless discussions on campag v shimano v sram but all very personal opinions.
I would suggest trying each and see which you prefer of either brand and buy the best you can afford,you won't be disappointed with either and both can be upgraded with individual parts as they require , I am looking at athena as upgrades when needed but that will be a year long process.
good luck with the choice.
( super record and dura ace are both v nice though)VH