Record or Red?

JonEdwards

So having been a bit slack on my chain replacement regime, I'm now left needing at a bare minimum new chainset (want to go compact now I've moved to the Peaks), BB, cassette chain. I've got 5 years out of it, so I've not done too bad... I also need a new freehub body for my Kysriums

The current groupset is 2004 Record (mostly bought s/hand). To replace with Chorus cranks and Centaur cassette, KMC chain is going to set me back the best part of £400 and still leave me with 8 year old, and frankly a bit baggy, shifters & mechs.

So I'm looking at entire groupsets. Shimano is not an option because I don't like the wobbly brake levers.

I can get Record 11 or new SRAM Red for about the same price, and i've had a poke and prod at both in the shop, but not had chance to ride them.

Record - pluses
Familiar
Hoods feel nicest
Multiple upshifts
11S, so closer ratios
Looks nice
...it's Campag...?

Record minuses
Bit porky compared to new Red
11S, so finickier setup
Freehub compatibility issues

Red - pluses
VERY light
New hood shape is nicer than the old red
Much bigger selection of wheels available (some C24s might be on the shopping list if I go this route).
Freehub matches all my other bikes (and the SOs - she has Force). Could stick an MTB cassette on if needed for Alpine stuff (mech cage allowing).

Red minuses
Shifting doesn't seem so intuitive.
No multiple upshifts
There seems to be a big "void" on the inside of the hoods underneath the rubber, just where my thumb would rest when riding on the hoods. Having spotted it, I think it would bug me
Levers seem to have a limited lifespan before wearing out...? (old Red, anecdotal)

I know there's no "right" answer here. Head kinda says SRAM, heart says Campag...
Once I've made a decsion, I'm sure it'll all be fine and lovely, and I'll just get on and ride, but until then...

So - advice and comments please...? Ta!

ugo.santalucia

If I were you I would stick to Record 2004. It is the best groupset Campagnolo has done in recent times and the newer 11 speed Record is not as good. You can fit any chainset you like, as long as it matches the bottom bracket, so just pick the one on offer, lower the front derailleur and you're good to go.
Your shifters only need new cables and maybe a good clean, the Record are virtually forever, the latest ones a bit less so

daviesee

Frame?

JonEdwards

Your shifters only need new cables and maybe a good clean, the Record are virtually forever, the latest ones a bit less so

Cables are only 6 months old. It's more the buzzs and rattles from the (mostly left) lever and the sloppiness in the mechs that suggest they're on the way out.

Frame?

Santa Cruz Roadster. (possibly '02 vintage - again s/hand, end of '05...)

As an aside, I assume there's no issues running a 10S chain on 11S rings?

jonomc4

you can get a better gear range with Red (they also do a long reach rear mech now - this may be more important than anything if you are in a very hilly area.

giant_man

This is very easy - campagnolo every time, rubbish Sram simply doesn't compare

daviesee

JonEdwards wrote:

Frame?

Santa Cruz Roadster. (possibly '02 vintage - again s/hand, end of '05...)

In which case probably Red, unless you prefer Campag. Always get what you want and ignore everyone else.
I was just checking that it wasn't for an Italian frame. You wouldn't have a choice if it was.

ugo.santalucia

I think you have asked the wrong question and this will turn into the usual tedious brand defence...
I think your rear mech needs a good clean too, these are also virtually ethernal, I have a 1952 derailleur which works fine. The rattling is a Campagnolo issue even with new levers, wrap an elastic band around the brake lever and the problem is solved. Sloppiness can be due to the bearings inside the Ergo in need of a little clean/grease... routine service, there are people who do this kind of jobs and they are worth the money.

You can"upgrade" to 11 speed, but it's a lot of money for no real benefit.

on-yer-bike

You can use a 12-29 cassette with 11 speed and you dont have to worry about the mech cage size. This cassette is good because its like a 10 speed 12-26 with a 29 there for when you need to go up Alpe Duez after 100 miles. Lever shape preference is very important so go Campag.

majormantra

JonEdwards wrote:

As an aside, I assume there's no issues running a 10S chain on 11S rings?

Correct.

passout

I like the SRAM shifting & lack of fettling needed with thier stuff, so would go red. Never had Record though.