Campagnolo or Shimano

[Mike2105]

Hi. First thread.

I'm looking at a new road bike, not sure when will actually change but doing loads of research. One bike I'm looking at is the Bianchi Infinito CV. It comes with both Campagnolo Athena / Chorus and Shimano Ultegra group sets.

I'm a lifelong shimano fan and have never used anything else - however I've a couple of friends with Bianchi bikes, a few years older all with Campagnolo sets on them and they love them. However I'm not sure if they can remember when they last used Shimano!!!

I love the design and style of Italian products so am seriously considering the Campagnolo group set but have no experience of them. Or how they work for that matter!! Plus will have to buy new tools. Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[vickster]

Go test ride both options and see how you get on...

But for Bianchi afficionados ... Bianchi + Shimano = sacrilege

That said I'm in no place to offer advice as all of my geared bikes run SRAM

 

[fossyant]

Italian frames = Italian components. That's me though. I went for Italian tubes, built by a local Englishman, and stuck Shimano Dura Ace on it.

 

[GrumpyGregry]

Its a religious thing, you make a choice and then spend a lot of effort justifying it to those who chose the other way.

 

[Sittingduck]

Bianchi should be Campag.

 

[Kestevan]

I like SRAM.


But I'd rather see a Bianchi with Campag, anything else is just wrong somehow,

 

[Milkfloat]

I would not have a Bianchi with Shimano, but then again I would not have a Bianchi that was not celeste. Totally irrational I know, especially as I would be more than happy to buy a Wilier or Colnago with Shimano and in any colour.

 

[bpsmith]

I have a Bianchi Sempre Pro with Ultegra. @vickster 's night are as its predominantly Matte Black, as she knows.

I imported mine as was an amazingly good deal for such a great bike. They usually hold back the full Celesté colour schemes for the Campag equipped models. Hence you see the combo a lot.

I love the Ultegra setup, but could have been tempted by Campag in fairness. Nothing wrong either way.

What I like most about mine is that you don't see many Matte Black Bianchi's sporting Ultegra.

It's all about being individual.

Also means I can rock my long sleeve full Celesté colour jersey and gloves without looking like an absolute FKW on a Celesté bike too.

 

[winjim]

Campagnolo is great. They've really got the hood shape nailed with the v3 ergos.The thumb click downshift is in just the right place, don't let anyone put you off by comparing it with the old Shimano Sora, it's totally different. Gear changing has a nice satisfying kerchunk! action. And it's just well sexy.

 

[bpsmith]

I would like to try out Campag gearing. @winjim 's description of a kerchunk! gear change does t really sell it mind you. Lol.

 

[winjim]

I would like to try out Campag gearing. @winjim 's description of a kerchunk! gear change does t really sell it mind you. Lol.

Oh no, it's a nice satisfying positive engagement sort of kerchunk!, nothing bad.

 

[Sillyoldman]

Good description winjim - t'is the sound of mechanical perfection in action.

 

[ColinJ]

I would like to try out Campag gearing. @winjim 's description of a kerchunk! gear change does t really sell it mind you. Lol.

Oh no, it's a nice satisfying positive engagement sort of kerchunk!, nothing bad.

Good description winjim - t'is the sound of mechanical perfection in action.

My right Chorus shifter has just stopped kerchunking after 13 years use. I didn't realise how much I liked the clunk until it stopped doing it! The indexing still works but I have been missing shifts or overshifting without that obvious clunk to guide me.

PS I just found THIS ARTICLE on how to fix the problem!

Oh, and this video on YouTube showing exactly how to do it ...



I have never looked into servicing a Campag Ergopower shifter (I have never needed to until now) but I suppose I will have to while the best bike is mothballed for the winter.

I really like Campagnolo. If money is not an issue - go for it! I reluctantly have to say that I think Shimano is better value for money though ... (Compare the price of spare parts for the two brands and you will see what I mean!)

 

[slowmotion]

My first road bike had 105s. The current one has Campag Veloce. I very much prefer Veloce. The thumb shifters are wonderful and the hoods are curved and comfortably angled inward. Give Campag a test ride and decide for yourself.

 

[earlestownflya]

campag all day long
chorus or record..if your budget'll stretch