Which Campagnolo groupset?

[goody]

I will be getting a new 'best bike' soon and wondered whether I should stretch to Athena or stick with Veloce. My current bike has Veloce shifters and I'm happy with their feel and performance. Would the difference just be the extra sprocket and lighter weight? My current thinking is 10 speed is probably enough and if I want to save weight then the wheels might be a better place to stretch the budget.
Cheers!

 

[Scilly Suffolk]

I can't comment on modern Campag, but agree that the wheels would be a better place to spend your money.

With my late 80s/early 90s gear, there is a noticeable change in quality when you move up to Athena, more so than between Athena and Chorus; I'm not sure if this distinction continues to the present day.

Either way, you'll get more "bang for your buck" if you were to spend the difference between Veloce and Athena on wheels.

 

[StuAff]

Got one bike with Athena (the original version with UT chainset) and one with Veloce (2007/8 vintage). Nothing wrong with Veloce by any means, but Athena is definitely noticeably better in precision and feel. AFAIC, it's the best-bang-for-the-buck group in the entire Campag range. SS is right though, you'd get more improvement for your money with wheels.

 

[PpPete]

Veloce is now Powershift, I prefer the older Ultrashift micro ratchet for the front. Not sure I'd want to go 11 speed though.

 

[accountantpete]

I'd hold on to the 10spd. 11spd stuff is expensive and doesn't bring an awful lot extra to the party.

I'm dumping all my expensive Campy stuff on the faint notion that Germany leaves the Euro, the Euro tanks and Campagnolo Record groupsets can be had for £150.

 

[Chrisc]

I have Veloce on one bike. Very nice indeed. And 11sp Athena on the new one. Much much nicer.
This of course could be the effect of newness but it's very slick indeed and closer ratio with the 18 sprocket in the cassette.
Better wheels still most likely the best upgrade tho.
Would I give up the Athena now? No.

 

[Landslide]

Depending on your finances, you might be better off getting the better groupset now, and upgrading your wheels at a later date.

 

[Garz]

Got one bike with Athena (the original version with UT chainset) and one with Veloce (2007/8 vintage). Nothing wrong with Veloce by any means, but Athena is definitely noticeably better in precision and feel. AFAIC, it's the best-bang-for-the-buck group in the entire Campag range. SS is right though, you'd get more improvement for your money with wheels.

+1

If you can afford the Athena go for it. I also agree that wheels make a lot of difference, but as landslide said - depends on your finances.

 

[Scilly Suffolk]

If the price is right...

 

[TheDoctor]

What's wrong with 105?
*& hides*