Ryun
09-29-2013, 07:01 AM
decided to dip my toe in the Dura Ace world on my latest bike. I have been using Campagnolo components pretty much exclusively since the early 90s with a slight dabble in shimano when Di2 came out. I had too many wheels to have 10 sp and 11sp at the same time. With everything 11sp now and rumored cross compatibility of wheelsets, I was looking to try Shimano again.
Here are just some random impressions from the install:
- I really like the finish. Somehow after all the carbon bits on campy it is nice to have a group that is mostly metal. I will have to see how it holds up against oxidization in Florida but for now it looks great.
-The levers are a bit bulkier than I expected but are comfortable enough once you are riding. The transition from the bar is smoother with campy but it still works. Derailleur cable routing through the lever isnt intuitive and took me a while to even find the right spot to insert it. Once you peel back the hoods (which are very firm) you can figure it out.
-It is nice to have a group that doesnt use torx fittings to install although most evrything is a 5mm, a couple of 4mm are thrown in for good just to mess with you.
-The brakes have a lot going on visually and arent particularly light but setup easily and seem to have a ton of power. The barrel adjusters are a bit funky to me and have the quick release on the brake is something to get use to.
-The new front mech also takes a bit of getting used to. the reinforcement bolt and plate on the frame are funky and the cable routing on both derailleurs seem to be at odd angles. But while setup takes a little longer, it is all pretty straight forward. Performance is phenomal. Best mechanical fd I have ever used and faster than my eps setup. I normally run a 53/42 so I was concerned switching to 53/39 but it shifts so quickly and easily I was shocked.
-I'm not sure I am a fan of the plastic end caps on the cables but there are at least extra included and they wont rust. Campy seems to short you on ferrules these days. The gray cables are different but look okay. have to remember to use ferrules on both ends of the housing unlike ergos.
-The cables are coated with something that makes em look rusty and it frays the first time you clamp it down. Action feels smooth with them but we will see how long it lasts.
-The rear derailleur setup is straight forward although the cable takes an odd angle to the bolt. Seems very light for an all metal mech.
-The cranks are funky to look at but they are growing on me. I like the polish look. The new bottom bracket seems tiny. a little bit of a thowback to when bearings fit in the bb shell. They include a plastic adapter to help your current tool fit which also helps keep you from scratching it. I still am not a huge fan of the way you tighten the non-drive side crank are on. I prefer the direct connection of the ultra torque cranks. Also looks cleaner without the bolts showing. Those 5mm bolts seem prone to strip if the wrench slips.
Even with that the cranks dont creak or moan under load so its all good.
It does not spin nearly as free as the CULT bb on super record but we will see how it breaks in.
-The chain is no longer directional and seems fairly straightforward. The pin install is a little too easy and makes me nervous. despite campy requiring a fancy tool, the pin install has a more positive install and is more reassuring. First couple out of saddle experiences where a little nervous but seems to be in there.
-I havent built up the hubs yet so all the riding has been on a campy record 11 cassette. Shifting feel is pretty good although the new motion takes a little getting used to. Downshifting from the drops is easier than the campy thumb lever even for a very experienced campy user. Just no way round it, in a sprint it is easier to get to.
Shifting on the campy cassette is pretty good. Chain runs quietly along the cogs and upshifts are solid. Once I get the proper cassette on there I will know more but I have done several rides with campy wheels on there with no issues and acceptable if not superb shifting.
Just thought Id share...
Here are just some random impressions from the install:
- I really like the finish. Somehow after all the carbon bits on campy it is nice to have a group that is mostly metal. I will have to see how it holds up against oxidization in Florida but for now it looks great.
-The levers are a bit bulkier than I expected but are comfortable enough once you are riding. The transition from the bar is smoother with campy but it still works. Derailleur cable routing through the lever isnt intuitive and took me a while to even find the right spot to insert it. Once you peel back the hoods (which are very firm) you can figure it out.
-It is nice to have a group that doesnt use torx fittings to install although most evrything is a 5mm, a couple of 4mm are thrown in for good just to mess with you.
-The brakes have a lot going on visually and arent particularly light but setup easily and seem to have a ton of power. The barrel adjusters are a bit funky to me and have the quick release on the brake is something to get use to.
-The new front mech also takes a bit of getting used to. the reinforcement bolt and plate on the frame are funky and the cable routing on both derailleurs seem to be at odd angles. But while setup takes a little longer, it is all pretty straight forward. Performance is phenomal. Best mechanical fd I have ever used and faster than my eps setup. I normally run a 53/42 so I was concerned switching to 53/39 but it shifts so quickly and easily I was shocked.
-I'm not sure I am a fan of the plastic end caps on the cables but there are at least extra included and they wont rust. Campy seems to short you on ferrules these days. The gray cables are different but look okay. have to remember to use ferrules on both ends of the housing unlike ergos.
-The cables are coated with something that makes em look rusty and it frays the first time you clamp it down. Action feels smooth with them but we will see how long it lasts.
-The rear derailleur setup is straight forward although the cable takes an odd angle to the bolt. Seems very light for an all metal mech.
-The cranks are funky to look at but they are growing on me. I like the polish look. The new bottom bracket seems tiny. a little bit of a thowback to when bearings fit in the bb shell. They include a plastic adapter to help your current tool fit which also helps keep you from scratching it. I still am not a huge fan of the way you tighten the non-drive side crank are on. I prefer the direct connection of the ultra torque cranks. Also looks cleaner without the bolts showing. Those 5mm bolts seem prone to strip if the wrench slips.
Even with that the cranks dont creak or moan under load so its all good.
It does not spin nearly as free as the CULT bb on super record but we will see how it breaks in.
-The chain is no longer directional and seems fairly straightforward. The pin install is a little too easy and makes me nervous. despite campy requiring a fancy tool, the pin install has a more positive install and is more reassuring. First couple out of saddle experiences where a little nervous but seems to be in there.
-I havent built up the hubs yet so all the riding has been on a campy record 11 cassette. Shifting feel is pretty good although the new motion takes a little getting used to. Downshifting from the drops is easier than the campy thumb lever even for a very experienced campy user. Just no way round it, in a sprint it is easier to get to.
Shifting on the campy cassette is pretty good. Chain runs quietly along the cogs and upshifts are solid. Once I get the proper cassette on there I will know more but I have done several rides with campy wheels on there with no issues and acceptable if not superb shifting.
Just thought Id share...