Tell me I'm making a mistake: DA 9100 -> Chorus 12?

[cvbm]

As the title says, I think I am having a case of "grass is greener" and want some outside commentary to add to my thoughts.

I have used SRAM Force 1 for the last 4 years and just decided to switch back to not on 2x but also Shimano with my latest build.

I have had Dura Ace 7800 and Ultegra 6700 and missed the solid response on the Shimano shifts, but also the range / more stable jumps in cadence with 2x so I cobbled together a gently used 9120 group.

Fast forward a couple hundred miles on the 9120 group and I'm wondering if I should have explored my options more... I've read a few glowing reviews of the Chorus 12 hydro group that talk about how the front shifting is pretty solid but the brake modulation is better than Shimano.

I've found two issues with the DA 9120 shifters;

1. the brake feel is a bit on/off for me
2. the lever shape doesn't feel as good as others

I've had 10s Chorus in the past as well as tried out the newer shape Campy hoods and really liked the ergonomics but I'm not convinced that ergonomics alone are worth the switch. I would get another gear but also add a decent chunk of weight compared to my current group

[merckx]

When you are dead you are going to have yet more time to ponder this. Eternity is a long time to be dead.

Get what you want now.

[oldpotatoe]

Originally Posted by cvbm

As the title says, I think I am having a case of "grass is greener" and want some outside commentary to add to my thoughts.

I have used SRAM Force 1 for the last 4 years and just decided to switch back to not on 2x but also Shimano with my latest build.

I have had Dura Ace 7800 and Ultegra 6700 and missed the solid response on the Shimano shifts, but also the range / more stable jumps in cadence with 2x so I cobbled together a gently used 9120 group.

Fast forward a couple hundred miles on the 9120 group and I'm wondering if I should have explored my options more... I've read a few glowing reviews of the Chorus 12 hydro group that talk about how the front shifting is pretty solid but the brake modulation is better than Shimano.

I've found two issues with the DA 9120 shifters;

1. the brake feel is a bit on/off for me
2. the lever shape doesn't feel as good as others

I've had 10s Chorus in the past as well as tried out the newer shape Campy hoods and really liked the ergonomics but I'm not convinced that ergonomics alone are worth the switch. I would get another gear but also add a decent chunk of weight compared to my current group

We always said when in the trenches, go with the levers that feel the best in your hand..if ya can't decide, then get Campagnolo

BUT, 'worth' is a big word. The 'reports' are that 12s Campag, including Chorus, which is pretty much identical to SR and Record above it, function wise, is spectacular, the disc brakes are the best in the industry, as is front shifting.

So, I'd say do it, don't look back and come out of the 'rain'....

[prototoast]

This is all too subjective for anyone here to give you a definitive answer. Both groups work really well, lever shape and feel is a very personal thing, and the brake feel issue could just as easily be driven by pads or rotors rather than the levers and calipers.

If you have the money and are interested in trying, my usual advice is just give it a try, but don't get rid of your old group just yet.

[fignon's barber]

In the debate over Campy or Shimano, I don't think you can justify an argument that one is better than the other based on function. Both are modern and will get the job done. It comes down to the feeling you get seeing one or the other on your bike. And only you can determine that. Personally, I use Record 12sp over Shimano because I like the ergo levers and the look of the crankset better. Conversely, I don't like the bulbous nature of the non-DI2 Shimano levers, I don't want batteries on my bike, and their cranksets look cheaper to me. But that's my feelings, yours may be different.

[Dave]

I rode Campy only for 25 years, including Chorus 12. I switched to SRAM AXS 12, mainly to get rid of shift cables, but quickly came to prefer two lever shifting and the wireless setup. I've had rim brake, cable operated disc and now hydraulic disc setups.

I've used Chorus 48/32 cranks and Shimano GRX cranks with SRAM AXS, but never SRAM cranks, due to their limited range. Front shifting has been excellent. The AXS chain is the most quiet I've ever used. I even used it with Chorus 12.

[Clean39T]

There are no mistakes, just learning opportunities.

Go for it!

[NHAero]

I think that how the levers and ergonomics feel is pretty important. I had bikes with Record 11 and Chorus 10 and the ergonomics of shifting wasn't as good for me as Shimano. I have 5703, RS685, 9120, and 9100 shifters on my four bikes with brifters, and they all work very well, and I like the shifting and hood "feel" better than Campy.

[tomato coupe]

Life is short, so try something new. You can always go back if you don't like it.

[rice rocket]

Go wild, go electronic too.

[AgilisMerlin]

i'd buy 4 gruppo's 2 shimano and 2 campy

2 each, 2 extra chainrings each gruppos, 30 cassettes and 20 pulleys , 20 bottom brackets, and 10 pairs of wheels, mix and match around 55k - 60k as a padding. simple more like 65-75k i like to over budget, more chainrings always

[vespasianus]

I always say, if you have an itch scratch it. I was a Shimano guy (still am on the MTB side) but had a Campag itch. I much prefer it.

[robt57]

Since 11s I find the Shimano less tactile in operation. I find the brake comment odd frankly, did you get used calipers with carbon pads you are using on alloy wheel or something??

I have lots of Di2 [not tactile] and some pre 2015 Chorus and Record & SR. When I grab a Campy bike I remember how nice and tactile the Ergos are, and for my hands ERGO 'is' the word. Part on my hand in operation, for me anyway...

Agree life too short, get what you want now, sell off whats left.

[charliedid]

You're making a big mistake.

[windsurfer]

Could be a very expensive mistake. Once you try Campy on one bike, you may find you need it on all of your bikes.