chorus or dura ace

dorian

I'm picking up a frame that has downtube mounts for the shifter cables. I've heard Shimano may be better as far less cable rub on the head tube, but Campy gives more bang for the buck.

Either way I figure I'll use carbon fiber patches on the headtube, so would the different cable routing even matter?

I've got to pick a groupo and wonder if there's really much difference between chorus and dura ace.

Thanks for any input.

Dorian

sal61

Dorian,
Never riden Shimano so I'm no help there, but I have had an 8 sp Chorus group on my bike since '95 and can't speak highly enough about the group. Well it is time to upgrade and I also considered DA and Chorus. Went with the Chorus. The group will be here Monday. 10 sp was the deciding factor.
Steve

dirtrider

I found the Campy thumb shifters to be awkward. When riding with my hands on the hoods, my thumbs just couldn't seem to operate them without strain. I had to shift my weight off the arm that I was trying to shift with in order to get my thumb up on top of the lever. Very annoying. I presume that most people don't have that problem or are willing to put up with it, but you might want to try 'em first to make sure they're comfortable for you.

ajo

I used Shimano (Ultegra) for 5 years, but just recently changed to Chorus. Oposite to "dirtrider" I really prefer the Chorus gear shifter, works much better than Shimano, more precise, easier to get the right handle - no problem with the thumb lever. Go for Campy!

MidBunchLurker

Dura-ace is top-of-the-line stuff. Shift lever preferences are personal, but the Dura-Ace is a little lighter, the cranks are stiffer, the brakes are better and IMHO the shifting is smoother. You might want to wait for the new 10-sp Dura-Ace too - its even lighter as well.

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BugMan

That was also my experience. I tried them both out when I got my first bike, so I was not 'used' to either system. STI was instantly comfortable, but the Campy thumb lever was awkward in the drops and impossible on the hoods - made my decision easy. Since it's a personal thing, I suggest you try them both out and then decide based on that alone - differences in weight and technical specifications are minor compared to whether it feels comfortable or not.

patch70

As above, go for whatever you find more comfortable. I like Chorus and will continue to use Campy as I am used to it now.

xavier

Personal preferences apart.

If you want it to last many years and not replace items a few times a year - buy Campagnolo. Parts are made to last many years.

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Topmounter

Whether these things remain true today I am not completely sure, but I still tend to prefer new Dura-ace over new Record/Chorus for my day to day riding.

- Dura-Ace is easier for me to work on, more consistent design across MTB and Road lines, fewer "unique" tools
- Dura-Ace has traditionally been less expensive to replace and easier to find good deals on parts for
- Dura-Ace design seems more straight-forward and not so overwrought to me, which I like for everyday riding
- Dura-Ace weight compares favorably to Record

Nonetheless, Campy stuff is beautiful and should retain its valuable better than Dura-Ace

Both are great, I would say make your decision based upon your preference to the look and feel of each.

ajo

Dura-Ace is usually more expensive to replace&repair: Campy sell every single nut and bolt as replacement part - but when something fails on Shimano you have to buy the entire component. (A damaged spring in the STI level = a complete set $$$ handles instead of a $ spring.)
Straight-forward design: I don't agree - but if you're used to MTB-equipment....
Record is lighter than DuraAce (But it depends of which component, some DuraAce components are lighter, some Record components are lighter). Depending on which combination of products used (including/excluding hubs, seatpost etc). If we are talking about brakes, deralliurs, shifters and crank/chain/cogs, Record is a bit lighter. (Might be changed with DuraAce 10, but probably changed back to Campy favour when introducing Record 2004). The differense is anyway/using any combination less than 100 g on a complete bike anyway.

Two additional Campy features:
- The front shifter is easier to get in middle position, avoiding rubbing when using big ring/big cog and small ring/small cog.
- When opening the brake release mecanism (separating the pads to be able to shift wheels and avoid rubbing when a wheel has become untrue during the ride) - you still has 100% braking power.

You should also consider Chorus = 100 Record functionallity, cheaper and only a bit heavier. (A mix using Chorus but Record BB, levels and cogs gives equal weight to DuraAce)

But I totally agree with your conclusion:
Both are great, I would say make your decision based upon your preference to the look and feel of each.

Aztec

I have had a devil of a time getting my Chorus 10sp shifting adjusted. Likely it's because 1) I'm inexperienced and not good at it and 2) neither are any of the LBS around here.

Shimano is EVERYWHERE here in Nor Cal. Campy is rare and seems to need a few special tools (i.e., for the chain) that aren't exactly laying around in my toolbox.

The two sets really differ only (in terms of feel) in shifting. I say Shimano shifts smoother and quieter. Some would say that means better. I like the method of shifting better on the Campy (i.e., the levers). And I couldn't stomach putting non-Italian parts on my Colnago...

dorian

Thanks everyone for your input. I've decided to go with dura ace. This is my first sweet road bike. Maybe one day I'll become a campy convert.

Aztec

Dorian -- hopefully you don't. That would mean you wasted money on D/A... ;-)

tafi

AJO is a very intelligent fella. I would also like to lend my two bob's worth. Campag is worth it from the servicability point of view (ask any engineer bike rider) and its ergonomics are also better than Shimano in my opinion.
A couple of people have complained about the thumb shifter. Lets put that into perspective. Most people spend 80% of their ride on the hoods. Campag hoods are more comfortable than Shimano. How long does a gear shift take? About 0.5~1second. You would have to be a bad cyclist to spend as much as 1% of your ride time shifting gears.
the choice is academic.