On Aug 27, 4:59 am,
[email protected] wrote:
> I would appreciate some opinions on a decision I have to make. I am
> looking at a 2006 Cannondale R700-T with 9-speed Ultegra rear and full
> 105 on the front and Shimano R-550 wheels. Versus a 2006 Cannondale
> R900-D with full 10-speed Campy Veloce and Mavic Aksium wheels. The
> price difference is about $300. The frame is the same CAAD 8. My
> question is, are the Campy hardware and Mavic wheels worth the extra
> $300?
I don't know the answers, but just regarding the wheels.
I have Aksiums and I am very satisfied with them. They aren't light
(~2000 gm for pair), but they roll nice and have been very durable for
me.
That said, my general impression is that they are probably not an
"upgrade" from the Shimano 550 (105-level) wheelset. I believe the
Shimanos are lighter (1800-1900 gm?), but I don't know how they
compare in "aero", stiffness, hub quality etc. I doubt if Shimano
wheels are poor quality at all though.
You might be getting a small upgrade with the Aksiums, but more on
look and style than function. Look and style are worth something to
most of us, but you have to decide how much.
I think the Veloce is considered somewhwere in quality between 105 and
Ultegra. I would consider it an upgrade from the (pretty much) 105
group, but others might disagree. A larger consideration would be
which shifting system you like better - the Campy levers are different
both in function and ergonomics. For me, that would totally trump all
the other factors.
The 10 speed is probably worth something over the 9.
Not much help, but depending on what you value the above three
factors, the $300 may or may not be well spent. It might come down to
frame color! (to me, that's worth something as well!)
If it were me, I'd be making the decision on the other components, in
other words is 10 speed Veloce worth more than the 9 speed 105/Ultegra
(and, the Ultegra rear would be almost irrelevant to me). I *think*
the Veloce is considered sort of between 105 and ultegra. If that's
the case, then it's just personal preference Campy vs. Shimano
brifters, etc.
You might ride both and decide which system you like better as they do
shift differently. 9 vs 10 is probably worth something, but (to me),
not the full $300.
