Recent Campagnolo chains compared

[Chris M]

I was browsing for spare parts earlier this year when I discovered (on
their web site) Campagnolo now has 3 models of their 10 speed
(compatible) chains. IIRC they have Record (fir sure) and I think
Chorus and Veloce are what the 2 new models are called. Ever since
Campagnolo went to 10 cogs, they have offered so many model changes in
chains and especially the master link systems that most if not all of
us can barely keep up.

I now have 2 Record chains from 2003 model year with Wipperman or IRC
master links (no tools to break and assemble).

I was hoping that some of the experienced shop mechanics could offer
some info or opinions on which chains that are currently available
(assuming NOS availability back to 2003). I don't think I have ever
been able to compare different Campagnolo 10 speed chains side by side
and I have not ever had more than one type installed except to compare
master links (both of those 2 I mentioned above are really excellent).
I am not sure but it seems to me that the latest models are slightly
narrower and claims are that they run with less noise (which seems to
always be claimed) which would be nice but my first priority is
shifting smoothly and quickly (as all Campagnolo drive-trains do when
properly maintained and components selected correctly).

Any comments good or bad about chains and master links for 10 speed
would be appreciated. Also, when I was running 9 speed drive-trains, I
had Campagnolo Ergo levers and derailleurs with Shimano chains and
mostly Shimano SA cassettes (with a few Campagnolo). I found that the
performance from Shimano chains to be close enough in performance where
the availability and prices made it worth mixing that way. In fact, I
only changed to all Campy drive-trains when I went to 10 speed. If I
need to, I know that am all Campy Ergo drive-train shifts both Campy
and 9 speed Shimano just as well. When I set up my first 10 speed
drive-train, the cassette was the last part to arrive (they were
back-ordered) so I went ahead and tried my existing batch of 9 speed
cassettes and found they were shifting even better than when I had
pure 9 speed systems. By the time Shimano was shipping 10 speed
components, I already had enough 10 speed Campagnolo cassettes. I do
wonder if the latest Shimano cassettes and chains would work as well
as the mixed brand 9 speed systems. I don't think at this point I would
ever buy a Shimano cassette again, but lots of smaller specialty
manufacturers have either fewer choices in Campagnolo compatible models
or none. I am looking in to some custom cassettes and it would be nice
to know if Shimano spec'ed cassettes will be worth considering.

TIA, online or offline response OK

 

[bfd]

Yow, you need to take a step back! Remember, chains are CONSUMABLES.
That means they get used and need replacing frequently. You shouldn't
stress too much about it.

Find a good, CHEAP chain that's compatible with the number of gears you
use (8, 9 or 10) and replace often.

The one thing I like to do is use removable links like SRAM powerlink,
Wipperman Connix link, etc., instead of the stupid pins used by Campy
and Shimano. Since I still use 9 speed, I mix and match SRAM and
Shimano chains with SRAM powerlinks (Campy C9 chains are wider and
noisier, so I don't like them). I haven't used Wipperman links yet, but
hear good things about them.

 

[Qui si parla Campagnolo]

Chris M wrote:
> I was browsing for spare parts earlier this year when I discovered (on
> their web site) Campagnolo now has 3 models of their 10 speed
> (compatible) chains. IIRC they have Record (fir sure) and I think
> Chorus and Veloce are what the 2 new models are called. Ever since
> Campagnolo went to 10 cogs, they have offered so many model changes in
> chains and especially the master link systems that most if not all of
> us can barely keep up.

3 chains now-Record-hollow pins and holes in plates, Chorus, holes in
plates, Veloce-no holes in plates...all use the same push thru pin,
albeit a narrower one, as they have for the last 5 years. Chins from
Campag are now 5.9mm, very quiet and strong. All can use the 6.05
Wipperman snap link.

>
> I now have 2 Record chains from 2003 model year with Wipperman or IRC
> master links (no tools to break and assemble).
>
> I was hoping that some of the experienced shop mechanics could offer
> some info or opinions on which chains that are currently available
> (assuming NOS availability back to 2003). I don't think I have ever
> been able to compare different Campagnolo 10 speed chains side by side
> and I have not ever had more than one type installed except to compare
> master links (both of those 2 I mentioned above are really excellent).
> I am not sure but it seems to me that the latest models are slightly
> narrower and claims are that they run with less noise (which seems to
> always be claimed) which would be nice but my first priority is
> shifting smoothly and quickly (as all Campagnolo drive-trains do when
> properly maintained and components selected correctly).
>
> Any comments good or bad about chains and master links for 10 speed
> would be appreciated. Also, when I was running 9 speed drive-trains, I
> had Campagnolo Ergo levers and derailleurs with Shimano chains and
> mostly Shimano SA cassettes (with a few Campagnolo). I found that the
> performance from Shimano chains to be close enough in performance where
> the availability and prices made it worth mixing that way. In fact, I
> only changed to all Campy drive-trains when I went to 10 speed. If I
> need to, I know that am all Campy Ergo drive-train shifts both Campy
> and 9 speed Shimano just as well. When I set up my first 10 speed
> drive-train, the cassette was the last part to arrive (they were
> back-ordered) so I went ahead and tried my existing batch of 9 speed
> cassettes and found they were shifting even better than when I had
> pure 9 speed systems. By the time Shimano was shipping 10 speed
> components, I already had enough 10 speed Campagnolo cassettes. I do
> wonder if the latest Shimano cassettes and chains would work as well
> as the mixed brand 9 speed systems. I don't think at this point I would
> ever buy a Shimano cassette again, but lots of smaller specialty
> manufacturers have either fewer choices in Campagnolo compatible models
> or none. I am looking in to some custom cassettes and it would be nice
> to know if Shimano spec'ed cassettes will be worth considering.
>
> TIA, online or offline response OK

 

[Chris M]

Have you tried the new 5.9 after using the wider chains, or are you
getting that info from Campagnolo?

 

[Qui si parla Campagnolo]

Chris M wrote:
> Have you tried the new 5.9 after using the wider chains, or are you
> getting that info from Campagnolo?

I have installed many of the new 5.9 chains and I think they are
quieter and a better chain. I read a lot of 'official' Campag stuff and
unlike some MO outfits or Campag itself, I try it before I talk about
it.

Our standard Campag 10s chain is now the new Veloce 5.9mm chain...We
have the bigger buck ones if somebody wants them but Veloce is what we
recommend. We are using the Wipperman 6.2 chains(mavic) we have with
great success on 9s systems(like the Sram 6.2mm chain, that they call
'9s') and also Sram PC-950 for a less expensive chain. With shimano,
normally a 105 10s chain or Sram PC-950 for 9s...PC-58 for 8s/7s/6s...

Way to many chains tho.....

 

[D'ohBoy]

Earlier, QSP wrote:

> All can use the 6.05 Wipperman snap link.

Just wanted to confirm: that's the current wipperman 10s removeable
link?

Thanks,

D'ohBoy

 

[Qui si parla Campagnolo]

D'ohBoy wrote:
> Earlier, QSP wrote:
>
> > All can use the 6.05 Wipperman snap link.
>
> Just wanted to confirm: that's the current wipperman 10s removeable
> link?
>
> Thanks,
>
> D'ohBoy

Yessir-we use the wipperman 6.05 link with Campag and shimano...the 6.2
link with older Campag.

 

[Paul Kopit]

On 12 May 2006 05:24:02 -0700, "Qui si parla Campagnolo"
<[email protected]> wrote:

>Yessir-we use the wipperman 6.05 link with Campag and shimano...the 6.2
>link with older Campag.

Several people, including myself, have been using the Wip. 6.2 link
with Shimano 10 chain for about 2 seasons and there are no problems to
report. The 6.2 Connex link also works fine with Campy narrow.