Great video. Excellent explanation. Campy is the best. Why? Push down to make the chain go down the cassette, push up to make the chain go up the cassette. It was always the most intuitive for me. And I love the snappy sound it makes. Same in the front rings-push down to make the chain drop down to the smaller ring, push up to make the chain go up onto the big ring. Easy.
First went for Campagnolo in the mid 80's then watched all my Shimano friends break/wear cranks, pedals chain rings etc very quickly. My old winter/ride to work bike is equipped with campagnolo from 1995 and it works as good as the day I bought it
The Campagnolo thumb shifter allows reliable use from two grip positions. That lever position reduces the chance of an accidental shift when you are gripping the top of the lever body and muscling a sprint or a big climb.
The best about the Campagnolo is that you can find spare parts easily, completely disassamble and change from say 10 to 11 speeds with just the exchange of one part. Try that with Shimano...
But why would you want to disassemble them when they never break? I bought a used Daytona Campy bike in 2005 and I have only had to change the chain and the cables...
The chain follows the direction of the levers of both front and rear derailleurs with Campy and after years of use my brain was so accustomed to shifting campy that I found I was having to consciously think about shifting a shimano ultegra bike. I was so use to the small right lever moving the chain to a larger cog with campy that using an ultegra bike sometimes I would intuitively hit the small level and unintentionally move the chain to a smaller cog usually in the midst of a pack when effort was high and we started climbing! Even after months of use. My brain is campy trained and its hard to get use to Shimano but most bike manufacturers seem to be going with Shimano and Sram. Campy chorus parts are durable and seem practically indestructible I didn't experience any breakdown of campy components riding in the mountains where bikes get tested. (although the body got cramps) I started when 8 speed downtube levers were in use and then upgraded to 9 and then 10 speed which is a benefit for mountains. Thanks for the overview of the three manufacturers.
Nice comparison - I've been riding Campy since 2004 - it is much harder to find campy on new bikes (unless you are buying a frameset) but I don't buy bikes very often and the LBS will work with you to swap parts and to it it is worth it. As you said in the video - the most important thing is to try it yourself to see what you like. I have never tried SRAM but the Shimano brake lever moving was 'strange' to me - I liked everything having a dedicated purpose. Thanks for the video!
Chad Kempt its because campy doesnt have the support to fill large OEM contracts like shimano does. You will find some campy comes stock on bikes like masi and colnago on some of their higher end classic bikes.
@@sergiovalencia3031 Campy Chorus is the best buy for the buck that I've found... and they last for years... I've been using my Chorus 10 speed since before Y2K and with a little bit of effort, and a few tools you can keep them working like new.
I use campagnolo for longer and it works great. Before i use Shimano but... not the same... I saw your video because wants to learn how it works Sram. Thank you for the video. Now i'm sure my new bike will be campy again ^_^
Worth noting that on the campagnolo system, Chorus, Record, and Super Record shifters can downshift multiple clicks at a time using the thumb paddle, in contrast to Shimano and SRAM being limited to single downshifts.
Campagnolo was traditionally always better class equipment and more durable,shimano is for peasants who dont know any better,like you!I have reccord chorus mix on my bike since 2005 works perfectly never touched it mate !
+TheDrcolnago : you speak about "peasants" while you can't even afford a full record? Huhuhu... I have Dura Ace, and it lasts very long. I'll don't speak about time, since nobody know how muck km you do in one year, so that doesn't make any sense.
Over the years I've owned bikes with Dia-compe, Suntour, Shimano, and Campagnolo. I've also test road bikes with SRAM. By far the best are Campagnolo hands down. Not only do Campagnolo look nice they are built at a higher standard and it doesn't matter whether you're starting with their base model or their top of the line Supper Record they are an amazing product plus their components can be rebuilt if need be. I have no ill words for Shimano components but, I do need to point out that you do get what you pay for their lower level components are noticeably lower in quality and some of the components are disposable. Well, Dia-compe does still make bike components but they seem to be stuck in the past making vintage like parts because they were bought out by Rockshox wich were in turn were bought by SRAM. Suntour, went through some financial difficulties in the late 1980's and stopped making component sets back in the early 90's. After Suntour went through bankruptcy they were purchased by Sakae Ringyo Company and then renamed SR Suntour. They are still making bike parts just not full drivetrains. I guess that leaves us with SRAM my feeling about them is they do make a good product they use a high-tech minimalist design philosophy and they're trying to compete head to head with Shimano with their mid-level to high-end components however they fall short on some subtle feachers like how they feel in the hand and their finish seems cheap (even though I know they're not).
Campagnolo is a great system, I love riding my record groupset, still, it is extremely fragile. During hard shifting situations the upshift lever will be easily subject to fractures and it WILL SNAP! I can say that because I have snapped two of them. SRAM is simply great, the feeling while shifting is awesome, precise and easy to set up, the levers pointing out are extremely helpful while braking, even if my right lever snapped upon a crash thanks to that on my CX. I have conflicts with Shimano due to the uncomfortably big hood and the entire lever moving while shifting. In some emergency braking situations I found myself braking hard and shifting, consequently when I went back to give power the whole drivetrain was subject to enormous stresses. Still, it is the opposite of Campagnolo, uncomfortable but reliable. On my touring bike with a Shimano tiagra groupset I never had an Issue. All three systems are great when you get used to them, but if I had to choose only one of them I would definitely get a SRAM groupset.
Been riding Campy for nearly 30 years, 10,11 and now 12 speed. I’ve never snapped an up shift lever or ever even heard of anyone else doing that either.
I built my Ti road bike over 20 years ago on a Campy Centaur drivetrain and it still works great. I've rebuilt the right shifter twice and the left one once, not because they were broken or malfunctioning but to clean and regrease them and get them back to optimal condition, like I regularly used to do on my previous bike's hubs, bottom bracket and headset, which didn't have sealed bearings. The action isn't quite as smooth as I imagine that the more expensive Campy shifters have, since these use bushings instead of bearings, but it's good enough for my needs as I'm just a fitness and recreational rider and don't race. And I like being able to up and downshift more than one gear at a time on the rear. I do regret not stocking up on spare parts for when inevitably something inside does break, especially the springs, as they're pretty hard to find now. Same with chainrings and spare derailleur parts. But by then it'll probably be time to upgrade to a 12, 13 or higher speed drivetrain with electronic shifting.
You are very cool in describing technical things. You are fully right.... I had a shimano shifting lever for years and now sram, and at the beginning a changing gear with it was not so easy, but now I have learnt how to, and sram is minimal and precise. So I prefer sram. Campi I have never had one, tough I'm italian. Thank you for your professional explanation
If you have your front brake on the right, downshifting while braking on shimano stuff is super awkward. I haven't tried the others, but I think it will likely be easier with the brake lever separate from the shifter. I'm trying campagnolo on my new bike for that reason.
Haven't tried SRAM but between Campy and Shimano... No question about it. Campy wins, hands down. I went on vacation and at the last minute, realized I couldn't take my bike so I had to rent one. It had Shimano and I thought I might get used to the idea of shifting with my brake levers. I rented it for a week but brought it back after four days and over a hundred miles. I felt it was uncomfortable and dangerous the whole time I was riding. I NEVER had a problem reaching my thumb levers. Never even thought about it; very easy from both top and drops. I rebuild my levers every two years or so and it's very easy to do. For over twenty years, they always shift like new; in fact, I'm in the middle of a rebuild right now, getting ready for spring season.
As for shifting direction, I take my cue from car transmissions, where the lowest gear is the slowest but most powerful gear, and as you go from 1 to 2 to 3 and so on up to the highest gear, you're upshifting, and when you go the opposite direction you're downshifting. That's pretty universal. So on a bike it just makes sense that when you go from the smallest and hardest rear cog to progressively bigger and easier cogs, you're downshifting even though visually you're going up the cassette. But it's the opposite on the front gears, where the smaller gear is the easier one and the bigger gear is the hardest one, so even visually you're going "up" when you're upshifting. It's a bit unintuitive but that's how it's always been referred to in my experience so I'm sticking with this terminology.
Having both Durace and Super Record on my bikes I find Campagnolo is by far the most easiest and ergonomically designed. Superior design makes gear changing easier and a pure pleasure to ride.
Excellent video - very informative. I've always used Campag so am only used to their shifters. I'm sure I would get use to Shimano shifters but they do seem overly complicated - to press either one or two levers inward etc. Also, the hoods on Campag just seem more ergonomic whereas with Shimano in particular, the hoods do seem overly large and bulky - SRAM less so. But hey, everyone's different - which is a good thing!
I just rebuilt my Record 10s shifters from 2000 after dinner! Not sure how many rebuilds this makes over the last 22 years. They are crisp, precise and can be SERVICED with new springs etc for decades causing them to operate as new which isn’t an option with the other 2 manufacturers. You can’t really go wrong with high end components from any of the big 3 but being able to repair and maintain top performance goes a long long way.
Thank you for that explanation of each system. As the proud owner of a classic friction shifter bike. I've not felt the need to buy a new bike until recently. If my classic bike should have a failure of a part. I'd have a devil of a time finding parts for her. If and when I find a new bike to take over, I will retire my classic while she is still in good working order. From your report I'm favoring SRAM and Campy.
Interesting. I har Dura Ace on my first bike and now SRAM. Used Campa several times on friends’ bikes to test the system... I’m not a fan of the button system. It gets in my hands’ way when I have them on the hoods. Dura Ace: was precise, but - again when I have my hands ont he hoods (my climbing and relaxed cycling position) - upshifting was tiring after a few hours cycling. I love SRAM though. Smooth, precise, snappy!
Good video, thank you! I have never tried Sram but, i would like too. I have owned Campagnolo Athena 9 speed and loved it. I now have Campagnolo Centaur 10 speed, Campagnolo Record 10 speed and Shimano Ultegra 11 speed on my bikes and prefer the Campagnolo system. The Campagnolo 10 speed systems allow you to jump all the way down to the hardest gears with one press on your thumb. I have herd that the newer Campagnolo 11 speed system excluded that function, forcing you to down shift to the harder gears one gear at a time... : ( I wonder why they would do that? By the way, my Ultegra 11 speed system is still a thing of beauty and functions wonderfully. No complaints, just a matter of preference.
I use both Shimano and Campag systems on different bikes. Campag feels a little more ergonomic for my smallish hands. Shimano is quieter shifting, which is nice.
Thank you so much for your very clear, beautifully filmed & excellent video presentation. I am just in the process to have a steel bespoke cycle made for me here in the UK. As an old boy who still has his 39 year old Holdsworth, with down tube levers, your explanation is of great help for me to decide on my group set.
The technical support reps and sites for all three of those brands dictate that down shifting is moving the chain to a cog or ring that is easier to pedal and that upshifting is moving the chain to a cog or ring that is harder to pedal.
Indeed. Downshifting is inboard, upshifting is outboard. I think people get confused as downshifting is actually going up the bigger cogs, and vice versa, so visually it's up whereas technically it's down
Thank you very much for producing this video. My new bike arrives in about 3 weeks with Campagnolo Super Record gruppo, so it was very helpful to learn about how it shifts from you. Cheers.
I've always loved Campy but for my last bike build I switched over to Force for the reach-adjustable levers - I have small hands. If Campy ever adds that feature I'd consider switching back, but so far very satisfied with SRAM shifting and durability for the past 6 years. SRAM also requires much less cable tension tuning - My 10s Chorus group was extremely sensitive to cable tension and required weekly adjustments, whereas SRAM is set and forget for months and months. I didn't miss the ability to downshift multiple gears on Campy as much as I expected - it's really not a big deal to click multiple times. It's also easy to mis-shift when downshifting multiple cogs on Campy, so I'd often have to make an extra click either way, and the shifter is hard to reach from the drops.
I'm riding with Shimano 105 for the first time after my last two bikes had Veloce. While I like the Shimano ergonomics, Campy shifts always seemed faster and I got no chain rub on the front derailleur. Now I feel forced to shift the front chain ring to prevent rub when the chain gets a little crooked.
I'm a little late and not completely sure about this, but Shimano is the only manufacturer with this issue. Shimano has derailleur trim function. Its like an "extra gear" at the front derailleur. If the chain rubs on derailleur, you can trim the position of derailleur so it changes position without shifting.
He should have added that in Campagnolo Chorus on up you can dump 5 gears at a time which is AWESOME. Another reason Campy makes the best groupset. Even the newest Dura Ace you can only go down the cassette one gear at a time.
Wow very straight and clear explanations, thanks :) That's almost exactly what I was looking for, regarding the campagnolo shifting. Have you tried the new campagnolo trigger by any chance ? Does it have the same drawback ?
For entry level compagnolo is the best braking cable is seamlessly hidden under the bar tape for shimano it s only on high end models add to that that there shifters are extermly reliable
I appreciate your excellent explaination of the competing systems. I choose the Campi. Have the levers but need to purchase the deraileurs. My quest. is what's the best with my already purchased Ergo 10 levers. I'm a do it yourself kinda guy but look forward to your input to this situation.
But from a Techs point of view, Campy wears faster and is in constant need of tweeking + never got 2 Campagnolo shifters that felt the same even if they are from the same group set, but they are easy to service and all parts are replaceable. Shimano has the softest shift of them all and lasts forever, easy to service but if something breaks you need to replace the whole unite. SRAM, personally my favorite for feeling (very direct on the shift) and light weight, but when it comes shifting on the front chairings it sucks donkey doo. Anyhow great video well explained and keep up the good work Czesc !!!
The up shift - down shift terminology is indeed confusing when they mean the exact opposite two different ways. The way i deal with it ( and i think most cyclists do in the U.S. ) is to put it in terms of shifting or transmissions in cars. You up shift in a car to go faster and of course down shift to go slower. I know in a bike cassette you are physically going down and then back up but i prefer to think of it in car terms.
I'm concerned about durability and longevity. A high end and nearly five decades old bike shop I know of that specializes in road bikes sells all three brands but promotes Campagnolo due to their durability and longevity. I wonder why? They once let me use an Italian lugged steel bike over two days that was nearly thirty years of age with all Campagnolo and some 32 spoke wheels, they said it had over 120K miles on it - everything - and it was so weird................ Smoothest functioning and riding bike I ever road. Why? How could that be?
Once Campa Always Campa. in my opinion shimano shifts a bit too soft and spongy, sram is nerve killing sometimes and campagnolo gives you feedback, very precise and robust. i have all three systems and would always go for campagnolo record upwards because of the multiple down shifting possibility.
The New Campy Crank is too SICK Looking!! Lovely!!! SRAM red Crank is very light but is too soft, not Stiff enough. And the DA 9000 Crank , I never like to Drive a Mustang with Chromed wheels. Is just not my style. LOL
Good explanation, but you mixed up "upshifting" and "downshifting". Downshifting is moving to a larger sprocket (or smaller chainring), while upshifting is moving to a smaller sprocket (or larger chainring). The direction (up/down) related to the speed at which the gears are used. As you go faster, you upshift (not downshift, as in your explanation), and vice versa.
I have a "hacked" Campagnolo 1x11, 32-12 cassette with 44t single chainring. I use the "old style" 11 speed ergopower shifter that can skip 3 gears both up and down. Or was it even 4 gears at a time? Very nice on a 1x setup. I'm going to stick with this as long as I can pick up parts for it. And once you find the hood position, the ergonomics are superb, fits like a glove. Molto bene
I have Shimano 105 on my road bike and Sram Apex 1x on my gravel bike. I kind of like Sram more now. That click is reassuring, the shifting is as smooth as 105. I will have to test the longevity. I cannot comment on Comp.
I came from an car-background so I refer to downshifting in order to accelerate (easier gear) and upshifting to increase my speed (harder gear). Your front gears will go bigger on upshifting and smaller on downshifting. ^_^ I'm currently on Shimano 105 and I'm curious to try out the SRAM Force/Red with the DoubleTap, seems interesting.
I have older 105 5500 9 speed shifters and I like that they are smaller than newer versions . I see the 11 speed ones on everybody’s bike and they look huge . Maybe shimano should make sizes .
Personally I prefer campag shifters over Shimano or SRAM, the main reason is that I'm able to shift equally well from the drops as from the hoods. On Shimano STI you have to move the shifter left-right to shift which can be hard from the drops as you have to reach quite a bit. Using camag you can pull the lever towards you as it is not connected to the brake. Personally I also find the "pistol" way of shifting easier when I'm in the drops but I guess that is up to personal preference.
I think shimano is very easy on the dropps and on the hoods as well. In the most cases you shift up anyway at the drops and shifting down is easy too. I ride shimano on a daily base and i just have to open may hands and i can easily shift from the dropps and i have small hands
A very good video to understand these three different systems. You explained it very simply. Could anything happen with the SHIMANO Ultegra system if the lever is pushed inwards during full braking? Is the handling stable here?
Really the only way to determine what you prefer is a test ride on Super Record EPS, Dura Ace 9070 Di2, and Sram Red eTAP. In Colorado that seems like just a pipe dream, because bike shops wont stock the high end frames or groupsets, "we can order that Sir" but you have to buy it first. I don't have the cash to buy three different bikes just to see what I prefer. Wouldn't it be nice if bike shops could cater to the fair weather racer who likes race bikes with the sweet parts on them. Seems a little strange to me that the guy who wants to throw down the big bucks on a bike can't compare the products available him. It's a big commitment and a lot of cash to spend on something you're just reading about on the internet. You say it's personal preference, well how do I figure out what I prefer? I have a 28 year old Dura Ace 8 speed STi group on my Land Shark and it's still works flawlessly, with of course a few new chains, chain rings, and cogs, guessing about 125,000 miles on it, pretty fuckin awesome I'd say. I want a shinny new bike with shinny new parts on it, might just have to go the Shimano route?
So Dani, which one is the best? Did I miss something? Had Campag Nuovo Record years ago, looked good (big deal?), not sure multiple down-shifting or being able to rebuild it was a game-changer though. Run Shimano RX100 now, with soft shifting. I am sure SRAM is fine too, once you get used to it's (initially) more intuitive shifting system
Hi bro, from 🇲🇾 here..Is Retrospec group set will perform good for a beginner and so on to begin with? Will the performance last longer if just using Retrospec groupset? Thanks👍🏻
Just for the record: I've seen "Campagnolo" tatoos. Both brand name or logo. I have not seen "SRAM" or "Shimano" tatoos. Honda or Ducati? that's pretty much it.
I have all 3. Winner goes to Campy Super record comparing the SRAM Red and DA9000. Is simple. I'm not saying SRAM or DA9000 doesn't swift well. Is just the matter of the shifting feelings and Ergonomics feeling. Winner is definitely CAMPY super record, I am sure ACURA NSX has no problem on Transmission gear change, but sorry man, I'm always a Porsche 911 Fans . Love those Clutches feelings. And is the same applying to Campy versus the Japanese stuff.
I’ve had Campy Veloce, Centaur, Chorus and Record and have put up to 20,000 miles on Veloce before rebuilds are necessary. Currently have Record shifters on one bike and Chorus on the other. I’ve always like the small profile and the thumb shifter.
I’ve had Campy Veloce, Centaur, Chorus and Record and have put up to 20,000 miles on Veloce before rebuilds are necessary. Currently have Record shifters on one bike and Chorus on the other. I’ve always like the small profile and the thumb shifter.
Veloce is good but different. Veloce has softer shifts vs chorus+. When i switched from veloce to horus i was very surprized how much crispier chorus shifts since i was expecting veloce's soft shoft since i really liked it. Now i like both shifter feels.
Hi! Do you know if any new Campy Veloce 10s can shift triple cranksets? Or are there specific 2x10 and 3x10 ones? Information on internet is not very clear... Thanks!
Very good video ! I was thinking in move to a Sram force 11 speed but now I'll stick up whit my Ultegra 11 speed you just told everthing that I need to know ! not that sram is bad but is just not for me . Thank's !
The largest cog is your first gear, just like on cars, the small cog is your last or higher gear. So up shifting means going from easier the heavier gears.
+Thiago SB its possible that the car industry had the wrong terminology stick with it. would be interesting on when the divide on the terminology split. not the first time something like that has happened. i still refer to it in car terms myself. since i am not looking at my gears when i shift.. i am not relating it to any up or down physical motion thus i wont say i shifted up to a big cog..rather i shifted down (in ratio) for a steeper grade.
Have you ever heard of or tried the Sensah EMPIRE? They're said to be between 105 and Ultegra in the Shimano line but shift similarly to the SRAM double tap, with the use of a single lever for shifting and braking. Cool concept, but not confident of the maker.
Sram and Shimano don't need rebuilding. Just needs new grease. Their cable tensions are soft. Campy is badly engineered, (springs on derailleurs are stiff, so cable tension is very high) so the materials in the shifters wear out. Therefore, Campy needs rebuilding periodically.
Question: I've been using my left Campy Chorus shifter for the rear deraullier because I'm left-handed and it's more natural for me, but after rebuilding my shifters I noticed a slight design difference between right and left. Is there something about the right shifter design that makes it more suited for moving across the cogs in the cassette versus the double chainring?
Sram my favorite. Campy is great too. Ppl like campy the most bc it is just cooler. I find I like sram red a bit better than campy tho. I've never had many women hit on me when riding so not worried about appearances. Cant stand shimano or electric.
WOW Great Video, very well done.. I have been a CAMPY man since 1977.. You forgot to mention that with the CAMPY shifters going down or up the Cassette 5 cogs at a time , I do not think Shimano, or Scram can do that...
Now what I would like to mention here is not only the comfort but also the durability of these levers and Campagnolo is the best at it cus it is well build and doesn't break down easily unlike shimano
It would make so much more sense if the Campagnolo thumb shifter was for shifting up the cassette and the behind the lever shifter was for shifting down the casssette… I wanted to buy a 12 speed Chorus or Record mechanical, but this put me off a little bit. I just can’t imagine myself shifting with the thumb shifter while sprinting on the drops, or with the other paddle while climbing out of the saddle. It should be reverse! 🤦🏻♂️😂
I have shimano 2300 shifters with the thumb button, I really don't like it a lot. My thumb gets a bit numb from pressing that button if I change too many gears in a short time. I think sram is better, are there any 8-speed sram shifters? I couldn't seem to find any...
Great video. Excellent explanation. Campy is the best. Why? Push down to make the chain go down the cassette, push up to make the chain go up the cassette. It was always the most intuitive for me. And I love the snappy sound it makes. Same in the front rings-push down to make the chain drop down to the smaller ring, push up to make the chain go up onto the big ring. Easy.
The bests explanation on shifters function I ve seen.
+Thiago SB Thanks!
@@cannondany you are the best
First went for Campagnolo in the mid 80's then watched all my Shimano friends break/wear cranks, pedals chain rings etc very quickly. My old winter/ride to work bike is equipped with campagnolo from 1995 and it works as good as the day I bought it
The Campagnolo thumb shifter allows reliable use from two grip positions. That lever position reduces the chance of an accidental shift when you are gripping the top of the lever body and muscling a sprint or a big climb.
The best about the Campagnolo is that you can find spare parts easily, completely disassamble and change from say 10 to 11 speeds with just the exchange of one part. Try that with Shimano...
But why would you want to disassemble them when they never break? I bought a used Daytona Campy bike in 2005 and I have only had to change the chain and the cables...
5 years later and still one of the best way to explain
The chain follows the direction of the levers of both front and rear derailleurs with Campy and after years of use my brain was so accustomed to shifting campy that I found I was having to consciously think about shifting a shimano ultegra bike. I was so use to the small right lever moving the chain to a larger cog with campy that using an ultegra bike sometimes I would intuitively hit the small level and unintentionally move the chain to a smaller cog usually in the midst of a pack when effort was high and we started climbing! Even after months of use. My brain is campy trained and its hard to get use to Shimano but most bike manufacturers seem to be going with Shimano and Sram. Campy chorus parts are durable and seem practically indestructible I didn't experience any breakdown of campy components riding in the mountains where bikes get tested. (although the body got cramps) I started when 8 speed downtube levers were in use and then upgraded to 9 and then 10 speed which is a benefit for mountains. Thanks for the overview of the three manufacturers.
Campy is definitely intuitive. Trying to shift with the brake lever was driving me insane.
Excellent advice,and went for the Campagnolo Veloce on my new Frame set...
Nice comparison - I've been riding Campy since 2004 - it is much harder to find campy on new bikes (unless you are buying a frameset) but I don't buy bikes very often and the LBS will work with you to swap parts and to it it is worth it. As you said in the video - the most important thing is to try it yourself to see what you like. I have never tried SRAM but the Shimano brake lever moving was 'strange' to me - I liked everything having a dedicated purpose.
Thanks for the video!
Chad Kempt its because campy doesnt have the support to fill large OEM contracts like shimano does. You will find some campy comes stock on bikes like masi and colnago on some of their higher end classic bikes.
Have to agree about 'strange' lever movement. I found myself shifting when I was braking until I got used to the Shimanos.
But campy is the most expensive of the three groupsets
Campagnolo $$$
Shimano $$
Sram $
@@sergiovalencia3031 Campy Chorus is the best buy for the buck that I've found... and they last for years... I've been using my Chorus 10 speed since before Y2K and with a little bit of effort, and a few tools you can keep them working like new.
I use campagnolo for longer and it works great. Before i use Shimano but... not the same... I saw your video because wants to learn how it works Sram. Thank you for the video. Now i'm sure my new bike will be campy again ^_^
Worth noting that on the campagnolo system, Chorus, Record, and Super Record shifters can downshift multiple clicks at a time using the thumb paddle, in contrast to Shimano and SRAM being limited to single downshifts.
+Alexander Was going to mention this.
Fixed with Di2, however.
Campagnolo was traditionally always better class equipment and more durable,shimano is for peasants who dont know any better,like you!I have reccord chorus mix on my bike since 2005 works perfectly never touched it mate !
For the price and look it is art..just saying! I ride shimano, but Campy is beautiful.
+TheDrcolnago : you speak about "peasants" while you can't even afford a full record? Huhuhu...
I have Dura Ace, and it lasts very long. I'll don't speak about time, since nobody know how muck km you do in one year, so that doesn't make any sense.
Over the years I've owned bikes with Dia-compe, Suntour, Shimano, and Campagnolo. I've also test road bikes with SRAM. By far the best are Campagnolo hands down. Not only do Campagnolo look nice they are built at a higher standard and it doesn't matter whether you're starting with their base model or their top of the line Supper Record they are an amazing product plus their components can be rebuilt if need be. I have no ill words for Shimano components but, I do need to point out that you do get what you pay for their lower level components are noticeably lower in quality and some of the components are disposable. Well, Dia-compe does still make bike components but they seem to be stuck in the past making vintage like parts because they were bought out by Rockshox wich were in turn were bought by SRAM. Suntour, went through some financial difficulties in the late 1980's and stopped making component sets back in the early 90's. After Suntour went through bankruptcy they were purchased by Sakae Ringyo Company and then renamed SR Suntour. They are still making bike parts just not full drivetrains. I guess that leaves us with SRAM my feeling about them is they do make a good product they use a high-tech minimalist design philosophy and they're trying to compete head to head with Shimano with their mid-level to high-end components however they fall short on some subtle feachers like how they feel in the hand and their finish seems cheap (even though I know they're not).
Tha Campa Thumb lever offset also prevents you from unwanted shifting when you firmly grab the handlebars.
Campagnolo is a great system, I love riding my record groupset, still, it is extremely fragile. During hard shifting situations the upshift lever will be easily subject to fractures and it WILL SNAP! I can say that because I have snapped two of them.
SRAM is simply great, the feeling while shifting is awesome, precise and easy to set up, the levers pointing out are extremely helpful while braking, even if my right lever snapped upon a crash thanks to that on my CX.
I have conflicts with Shimano due to the uncomfortably big hood and the entire lever moving while shifting. In some emergency braking situations I found myself braking hard and shifting, consequently when I went back to give power the whole drivetrain was subject to enormous stresses. Still, it is the opposite of Campagnolo, uncomfortable but reliable. On my touring bike with a Shimano tiagra groupset I never had an Issue.
All three systems are great when you get used to them, but if I had to choose only one of them I would definitely get a SRAM groupset.
Been riding Campy for nearly 30 years, 10,11 and now 12 speed. I’ve never snapped an up shift lever or ever even heard of anyone else doing that either.
Own both Sram and Shimano 2010 10 speed. Sram gets a plus for ergonomics and precision! Shimano + on smoothness and builtness
+Alvaro Duarte Thanks for sharing!
I built my Ti road bike over 20 years ago on a Campy Centaur drivetrain and it still works great. I've rebuilt the right shifter twice and the left one once, not because they were broken or malfunctioning but to clean and regrease them and get them back to optimal condition, like I regularly used to do on my previous bike's hubs, bottom bracket and headset, which didn't have sealed bearings.
The action isn't quite as smooth as I imagine that the more expensive Campy shifters have, since these use bushings instead of bearings, but it's good enough for my needs as I'm just a fitness and recreational rider and don't race. And I like being able to up and downshift more than one gear at a time on the rear.
I do regret not stocking up on spare parts for when inevitably something inside does break, especially the springs, as they're pretty hard to find now. Same with chainrings and spare derailleur parts. But by then it'll probably be time to upgrade to a 12, 13 or higher speed drivetrain with electronic shifting.
You are very cool in describing technical things. You are fully right.... I had a shimano shifting lever for years and now sram, and at the beginning a changing gear with it was not so easy, but now I have learnt how to, and sram is minimal and precise. So I prefer sram. Campi I have never had one, tough I'm italian. Thank you for your professional explanation
If you have your front brake on the right, downshifting while braking on shimano stuff is super awkward. I haven't tried the others, but I think it will likely be easier with the brake lever separate from the shifter. I'm trying campagnolo on my new bike for that reason.
Haven't tried SRAM but between Campy and Shimano... No question about it. Campy wins, hands down. I went on vacation and at the last minute, realized I couldn't take my bike so I had to rent one. It had Shimano and I thought I might get used to the idea of shifting with my brake levers. I rented it for a week but brought it back after four days and over a hundred miles. I felt it was uncomfortable and dangerous the whole time I was riding. I NEVER had a problem reaching my thumb levers. Never even thought about it; very easy from both top and drops. I rebuild my levers every two years or so and it's very easy to do. For over twenty years, they always shift like new; in fact, I'm in the middle of a rebuild right now, getting ready for spring season.
As for shifting direction, I take my cue from car transmissions, where the lowest gear is the slowest but most powerful gear, and as you go from 1 to 2 to 3 and so on up to the highest gear, you're upshifting, and when you go the opposite direction you're downshifting. That's pretty universal.
So on a bike it just makes sense that when you go from the smallest and hardest rear cog to progressively bigger and easier cogs, you're downshifting even though visually you're going up the cassette. But it's the opposite on the front gears, where the smaller gear is the easier one and the bigger gear is the hardest one, so even visually you're going "up" when you're upshifting. It's a bit unintuitive but that's how it's always been referred to in my experience so I'm sticking with this terminology.
Having both Durace and Super Record on my bikes I find Campagnolo is by far the most easiest and ergonomically designed. Superior design makes gear changing easier and a pure pleasure to ride.
Multiple shifting is great on it.
Excellent video - very informative. I've always used Campag so am only used to their shifters. I'm sure I would get use to Shimano shifters but they do seem overly complicated - to press either one or two levers inward etc. Also, the hoods on Campag just seem more ergonomic whereas with Shimano in particular, the hoods do seem overly large and bulky - SRAM less so. But hey, everyone's different - which is a good thing!
I just rebuilt my Record 10s shifters from 2000 after dinner! Not sure how many rebuilds this makes over the last 22 years. They are crisp, precise and can be SERVICED with new springs etc for decades causing them to operate as new which isn’t an option with the other 2 manufacturers. You can’t really go wrong with high end components from any of the big 3 but being able to repair and maintain top performance goes a long long way.
Thank you for that explanation of each system. As the proud owner of a classic friction shifter bike. I've not felt the need to buy a new bike until recently. If my classic bike should have a failure of a part. I'd have a devil of a time finding parts for her. If and when I find a new bike to take over, I will retire my classic while she is still in good working order. From your report I'm favoring SRAM and Campy.
Interesting. I har Dura Ace on my first bike and now SRAM. Used Campa several times on friends’ bikes to test the system... I’m not a fan of the button system. It gets in my hands’ way when I have them on the hoods. Dura Ace: was precise, but - again when I have my hands ont he hoods (my climbing and relaxed cycling position) - upshifting was tiring after a few hours cycling. I love SRAM though. Smooth, precise, snappy!
Good video, thank you! I have never tried Sram but, i would like too. I have owned Campagnolo Athena 9 speed and loved it. I now have Campagnolo Centaur 10 speed, Campagnolo Record 10 speed and Shimano Ultegra 11 speed on my bikes and prefer the Campagnolo system. The Campagnolo 10 speed systems allow you to jump all the way down to the hardest gears with one press on your thumb. I have herd that the newer Campagnolo 11 speed system excluded that function, forcing you to down shift to the harder gears one gear at a time... : ( I wonder why they would do that? By the way, my Ultegra 11 speed system is still a thing of beauty and functions wonderfully. No complaints, just a matter of preference.
I'm using 2016 Super record. Is still the same. One Thumbs press all the way down , not a problem
A really good comparison of the three main operating element systems on road bikes at present. Thumbs up! :-)
I use both Shimano and Campag systems on different bikes. Campag feels a little more ergonomic for my smallish hands. Shimano is quieter shifting, which is nice.
Thank you so much for your very clear, beautifully filmed & excellent video presentation. I am just in the process to have a steel bespoke cycle made for me here in the UK. As an old boy who still has his 39 year old Holdsworth, with down tube levers, your explanation is of great help for me to decide on my group set.
Nice to hear that. Cheers!
The technical support reps and sites for all three of those brands dictate that down shifting is moving the chain to a cog or ring that is easier to pedal and that upshifting is moving the chain to a cog or ring that is harder to pedal.
Indeed. Downshifting is inboard, upshifting is outboard. I think people get confused as downshifting is actually going up the bigger cogs, and vice versa, so visually it's up whereas technically it's down
Thank you very much for producing this video. My new bike arrives in about 3 weeks with Campagnolo Super Record gruppo, so it was very helpful to learn about how it shifts from you. Cheers.
I've always loved Campy but for my last bike build I switched over to Force for the reach-adjustable levers - I have small hands. If Campy ever adds that feature I'd consider switching back, but so far very satisfied with SRAM shifting and durability for the past 6 years.
SRAM also requires much less cable tension tuning - My 10s Chorus group was extremely sensitive to cable tension and required weekly adjustments, whereas SRAM is set and forget for months and months.
I didn't miss the ability to downshift multiple gears on Campy as much as I expected - it's really not a big deal to click multiple times. It's also easy to mis-shift when downshifting multiple cogs on Campy, so I'd often have to make an extra click either way, and the shifter is hard to reach from the drops.
I'm riding with Shimano 105 for the first time after my last two bikes had Veloce. While I like the Shimano ergonomics, Campy shifts always seemed faster and I got no chain rub on the front derailleur. Now I feel forced to shift the front chain ring to prevent rub when the chain gets a little crooked.
I'm a little late and not completely sure about this, but Shimano is the only manufacturer with this issue. Shimano has derailleur trim function. Its like an "extra gear" at the front derailleur. If the chain rubs on derailleur, you can trim the position of derailleur so it changes position without shifting.
He should have added that in Campagnolo Chorus on up you can dump 5 gears at a time which is AWESOME. Another reason Campy makes the best groupset. Even the newest Dura Ace you can only go down the cassette one gear at a time.
Great video! I like the use of the props to show what is happening.
Thank you
Very clear
I'm just searching more info about the differences in the shifters and this video explained them really well
What about durability and serviceability?
Comp. are most serviceable people say here
Awesome, very well said and easy to comprehend. Thank you.
As a pro bike mechanic, you explained these particular shifters well.
I am Camapagnolo positive for the last 20 years :)
great video man... now i know the difference about road bikes shifter. Love the Video
Wow very straight and clear explanations, thanks :)
That's almost exactly what I was looking for, regarding the campagnolo shifting.
Have you tried the new campagnolo trigger by any chance ?
Does it have the same drawback ?
For entry level compagnolo is the best braking cable is seamlessly hidden under the bar tape for shimano it s only on high end models add to that that there shifters are extermly reliable
I appreciate your excellent explaination of the competing systems. I choose the Campi. Have the levers but need to purchase the deraileurs. My quest. is what's the best with my already purchased Ergo 10 levers. I'm a do it yourself kinda guy but look forward to your input to this situation.
But from a Techs point of view, Campy wears faster and is in constant need of tweeking + never got 2 Campagnolo shifters that felt the same even if they are from the same group set, but they are easy to service and all parts are replaceable.
Shimano has the softest shift of them all and lasts forever, easy to service but if something breaks you need to replace the whole unite.
SRAM, personally my favorite for feeling (very direct on the shift) and light weight, but when it comes shifting on the front chairings it sucks donkey doo.
Anyhow great video well explained and keep up the good work
Czesc !!!
Damn!! I agreed with you on that man! Is my second set of Super record, and seems like my last set was better. LOL
The Best Campagnolo, I loved
The up shift - down shift terminology is indeed confusing when they mean the exact opposite two different ways. The way i deal with it ( and i think most cyclists do in the U.S. ) is to put it in terms of shifting or transmissions in cars. You up shift in a car to go faster and of course down shift to go slower. I know in a bike cassette you are physically going down and then back up but i prefer to think of it in car terms.
+Steve Bullard That's right. I somehow stick to Campagnolo terminology. Cheers!
It's not confusing, one way is incorrect. You're going to a smaller gear when you upshift a car too, but no one calls that downshifting.
This is the comment I was looking for
I'm concerned about durability and longevity. A high end and nearly five decades old bike shop I know of that specializes in road bikes sells all three brands but promotes Campagnolo due to their durability and longevity. I wonder why? They once let me use an Italian lugged steel bike over two days that was nearly thirty years of age with all Campagnolo and some 32 spoke wheels, they said it had over 120K miles on it - everything - and it was so weird................ Smoothest functioning and riding bike I ever road. Why? How could that be?
Thank you--very helpful explanation as I begin checking out different groupsets
+Dale Friendly I'm happy to hear that :) Stay tuned for more!
Once Campa Always Campa.
in my opinion shimano shifts a bit too soft and spongy, sram is nerve killing sometimes and campagnolo gives you feedback, very precise and robust. i have all three systems and would always go for campagnolo record upwards because of the multiple down shifting possibility.
My Chorus does that.
Very precise and easily understood explanation. Thanks.
The New Campy Crank is too SICK Looking!! Lovely!!! SRAM red Crank is very light but is too soft, not Stiff enough. And the DA 9000 Crank , I never like to Drive a Mustang with Chromed wheels. Is just not my style. LOL
Good explanation, but you mixed up "upshifting" and "downshifting". Downshifting is moving to a larger sprocket (or smaller chainring), while upshifting is moving to a smaller sprocket (or larger chainring). The direction (up/down) related to the speed at which the gears are used. As you go faster, you upshift (not downshift, as in your explanation), and vice versa.
Yes. Down is nearer the bike, up is away from the bike.
thank you @!!!Very nice video!
I have a "hacked" Campagnolo 1x11, 32-12 cassette with 44t single chainring. I use the "old style" 11 speed ergopower shifter that can skip 3 gears both up and down. Or was it even 4 gears at a time? Very nice on a 1x setup. I'm going to stick with this as long as I can pick up parts for it. And once you find the hood position, the ergonomics are superb, fits like a glove. Molto bene
I have Shimano 105 on my road bike and Sram Apex 1x on my gravel bike. I kind of like Sram more now. That click is reassuring, the shifting is as smooth as 105. I will have to test the longevity. I cannot comment on Comp.
If you have Campagnolo and Sram in Philippines you are allready rich for us
I came from an car-background so I refer to downshifting in order to accelerate (easier gear) and upshifting to increase my speed (harder gear). Your front gears will go bigger on upshifting and smaller on downshifting. ^_^ I'm currently on Shimano 105 and I'm curious to try out the SRAM Force/Red with the DoubleTap, seems interesting.
I have older 105 5500 9 speed shifters and I like that they are smaller than newer versions . I see the 11 speed ones on everybody’s bike and they look huge . Maybe shimano should make sizes .
Personally I prefer campag shifters over Shimano or SRAM, the main reason is that I'm able to shift equally well from the drops as from the hoods. On Shimano STI you have to move the shifter left-right to shift which can be hard from the drops as you have to reach quite a bit. Using camag you can pull the lever towards you as it is not connected to the brake. Personally I also find the "pistol" way of shifting easier when I'm in the drops but I guess that is up to personal preference.
I think shimano is very easy on the dropps and on the hoods as well. In the most cases you shift up anyway at the drops and shifting down is easy too. I ride shimano on a daily base and i just have to open may hands and i can easily shift from the dropps and i have small hands
A very good video to understand these three different systems. You explained it very simply. Could anything happen with the SHIMANO Ultegra system if the lever is pushed inwards during full braking? Is the handling stable here?
Really the only way to determine what you prefer is a test ride on Super Record EPS, Dura Ace 9070 Di2, and Sram Red eTAP. In Colorado that seems like just a pipe dream, because bike shops wont stock the high end frames or groupsets, "we can order that Sir" but you have to buy it first. I don't have the cash to buy three different bikes just to see what I prefer. Wouldn't it be nice if bike shops could cater to the fair weather racer who likes race bikes with the sweet parts on them. Seems a little strange to me that the guy who wants to throw down the big bucks on a bike can't compare the products available him. It's a big commitment and a lot of cash to spend on something you're just reading about on the internet. You say it's personal preference, well how do I figure out what I prefer? I have a 28 year old Dura Ace 8 speed STi group on my Land Shark and it's still works flawlessly, with of course a few new chains, chain rings, and cogs, guessing about 125,000 miles on it, pretty fuckin awesome I'd say. I want a shinny new bike with shinny new parts on it, might just have to go the Shimano route?
Great video. This helped me.
So Dani, which one is the best? Did I miss something? Had Campag Nuovo Record years ago, looked good (big deal?), not sure multiple down-shifting or being able to rebuild it was a game-changer though. Run Shimano RX100 now, with soft shifting. I am sure SRAM is fine too, once you get used to it's (initially) more intuitive shifting system
Hi bro, from 🇲🇾 here..Is Retrospec group set will perform good for a beginner and so on to begin with? Will the performance last longer if just using Retrospec groupset? Thanks👍🏻
Ive used both sram and shimano. Ergonomics wise, shimano wins and its very intuitive.
the Shimano with the thumb downshifter is with the Tourney road and it's sliding down instead of pivoting.
sram is great! Didnt use road bike, got first with sram, no problem whatsoever, no need to get used to it.
Shimano = Honda
SRAM = Ford
Campagnolo = Ferrari
Yes, I agreed with Shimano = Honda.
They're not the best in class but dominated the world.
Just for the record: I've seen "Campagnolo" tatoos. Both brand name or logo. I have not seen "SRAM" or "Shimano" tatoos. Honda or Ducati? that's pretty much it.
On the other hand, quality aside (frankly, I rate them pretty much the same), that Campy logo is fucking beautiful.
Italian design..
For the Record. Get it?
I have all 3. Winner goes to Campy Super record comparing the SRAM Red and DA9000. Is simple. I'm not saying SRAM or DA9000 doesn't swift well. Is just the matter of the shifting feelings and Ergonomics feeling. Winner is definitely CAMPY super record, I am sure ACURA NSX has no problem on Transmission gear change, but sorry man, I'm always a Porsche 911 Fans . Love those Clutches feelings. And is the same applying to Campy versus the Japanese stuff.
Jenson Au Sram is American, by the way.
This is for froome has a dura ace di2
Jenson Au
Do not call it "Campy"!!! The short form for Campagnolo is "Campa"!!!
NSX shifting has no equal, except perhaps the S2000. ;)
never straying from Campagnolo ever again. those shimano levers feel as atrocious as they look.
You choose levers based on how they look? 😂
Another great video Dan! Where do you come from? :)
+Adrian D. Thanks Adrian, I come from Poland, live Poland / Iceland.
+cannondany Polska represent !!!
campagnolo wins, small, minimal design, easy to use.
im proud of my "Veloce" !
FBI43 yeah. its just like a shimano tourney shifters
Jay kay Actually veloce above 105 lighter and preform Better
I’ve had Campy Veloce, Centaur, Chorus and Record and have put up to 20,000 miles on Veloce before rebuilds are necessary. Currently have Record shifters on one bike and Chorus on the other. I’ve always like the small profile and the thumb shifter.
I’ve had Campy Veloce, Centaur, Chorus and Record and have put up to 20,000 miles on Veloce before rebuilds are necessary. Currently have Record shifters on one bike and Chorus on the other. I’ve always like the small profile and the thumb shifter.
Veloce is good but different. Veloce has softer shifts vs chorus+. When i switched from veloce to horus i was very surprized how much crispier chorus shifts since i was expecting veloce's soft shoft since i really liked it. Now i like both shifter feels.
Hi! Do you know if any new Campy Veloce 10s can shift triple cranksets? Or are there specific 2x10 and 3x10 ones? Information on internet is not very clear... Thanks!
Very good video ! I was thinking in move to a Sram force 11 speed but now I'll stick up whit my Ultegra 11 speed you just told everthing that I need to know ! not that sram is bad but is just not for me . Thank's !
+Marc1 Marc Happy to hear, that the video helped you :)
This video help me a lot.. thanx..
Hello. Can i mix and match?.. like using campy shifter with shimano gearset and crank? Thanks bro.
Buy a Jtek Shiftmate which will get done with ease
which one is more reliable if you have winter riding gloves on? I couldnt really feel the shifter too well with my Shimano 105
The largest cog is your first gear, just like on cars, the small cog is your last or higher gear. So up shifting means going from easier the heavier gears.
+Thiago SB I wish it would be that simple: www.campagnolo.com/WW/en/Components/athena_ergopower_controls
+Thiago SB its possible that the car industry had the wrong terminology stick with it. would be interesting on when the divide on the terminology split. not the first time something like that has happened. i still refer to it in car terms myself. since i am not looking at my gears when i shift.. i am not relating it to any up or down physical motion thus i wont say i shifted up to a big cog..rather i shifted down (in ratio) for a steeper grade.
I like sram because is more confortable on the sprint of the race
And more precise IMO.
My chorus does 5 clicks up an down, while my old 8 speed campy mirage does 3 up and 8 down
Have you ever heard of or tried the Sensah EMPIRE? They're said to be between 105 and Ultegra in the Shimano line but shift similarly to the SRAM double tap, with the use of a single lever for shifting and braking. Cool concept, but not confident of the maker.
Hi Don. It's interesting. I haven't seen anyone using them.
very informative comparison
So how common is it to find Italian bikes with Shimano groupsets on?
Can you rebuild the sram or shimano ? For $30.00 in parts I can rebuild my record shifters ...
Sram and Shimano don't need rebuilding. Just needs new grease. Their cable tensions are soft. Campy is badly engineered, (springs on derailleurs are stiff, so cable tension is very high) so the materials in the shifters wear out. Therefore, Campy needs rebuilding periodically.
Question: I've been using my left Campy Chorus shifter for the rear deraullier because I'm left-handed and it's more natural for me, but after rebuilding my shifters I noticed a slight design difference between right and left. Is there something about the right shifter design that makes it more suited for moving across the cogs in the cassette versus the double chainring?
Yes they are completely different in how they work..one designed for changing the front chain rings won't work for the rear derailleur.
Sram my favorite. Campy is great too. Ppl like campy the most bc it is just cooler. I find I like sram red a bit better than campy tho. I've never had many women hit on me when riding so not worried about appearances. Cant stand shimano or electric.
WOW Great Video, very well done.. I have been a CAMPY man since 1977.. You forgot to mention that with the CAMPY shifters going down or up the Cassette 5 cogs at a time , I do not think Shimano, or Scram can do that...
+Ted Godfrey Thanks, Power Shift system has changed - Campy reduced the number of gears you can pushed at once.
Why?
my Campy chours 11 only allowed me to go up or down 4 cogs per shift
great info thanks man 👍
Now what I would like to mention here is not only the comfort but also the durability of these levers and Campagnolo is the best at it cus it is well build and doesn't break down easily unlike shimano
_Thunderbolt_ never had an iusse with shimano breaking even at the lower end models
Thank you...very good video 👍🏽
How much the shimano shifter
there all cool, cause back in the sixties, they all had down tube shifting, so, we've come along way baby.
It would make so much more sense if the Campagnolo thumb shifter was for shifting up the cassette and the behind the lever shifter was for shifting down the casssette… I wanted to buy a 12 speed Chorus or Record mechanical, but this put me off a little bit. I just can’t imagine myself shifting with the thumb shifter while sprinting on the drops, or with the other paddle while climbing out of the saddle. It should be reverse! 🤦🏻♂️😂
I have shimano 2300 shifters with the thumb button, I really don't like it a lot. My thumb gets a bit numb from pressing that button if I change too many gears in a short time. I think sram is better, are there any 8-speed sram shifters? I couldn't seem to find any...
+Rodrigo Maero Oh, I haven;t ridden any 8 speed road systems...
"Big Lever-Bigger Sprocket", "smaller lever-smaller sprocket" That's how I learned to shift on STIs.
Thanks for those informations
Pivot point of Campy levers is similar to Shimano GRX Di2 levers. That's ergonomic.
Great video! Shimano looks the best.
I do prefer the look of Shimano too.