Shimano or Campagnolo? What Wheels? And a Frame?

Scott Surbrook has asked us some very interesting questions, but it comes down “what will I buy?” We, as usual, give him our suggestions and views on frames, equipment and wheels and hope we have not added to his confusion?

Question: Hello,

I have picked up cycling again after about 10 years off. I’m 44 now and have a number of injuries, including two bum knees (one will probably have to be replaced in the next 2-3 years, though cycling doesn’t appear to bother it much) and I just don’t hold up as well as I used to on rides (please don’t get me going on my chronic, until recently, saddle issues). I’m 5’11″, ~250lbs (but I have better cardio than that weight would indicate) and I’m looking to lose another 50 (from a high of 330+ about 2 years ago).

Anyway, my “old” bike (>15 years, 6000+ miles, CHEAP Shimano) is aluminum (frame, forks, stays) and stiff enough (needed because BB flex on the steel frames of the time was ridiculous) to beat me down after about 15 miles (even with a saddle I can now tolerate). I currently ride 40-60 miles a week and would like to increase that. I think I have settled on a carbon fiber frame as they seem to be much more “comfy”.

I don’t race, but I have learned that taking shortcuts on equipment can easily cost more in the long run. Because of this, my questions comes down to which brand/group of components, “value” brand of bike, and wheelsets to go with.

Obviously, I am looking at either Shimano or Campagnolo. I have had cheap Shimano groups on all of my past road bikes (so I am obviously more familiar with Shimano’s line than Campagnolo) and while I haven’t had any major component breakage issues, they are by no means “smooth” in any sense (shifting, riding, etc.)

With Shimano, the 105, Ultegra, and Dura-Ace are the obvious choices. With Campagnolo, I guess either Chorus or Record would be the roughly equivalent choices.

My question/problem breaks down as follows:

1. What are the differences between the equivalent Shimano and Campagnolo groups as far as shifting, braking, ride, etc., if any?

2. When I look at, say, the 105, Ultegra, and Dura-Ace, what are the differences other than price? I realize there will be weight differences, but do they differ in performance (smoothness, effectiveness, etc.)? Also, what is your opinion on mixing components in the same brand (say 105 front, Dura-Ace rear, Ultegra shifters, for example)? I have seen some bike brands do this type of thing, usually with components that are one withing one “step” of each other.

>From what I can see, Motobecane and Bottechia seem to be the value leaders with high level components, what do your think of their carbon framed offerings?

Finally, how about wheels? I have 32 spoke wheels and I am still breaking spokes fairly frequently, even though I have forged aero (bladed) spokes (on admittedly old six speed cassette wheels)? The Mavic Ksyrium Elites seem to have positive reviews and the Xero Lite’s on Giant’s OCR C3 bike seem to be interesting from a strength/weight standpoint. Any thoughts/recommendations/other suggestions in that range? I am using www.airfreetires.com tires so I don’t have to deal with flats anymore (I’d have one about every week, even with “nice” tires/tubes) here in Memphis, TN.

Anyway, thank you for your time and I really look forward to your response as I’m planning on buying within the next 10-40 days.

Best regards,

Scott

PS. I hope this isn’t too much to ask, but I don’t have any other relatively independent sources to ask…

Hi Scott,
The first thing is we are here so you can ask questions and we are independent and we try to be objective with all our answers and reviews.

OK let’s start with your choice of equipment, Shimano and Campagnolo, its apples and oranges. I prefer the feel of Campagnolo’s gear change and braking, others prefer Shimano and that’s what it comes down to, personal preference. The more you spend the better the quality and the longer it will last. You are correct that Ultegra and Dura-Ace are equivalent to Chorus and Record, so it comes down to what you can afford. Shimano gear changes are sharper and the braking is also very sharp. Campagnolo’s braking is more progressive and the gear change feels slower, but still precise.

You can mix 105 with Ultegra etc. I don’t advise it, but it can work, better to stick to all the same stuff.

Now your frame choice of Motobecane and Bottechia is fine, personally I like the look of the Bottechia and remember Greg Lemond won the Tour de France on a Bottechia! I also suggest you take a look at Giant, Specialized or Trek as they are all very nice and well built bikes. There are so many good carbon frames on offer and all of them can be trusted to perform, I would suggest to stay away from any unbranded or unknown named carbon frames, they are not to be trusted.

Wheels, yes the Mavic Ksyerium are great choice, strong and light, if you are thinking of getting Campagnolo equipment then take a look at Campags wheels (Eurus are nice) or Fulcrum which are also made by Campagnolo.

I hope we have helped and not added to your confusion. Get a good quality carbon frame and fit the best equipment you can afford, simple really!