Help me! Road Bike Part Grades for Dummies

[Starfish]

OK, since this has become a Campy v. Shimano thread here is a question I've always wanted to ask. Is it possible to shift both ways while in the drops on Campy? I've seen Campy bikes in bike shops before, and I could never understand why the buttons on the hoods are as good as or better than shifting at the lever. I would think that especially for racers who spend a lot of time in the drops, the Shimano style would be more convenient, but am I missing something?

I have always wondered this, too!

[KnottedYet]

I have a challenging time shifting from the drops, the button is a bit of a stretch for my hands from there. I let go of the drop and slide my hand up the curve a little to reach.

Getting Salsa Short-n-Shallow bars made it much easier, though.

[DirtDiva]

With Shimano, the direction you push the brake lever is the direction the chain moves. Much easier way of remembering than lefts and rights.

[elk]

With Shimano, the direction you push the brake lever is the direction the chain moves. Much easier way of remembering than lefts and rights.

but but but...i can only push them one way...the big lever moves you one way and the small one the other...???? But they both go the same direction.

[Andrea]

SRAM Doubletap is actually really easy to learn. And you'll be addicted to how easily it shifts from the small ring to the big ring

Sorry, I just got SRAM, and I'm addicted

[Thorn]

Getting Salsa Short-n-Shallow bars made it much easier, though.

Yep.....my FSA wing pro (short drop, but not as short as the Salsa) make it easy. To be honest, I was surprised that I could because I cannot shift my Shimano from the drops. However, that's really the difference between a bike that fits (my Campy equipped) and a bike that doesn't fit (my Shimano equipped) and not a difference in the shifter style.

[rij73]

Wait, so how exactly is the button reached? You can reach it with your thumb? I just have a hard time picturing it...

[Thorn]

Wait, so how exactly is the button reached? You can reach it with your thumb? I just have a hard time picturing it...

Exactly. I really, really would never have believed that I could have hit the button from the drops, but with the right position and the right bars, it just works.

But, that said, I had a good fitter for the frame and a good mechanic helped me pick out the handlebars that would work. In the past, I rented a bike with Campy and I rarely was in the drops (mediocre fit because it was a rental). I don't think I could even reach the break levers. With my new bike I can use the drops comfortably (yes, I'm still gushing over this bike's fit--it is amazing!) and the shifters work from the drops.

[mimitabby]

This ranks as the most confusing thread I have ever read!!!

And no, I can't explain how Campy is different, but today when I'm riding to Bike Expo, i'm going to try to figure out what I am doing so I can tell you guys.

[rij73]

LOL, mimitabby...