Need help from any Campy riders...

[Abarnes]

on any manufacturers' shifters, the controls on the shifter control the same derailleur, either 'up' or 'down'. Right hand shifter controls the rear derailleur, left hand controls the front der.

Have you considered SRAM? Only one control on either shifter to control 'up' or 'down', plus the shift paddle and brake lever can be adjusted for closer reach.

Oh, I see...now that's interesting. So which (thumb or lever) controls what (front or rear)? Is it the right side shifts the rear and left the front? Or is it thumb shifting for the rear, and lever shifting for the front? Or what?
Thanks for your help, seajay!

Linda

[Seajay]

on any manufacturers' shifters, Right hand shifter controls the rear derailleur, left hand controls the front der.

Thanks Abarnes. I guess I sort of short cut my reply.
Best to test ride any shifter style before making the commitment.

[emily_in_nc]

I used to have a wonderful bike with Campy Chorus and found the shifting a smooth as "butta" and very intuitive once I got through a very small learning curve after being used to Shimano Ultegra.

The front chainrings used friction shifting, which I loved, since I could trim really accurately rather than only have two choices (on a compact chainring). The rear cogs used the typical indexed shifting.

I have medium-sized woman's hands (based on my glove size) and had no problems shifting with the standard Campy levers.

YMMV as my experience all came from 2004-2005, when I owned that bicycle; it's very possible that things have changed since then.

I can't answer your technical question about how the shifting worked as it's been too long to remember those details, but the thumb shifter was great.

I'd buy Campy again in a heartbeat, given the opportunity.

[nscrbug]

on any manufacturers' shifters, the controls on the shifter control the same derailleur, either 'up' or 'down'. Right hand shifter controls the rear derailleur, left hand controls the front der.

Have you considered SRAM? Only one control on either shifter to control 'up' or 'down', plus the shift paddle and brake lever can be adjusted for closer reach.

I have considered SRAM, and test rode both Red and Force over the summer. But my hand issues have continued despite numerous pro fittings. I am now working with another fitter on designing my new custom Seven Axiom SL, and after trying the Di2 and instantly loving it...both he and I think electronic is the best option for me. I just wanted to explore ALL of my options before making any final decisions. I have some time before I need to decide, so I may try and find a bike with Campy just to see if my hands would like it.

[Wahine]

Campy shifting is fantastic and very easy to get used to.

I am not a fan of Di2. Mostly for asthetic reasons. Di2 does not look good on a nice sleek bike. The motors are clunky looking and don't get you away from cables completely because you still have brake cables. So now you've got a pretty bike frame that's cluttered with motors and cables.

Also, there's something about the idea of a motor (albeit a small one in the shifter) on a bike that doesn't appeal to me.

[nscrbug]

Campy shifting is fantastic and very easy to get used to.

I am not a fan of Di2. Mostly for asthetic reasons. Di2 does not look good on a nice sleek bike. The motors are clunky looking and don't get you away from cables completely because you still have brake cables. So now you've got a pretty bike frame that's cluttered with motors and cables.

Also, there's something about the idea of a motor (albeit a small one in the shifter) on a bike that doesn't appeal to me.

Well, my goal is to find a shop that has a bike w/Campy in the next week or so. As far as the Di2 goes, if I do go with that...my wiring will all be internal. I've seen several Di2 bikes wired internally, and I think it looks very clean...so I'm not at all concerned about it. My hand issues are my biggest concern right now, and if Di2 is an option that allows me to shift without pain and with little effort...I'm all over it.

[Wahine]

The reach on Campy shifters seems to be shorter than others. I've ridden SRAM and Shimano and Campy was by far the most comfortable for me.

Nice that the cables will be hidden, that does make a difference, But I still think that the derailleur motors are clunky looking. But to each their own.

[nscrbug]

The reach on Campy shifters seems to be shorter than others. I've ridden SRAM and Shimano and Campy was by far the most comfortable for me.

Nice that the cables will be hidden, that does make a difference, But I still think that the derailleur motors are clunky looking. But to each their own.

The shorter reach is certainly a plus, which definitely makes Campy worthy of considering. My biggest hand issues occur with having to move the shift levers inward (downshift for rear, and upshift for front) on my Ultegra shifters. The "throw" is really long and stiff and bothers my already problematic hands/fingers. How does the "throw" on the Campy levers compare?

[Wahine]

The shorter reach is certainly a plus, which definitely makes Campy worthy of considering. My biggest hand issues occur with having to move the shift levers inward (downshift for rear, and upshift for front) on my Ultegra shifters. The "throw" is really long and stiff and bothers my already problematic hands/fingers. How does the "throw" on the Campy levers compare?

I do not remember having any issues with throw or stiffness. All around I remember the shifting being easier than any other set up I've used. But keep in mind that I last used Campy 2 years ago and my hands are quite strong from my work so I may not notice an issue like that. I would go back to Campy in a second if it weren't for the fact that I usually get my groupos as hand me downs from a racer friend, so I just get what I get.

Another thing to think about is weight, I am under the impression that the full Di2 set up is heavier than a Campy Chorus set-up, but I don't remember where I got that information from. You may want to ask. Or you may not be concerned with weight to the same degree as some riders.

Good luck.