Support road.cc

Like this site? Help us to make it better.

forum
road.cc bike forum

Advice - Shimano Ultegra 6800 Groupset vs Campagnolo Athena Carbon Groupset

by Stumps
Wed, Feb 26, 2014 13:57
63

Ladies and Gents, i currently have Shimano Tiagra fitted to my bike and i'm looking to upgrade the groupset as its getting a bit worn.

Now i'm no genius when it comes to groupsets and i'm more inclined to pick one that looks good on my bike rather than going into the in's and out's of specifications etc.

So having said that i've decided to go for either the Ultegra 6800 or the Campag Athena. Both look completely different but i'm drawn towards the Campag as i can get it in black which matches my frame, a minor point i know.

What i'm after from you lovely people is your thoughts on which one is best or which one to totally avoid. Both are similar priced at the £500+ mark.

Cheers.

If you're new please join in and if you have questions pop them below and the forum regulars will answer as best we can.

Add new comment

63 comments

Avatar
notfastenough | 11 years ago
0 likes

6800 is this years' model, right? I ask because I have 10-speed Ultegra and while it's really good, the upshift requires a relatively long throw of the lever. This is something which I believe they fixed for this year.

I will also say that coming from SRAM, Shimano seems to be far easier to tweak and keep running smoothly without being an ace mechanic.

As for Campag, well my clubmate that runs it, loves it. However, my impression is that it can feel a bit clunky but appeals to traditionalists and those who want an 'all-Italian' bike. I'm not really a fan of the thumbshift lever either. HOWEVER, these things are entirely personal, and no doubt someone else will be along to tell you that Shimano is like buying a Toyota - reliable but soulless.

If you use an LBS to service your bike, then unless they are a 'proper' road bike shop, they may get a nervous twitch when asked to service Campag.

Oh also, Ultegra is Shimano's second tier group so inherits the majority of the nice stuff, while Athena is further down the list, with Chorus, Record and Super Record all offering the higher end Campag bits.

Avatar
Stumps | 11 years ago
0 likes

Yeah i looked at them but it just didn't do anything for me, cheers though its appreciated mate.

Avatar
Gkam84 | 11 years ago
0 likes

SRAM Rival .... its black, just to throw it in, incase you haven't checked it out 3

Pages

Latest Comments