Campag, Shimano or Sram ?

I think it's worth having a test ride of the different groups to see how you like the shifters - they're the main thing that seem to affect people's choices as they all feel quite different. I'm a campag lover for the older style (pre-09) ergos but mix them with shimano 105 at the rear using a JTEK shiftmate as campag cassettes and rear mechs seemed disproportionately expensive compared to shimano.

Duh, was clearly half-asleep when I looked at CRC, will be making a list shortly...

Thanks.

Coincidentally I've just been totting up a Rival drivetrain to replace the mix and match 8spd shimano I'm currently running. I also can't bear the look of shimano, particularly the cranksets as they're just too... ...solidcurvyweird looking.

I really like the look of SRAM but some internet hunting suggests that none of the big names have any in stock. If you can find some please let me know !

I was recently faced with the same decision. I'm building up a frame which has a conventional ISO/BSA 68 mm bottom bracket, and decided on Campagnolo because I really liked the crankset design, and which seems to have the best Q-factor (lowest width between pedals) and ankle clearance. I went for 11 speed too; it has got very good reviews, and the 11 speed 12-27 cassette looked very good, with nice even spacing up to the biggest sprocket. (12-29 cassettes will become available this year.) I decided on Athena, but as I was shopping around buying individual bits I got Chorus shifters and cranks which were cheaper than their Athena equivalents.

You might need to think twice about Campagnolo though, since it would mean at least a new freehub shell or third party Shimano-slotted Campagnolo compatible cassette. And maybe new tools for the cassette lockring, chain, etc...