Why didn’t someone introduce me to Campagnolo in my youth?

Well, quite possibly it was a little out of my reach as a student with a part time job at a time when Shimano & Suntour were just a fraction of the cost .  This is not the case today with Campagnolo taking steps to become much more competitive in their mid range products.  So when a client explains that they are considering a mid spec road bike and think that an Athena or Chorus group-set will push the budget or require a compromise somewhere else in the build I say…

“Pricing being equal. Put simply, the only reason not to build or buy a Campagnolo equiped bicycle is because your local bike shop has not presented you with all of your options.”  

The fact is 90% of all bicycles are assembled and packaged in China or Taiwan then shipped off to North American distributors. Shimano owns the OEM market so bike shops are then presented with two options, buy a pre-assembled bicycle with Shimano, spend about 30 minutes to put it together and then sell it at a healthy margin or… Build a bicycle from the frame up giving the consumer the choice of how they want it built? Typically we spend a few hours selecting parts and as much as 3 hours building, this process comes at a much smaller margin to remain competitive with the pre-assembled bikes.  So what drivetrain product would you recommend to customers as a shop owner if the bottom line depended on you pushing those pre-built Shimano bikes out the door?

When you are out there shopping and hear that Campgnolo isn’t the right choice for you just ask to see the components up close, paying attention to the materials and finish.  Ask if you can ride a bike with each of the three manufacturers price equivalent group-sets and compare them on feel, function, quality and of course appearance.  As with everything its evolution, it may not be this season or maybe not even next season but if you continue to enjoy cycling you will eventually arrive at Campagnolo.  

We present you with all of your options and make it affordable for you to ride the very best components for your budget, Campagnolo 10 or 11 speed. Refined, re-buildable and each group-set is an extension of your personality.

Super Record 11sp

Record 11sp

Chorus 11sp

Athena 11sp

Centaur 10sp

Veloce 10sp