Crappymonkey

I'm currently riding a BMC with Rival and have been very happy with the performance. I ride regularly but am not competitive.

I currently have a Chinese carbon frame that I hope to have built up for when the snow goes away and I'm having trouble deciding on a new groupset to order for the frame.

I plan on going fairly cheap and I'd like to try something different than SRAM for a little variety so I've narrowed it down to Shimano 105 or Campagnolo Centaur. Whichever set I go with I'll be ordering from Europe to save a couple hundred bucks.

I've read that some people don't like the new Centaur groupset because it has powershift rather than ultrashift but that's not an issue for me. Also, is there a difference between the regular black group and the black/red group other than the colour?

Considering they are both 10 speed and around the same price is there a reason to go one way over the other? My main concern is which one has better build quality and reliability.

Commodus

I believe Centaur is lighter than 105, but they are both good. I don't think there is any difference to the red/black other than the bit of bling.

Between Shimano and Campy, it comes down to ergonomics. See if you can find a couple of bikes to fondle and see which hoods you prefer.

dtrain

Do you value having cassettes and rear wheels/wheelsets that can traded from bike to bike?

HMF

If you going with a Chinese carbon frame, why not keep it ALL on the cheap with MicroSHIFT?

Crappymonkey

I've actually felt both hoods and they both seemed ok with me. I could confortably use the thumb shifter on the Campy which I was concerned about because I have an injury to my left hand from being creamed by a car. However, I haven't been able to take either set out for a ride too see how they feel after a couple of hours.

Not really. I have a Soul S4.0 set that always stays on my BMC and a set of unused Aksiums in a box that have a Shimano/SRAM freehub (been planning on selling them for a couple years) but I'll probably be ordering a new wheelset for the new bike anyways (another choice to make :lol). Most likely a set of Soul S2.0.

Here's the frame I'll be building up...

Crappymonkey

I was considering that but I don't like that the cables aren't routed under the bartape. Unless they've update the Arsis group for 2013?

unionmade

I'm a Rival guy myself, so I'd go with Red, but for you I'd say Campy. Why? Because then you'll be cooler.

topflightpro

I suggest going with Shimano simply for convenience and compatibility with your BMC. While you say you are good with wheels, it is always nice to have a back up set if something should happen, even if that means pulling a wheel off another bike.

dtrain

I tend to agree (which is why I mentioned it). I have 3 wheelsets (plus an extra rear wheel) for 2 road bikes. Two wheelsets for my MTB as well (slick vs. knobby tires). Sounds like the OP has at least considered that potential benefit, but doesn't put a lot of stock in it.

RollCNY

Campy 10 speed shifters, crank, and FD, Rival RD, Shimano 105 cassette and shimano compatible freehub, KMC chain. Cheapest setup of all, and then no one feels left out.

Crappymonkey

Franken bike!

Is it possible to upgrade from 105 (to Ultrega or DA) when the components wear out?

Nachoman

I also totally agree with this. I switch wheels often. Not only for repair reasons but mostly just for fun.

caloso

I agree, but remember that SRAM and Shimano cassette spacing is identical.

RollCNY

Sure! Per the interweb, you could do Centaur shifters, Red RD, and DA cassette. Or do 11 speed Record (or SR) shifters and a DA 10 speed RD, with the cable routed hub-ub.

sced

For all reasons other than practical ones Campagnolo is must in this day and age. Everything else is too pedestrian to contemplate.

Crappymonkey

I think I"ll be ordering the 105 soon. Thanks for the help!

Commodus

Maybe check the weight difference before ordering. Might be significant.

Crappymonkey

Good idea...

105 = 2624g
Centaur = 2331g (alloy)

James1:17

Funny you should say that:

sced

That is funny! I have an Italian friend that's not a biker who speaks of Campagnolo with reverence, such is the name in Italy.

Commodus

300g is kind of a lot. I think if you don't have strong feelings about the ergonomics, I'd go Centaur.

Andy Somnifac 

If you're not racing, it's not a lot. Get what you like. I'd go with Shimano, but that's only so I could use wheels between the two bikes. That's just me though.

Commodus

If he had a strong preference, or cared about being able to switch wheels, this thread wouldn't exist.

Andy Somnifac 

Note the second sentence of my post.

"Get what you like."

The rest is prefaced with "I'd" and closed with "That's just me though." I think it's pretty clear it was my opinion, and he should get the one he likes regardless of the opinion of anyone else.

RollCNY

Having had a 105 (5700) bike, a Campy Veloce shifters and shimano rear end (JTek #3), and a Campy Veloce Shifter/ all other Centaur bike, I would take Campy 10 speed every time for the following reasons:

1) It was cheaper.
2) The JTek was annoying and more finnicky.
3) The hood ergonomics of Campy fit my hands far better (and I have large hands)
4) The front shifting on Campy was smoother. The rear shifting on 105 was smoother, with the whole Shimano "buttery" feeling. I don't like buttery, so the Campy bang was more to my liking.

The decision was not based on weight, or which was more or less pedestrian.

EDIT: My next build will be a 105 downtube shifter build, so my stuff is project specific.