Shimano, Campagnolo & Sram's groups are all nice, that Campy only attitude is nonsense. There are relatively small differences between the top components today. I grew up riding the old Simplex, Huret, Campy & Shimano groups - count yourself lucky for the component improvements since the 60's - 80's.
I like having index shifting with a friction option - but that's me.
I would agree that the old Campagnolo Super and Nuevo Record groups were overall the most beautiful (in appearance) then or now, but today's popular component groups are a big leap forward in function from almost everything used in the past.
Last edited by Brian_1; 06-24-07 at 10:57 AM.