Dream Build: SRAM Force Etap or Shimano Dura Ace Di2
#51
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I don't know if anyone else has yet pointed out the obvious, but here it is: if cost really isn't a concern, then you don't mention a price limit.
If there is a price limit (apparently there IS), then the groupset choice involves tradeoffs -- maybe cheaper wheels, a cheaper frameset, whatever. So, it's difficult to give a recommendation without knowing the other priorities and constraints.
If there is a price limit (apparently there IS), then the groupset choice involves tradeoffs -- maybe cheaper wheels, a cheaper frameset, whatever. So, it's difficult to give a recommendation without knowing the other priorities and constraints.
More generally, I always laugh a bit when a poster talks about a “cost no object build,“ and then goes on to give a price limit or to state other concerns about cost.
#52
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I have started accumulating bits and pieces to turn one of my Lynskey hardtail mountain bikes into a gravel bike. Not really a no holds bared dream build, but it will be a Ti frame with carbon wheels.
It is going to be Ekar, mostly because I do not like the ergonomics of Shimano or SRAM. And for me that is an important functional difference. If someone else prefers Shimano or SRAM ergonomics, more power to them.
Oh, and chaadster...
It is going to be Ekar, mostly because I do not like the ergonomics of Shimano or SRAM. And for me that is an important functional difference. If someone else prefers Shimano or SRAM ergonomics, more power to them.
Oh, and chaadster...
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#53
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No, no…my point was that Campagnolo is exotic in a variety of ways, not only for the fact of being expensive. It is unusual in the American market. When we talk about “exotic cars,” it’s well understood we’re talking about rare, expensive, top-performing cars, but when we talk about things like “exotic foods” or “exotic flowers,” the understanding is that they come from unfamiliar, far-away places. So, in pointing out that Campagnolo parts are not only pricey but both scarce and made in Romania was to support the notion that Campagnolo is definitely exotic in the US market. Add in the cachet of it being an iconic Italian company and it seems awfully silly to quarrel over the aptness of exotic as an adjective for Campagnolo.
Relatedly, I think Campagnolo make the best-looking gruppos, which is why I have three bikes on Campagnolo 11spd. I did choose SRAM Force AXS for my latest bike because because I wanted the tech and 12spd, however, had I been building a more mountain road oriented gravel bike, I’d have gone Campagnolo Ekar 13spd. I very nearly did, but the gearing spread pushed me to Force AXS. Ekar looks so hot…
Relatedly, I think Campagnolo make the best-looking gruppos, which is why I have three bikes on Campagnolo 11spd. I did choose SRAM Force AXS for my latest bike because because I wanted the tech and 12spd, however, had I been building a more mountain road oriented gravel bike, I’d have gone Campagnolo Ekar 13spd. I very nearly did, but the gearing spread pushed me to Force AXS. Ekar looks so hot…
Oh, I ride with one guy who has Super Record EPS on a bike. It is beautiful.
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#54
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I was really torn when I bought my new gravel bike. I could get an Ekar build or a Force XPLR AXS build with a PM for the same price. I really wanted Ekar for aesthetic reasons, but ultimately decided on SRAM for 1) the PM; and 2) I trust electronic to shift cleanly 70 miles in to a dusty gravel event more than I do any mechanical groupset. That and I've never worked on Campy, and know my local shops work a lot more on SRAM and Shimano. Yes, they could work on Ekar, but I'm more confident in SRAM. If I had unlimited resources, I would have probably at least tried Ekar then traded it out because it is gorgeous and I am absolutely intrigued by it.
Oh, I ride with one guy who has Super Record EPS on a bike. It is beautiful.
Oh, I ride with one guy who has Super Record EPS on a bike. It is beautiful.
For what it's worth, my cousin is a retired domestic pro rider, still gets most stuff (including Campy) at cost, and doesn't spend the extra for Record. He finds Chorus to be good enough. Which tells you how good it is.
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#55
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No, the real "thing" with the Corvette is that it's suitable for use as a daily driver. This is what puts it in a completely different category from the track toys. It's a car for people who will actually use it to get around.
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The "thing" with the Corvette, I guess, is that it is sort of practical---its A/C and heater works, it can carry a set of golf clubs, or three bags of groceries---but it also has all the high-end performance of the Ferrari. (I have not seen one with a bike rack, so .... what a trash car. )
But compared to say, a Camaro .... I'd say it is more exotic .... ? Whatever.
I like Shimano but don't think it is "better," it is just what I am used to. I have an online friend who is a really talented wrench who broke down ho Campy used to have (might still have) a more refined set of ratchets and cog spacers so that the different distances the derailleur has to travel between shifts is accounted for more precisely than SRAM or Shimano set-ups. But ... she herself admits that the difference is so minuscule that it doesn't matter.