[Closed] Cross build. which groupset?

You'll find that everyone will say the best is the one they use. But I'd say Ultegra as it has a fantastic positive gear change and the hoods great on the rough stuff.
I have been told that the Campag also now has good shifting.

I think the SRAM is the lightest, I think Campag and SRAM look the best, but Ultegra has no faults.

If it was me I'd go for 105. Cross can knacker stuff quickly, and there is no performance advantage to going 105 over Ultegra.

All of the above are durable IME.

I prefer the feel of Campagnolo hoods/shifters, but Shimano gearing gives you more options (wider cassette ranges, wider choice of derailleurs).

If you're interested I have a new in box SRAM Rival CX chainset/BB for £120 posted. Cost £180. Bought for new CX build which didn't happen. Will work with all SRAM, Shimano or Campag gears.

Email in profile.

I have been using 2009 Centaur on my cx bike for 2 years. It's been fine. I used 1996 8spd Mirage on my previous cx bike with no problems for 9 years (until the rear mech broke).

Not sure campags thumb shift is the best for cross if your riding on hoods. Likewise Srams single change lever ?? On rough ground , in the heat of a race.

Shimano for me.

105 for me, off road. it's cheap. it works.
ultegra on the road.

i went for 10spd 105 as it suited my budget and bike, Ribble had the best groupset deals when i looked around (i put the brakes and 50t ing up for sale on here to get some cash back)

I have never had a problem shifting with Campag Ergolevers. In 15 years of using Campag the 09 Centaur is the worst as they made the shifting action too light - current groupsets have gone back to a more positive change. I don't have big hands but I can reach the upshift button from both the hoods and the drops with no problems at all.

2nd for 105....been running ultegra for 2 seasons and it is shafted!!Been through 2 rear mechs and 3 chains so far.When it covered in shizzle you won't be able to tell the difference.
Swapped to old 105 as the sti's seem better sealed and 1x10 to save destroying 2 shifters and a front mech 😕

Have to add to the 105 fans ... good price, good performance and not that expensive when you tear a mech off 🙁

Selling a set of last years 105 shifters and mech as buying a complete cross bike for this season.

Thanks for all the advice. Its easy to just think of weight above all else and get carried away but 105 does look like a good buy for the money.

What sort of gearing (F&R) are folk using for CX racing?

38 on its own up front and an 11-28 out back (from 34-44 double).

38 front, 12 - 27 back. occasionally spin out on long fast descents, but very rarely.
i didn't use the big ring for a couple of seasons, so got rid of it.

I use campag ergo shifters with Shimano everything else. Works perfectly using the hubbub method though it's 'only' 9 speed (10 Campag speed shifters, Shimano 9 speed everything else)

http://www.ctc.org.uk/desktopdefault.aspx?tabid=3946

I prefer Campag to Shimano as I find it more definite. Others would call it clunky. I don't really like SRAM shifters - doubletap is just a compromise to get around patents IMO.

That said, they all do the job fine so go for the one you prefer.

Gearing: 50/34 and 12-28 - not for CX racing but rather for all round riding for which it's pretty spot on.

don't forget that campag are as good with spare parts as hope are... if something breaks in an ergo lever, you can get the exact bit you need and rebuild it. If the same happens with an STI, you'll need to buy a new STI.

Dave

105 +1

The rear mech is perhaps a little sloppy offroad but the chain never drops, just slaps a bit more than you'd like.

Try and get a proper cross ratios on the crankset though (which you won't be able to 105), 46/36

Shimano have got some dedicated cross groups coming out shortly, different names but basically 105 and Ultegra level I believe.

105 for me too. Works just fine and not to expensive to replace.

Rorschach - Member
2nd for 105....been running ultegra for 2 seasons and it is shafted!!Been through 2 rear mechs and [b]3 chains[/b] so far.

Jesus, I'm not surprised! 3 chains in two seasons? Mine get a new chain every 5 or 6 races and they're often knackered at that point.

Oh, and 38/44 with 12/27 here.