Groupset Comparison Stage 1

Posted on July 21, 2011 by Duke6amer

So it’s time to kick-off Decision Grouppo by evaluating all aspects of the high-end groupsets from the 3 manufacturers selected.
               
The first assessment in this evaluation process was primarily focused on Weight & Price. The aim was to see if there was a clear value for money groupset & if not try to determine a likely best choice for the Wilier GT considering the criteria I have begun to set.
Below is the result of this assessment in one easy to view Groupset Comparison Table. (click table for larger view)

  • To ensure consistency all weights were recorded from the respective manufactures specification charts, yes I know these can be exaggerated but at least provided consistency compared to unverified weights recorded elsewhere on the inter-webs. On a side note I will be conducting my own weight measurements during the build to verify how close they really are & my findings will be published here.
  • The weights of all Derailleur & Brake cables including Shimano Di2 wiring looms have been omitted as I intend to use 3rd party cables on the build, most likely Gore Ride-On cables
  • Prices were mainly taken from three of the big UK online retail stores.
  • Prices can & do vary wildly between stores & particular special offers. Where possible each stores standard prices where applied
  • As best I could each groupset or it’s individual component prices were taken from the same store.
  • Shimano Di2 prices include the cost of wiring looms & a single battery charger unit with power lead.
  • I also included a set of pedals for each groupset as these will be purchased at some time before I consider the project complete. Different brands & models of pedals were priced according to what I felt was the best fit for a particular groupset although this is very open to changing on the final build.


    • So what have I discovered after all this research you ask?
    Well it will come as no surprise to many that I’m no closer to making a decision.
    To be brutally honest as with anything like this my head is probably more clouded now than before. Suffice to say there is no clear winner at this stage but I still consider this has been a worthwhile exercise.
    For instance if I do decide on a Campagnolo groupset it would seem that “Chorus“ is great value for money when put up against the two Shimano offerings & it’s higher-end family member “Record“.
    Maybe dismissing the SRAM groupsets is probably not the smartest thing to do as clearly they offer the best bang for buck based on price & weight alone.
    Both Shimano “Di2″ offerings are still way out of my price range, how “Ultegra Di2“ can be successfully pitched to the everyday enthusiast as Shimano are hoping they can is beyond my comprehension.
    Interestingly to lose only 300 grams total in weight, will cost you close to double the price. That’s a big outlay for little reward for this typical weekend warrior with a family to feed.

    So I can see already that until I get to test ride each of the main contenders I will struggle to make a decision on which to purchase…

    Look out for Stage 2 of this comparison in a few days but in the mean time why not leave a comment below on your thoughts related to this post.

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    • CLP

      i think you’ve missed a couple things in your table.
      brake cables are probably consistent throughout the groupsets.. so you might be able to get away with omitting those in the comparison

      gear cables are a different story .. and don’t forget the Di2 setups will need a charger :)

    • http://wgtproject.norbtech.com Duke6amer

      Thanks CLP,
      I have updated my post to cover off the 2 aspects you raised.
      I did consider them in the analysis.
      All the same Di2 will not be going on this bike due to the sheer cost of the exercise, well unless someone is happy to throw it in through some sort of sponsorship arrangement. Please ;)

    • http://www.facebook.com/people/Antoin-Mccolgan/100002409136235 Antoin Mccolgan

      http://www.totalcycling.com/index.php/component-weights.html

      Here’s a more complete guide to groupset weights. Campy athena is the best value for money in my opinion. With a possible upgrade to chorus shifters

    • http://www.facebook.com/people/Matthew-Esler/652132131 Matthew Esler

      Ok, that’s a start… most people get lazy after this (myself included).

      Weight and Price and…. what next? Can shifting smoothness be measured? Are there statistics available on groupset longevity – wearing of chain, chainrings, cassette? Are some better at shifting under heavy load? Are some more tolerant of rain/dirt/impact?

      Hard to really know the value of a groupset. :-/