I'll put this one out there:
Campag had just as many issues with compatibility 'back in the day'. There are all sorts of cryptic BB axle sizes to go with specific cranks and front derailluers. You either knew or didn't know, and being fluent in Italian, and have an understanding the nuances of Italian culture, and Italian Racing culture specifically to really make sense of what you were working with. That was a rather steep learning curve just to bolt on a gear changer or brake lever. They designed their rear derailluers to function best with certain freewheel cog combos, otherwise you would get poor shifting or no shifting at all. Campy shift levers wrapped the cable around the 'spool' a certain amount to accommodate different derailleurs. And what about the Campagnolo seatpost that required a special tool to access the hidden bolt under the saddle and on top of the post. That was a such a pain in the ass to access whether you had the special tool or not.
But it all seemed to be 'good' and no one complained, and even extolled the virtues of these barriers. It gives the racers or mechanics character to skin knuckles while working on the equipment. It teaches patience, like working on a BMW in the middle of nowhere with only the tools that came with the bike. Arm pump from squeezing the brakes too hard due to high caliper spring tension? Oh that is because only big strong racers in the heat of the competition are so amped with adrenaline that they need a strong spring to counteract their inputs. And you ARE a strong racer, aren't you?
Shimano has started at square one so many times to improve components, and total bike functionality, and yes sometimes that precluded using a Dura Ace AX rear hub with your Dura Ace 10 speed shifter. But that is a very bad thing and there must be some kind of conspiracy. How knows- maybe shimano is aligned with The Terrorists or something. Didn't I see a shimano equipped bike in Iraq last week on CNN just before another hotel was blown up?
Tom neo grouch Martin
Oakland CA
> Since I never had the budget for Campagnolo when my beloved era bicycles
> were new, or at least not so old, I developed an appreciation for the more
> affordable Japanese stuff.
>
> Now that I've got bicycles knocking around with top of the line goodies
> from both Europe and Asia, dating back through the last 35 years or so, I
> figure I've got even more perspective on it.
>
> Seems to me that all my old Campagnolo stuff has held up a lot better than
> my old Suntour and Shimano parts. I can't tell you how many miles things
> have on them, but cosmetically, some of the most beat Campy stuff still
> looks better than my Japanese stuff.
>
> I've got some of those Dura Ace high flange hubs with the clip over the
oil
> hole, and there is certainly a difference in the durability of finish as
> compared to 31 year old Campagnolo. Maybe it's the quality of chrome and
> aluminum anodization, who knows? I never saw rust on the bearing races
> inside a high end hub and on the bearings till I pulled apart that Dura
Ace
> hub.
>
> Ann Phillips Decatur GA