My my we have some opinions are this piece of equipment, don't we? Here's mine, take it or leave it. It's not a horrible derailleur (unless your talking the second generation) and yes serious cyclotourists can take this piece of Campy quite seriously. Is it as quick as the early Shimano/Suntours? No way. But it's smooth like a full dress Harley. Is it as crisp? Nope, but it's as positive once you get used to its jelly-like silkiness (I should write commercials). Is it as durable? I bought mine used in the early 80's and it's still in excellent condition. Hey, it's Campy. I've got it on my '69 or so HR Morris tourer (27" Phil Wood) with Campy front, TA 46-32, Suntour 32-14 7 speed, and Simplex downtube Retros. This is a serious touring machine and I tour on it.............seriously! It's taken me, front and rear fully-loaded Blackburn/Carradice, over the deserts and mountains of AZ/NM including hardpack dirt. And only messed up on shifts when I wasn't paying attention. But then what do I know; I think the Edsel was pretty neat too.
Craig Montgomery, collecting the old stuff to ride it in Tucson And just back from a tour on the Apache Reservation