Which Groupset?

My Apex one has gone from "a bit notchy" to "crankarms have 10mm of play" rather suddenly so I'll pop out to Evans then

Such a blouse, it was obviously fine ;)

That was interesting, DS cup was borked completely and the NDS cup was only finger tight :/

sets calendar reminder to service BBs

Why is Shimano 105 11 speed so plasticy looking?

Why is Shimano 105 11 speed so plasticy looking?

Because it's not Ultegra.

But this looks so tacky.

Is that plastic part removable or something? How do you replace the big ring?

The chainring is hollow made out of two parts rivetted together so very light and very stiff.

It's just a shiny finish compared to the matte you get on Ultegra and DA

Ultegra looks plastic as well. Dura Ace.

Why is Shimano 105 11 speed so plasticy looking?

Because it is. Feels it too.

Its a 5th tier group (or 3rd if you don't count di2). It is what it is.

In terms of function, I've been very impressed with the 105 group set on my cross bike. Shifting is crisp and consistent, regardless of how much torque you're applying when you change.

But having Campag on another bike is playing havoc with my shifting reflexes, I'm forever getting the changes wrong.

Newflash, £315 groupset felt plasticity.

Yes yes, cheap groupset is cheap, I know that. I want to try 105 on the next build (especially 11sp) but equivilent SRAM does a much better job in terms of looks.

What I do like most about SRAM is that the cable pull is the same between the 10 and 11 speed, meaning it's possible to mix and match (11 speed hydraulic with 10 speed drivetrain).

Best thing about SRAM is that the shifting and braking is more or less the same from Red to Rival - they just change the material /weight the more you pay. I like that "line in the sand" approach as a way of handling groupset tiers.
Everyone deserves good design.

So sumo, did you buy a complete bike with 105 or did you buy the group?

I'm partway through installing an Apex groupset on a bike.T he hoods and levers certainly feel the same as my old Rival stuff. Looks OK too. And does not feel plasticky... I did have a quick spin on a bike with apex and shifting and feel was perfect.

All of what you describe is exactly why I didn't choose the shimano stuff.

Style. Get the silver cranks.

It works pretty well for me. If I didn't have crash damaged shifters it'd be perfect. Race anyone who disagrees. Loser has to ride Shimano forever.

Ditch Campag. Problem goes away.

Looks is personal. I look at bikes with SRAM or Campy and feel sorry for their owners.

People look at you, and feel sorry for your bikes.

I feel sorry for my bikes.

Then I think, "No! fuck you, I'm suffering too - die now and we both get a rest!"

If some one likes wankery, at merlin the 80th SR is on crazy sale, selling even individual parts
http://bikes.merlincycles.com/search#w=Campagnolo%2080th&view=grid&cnt=32&isort=score

The really low pivot point is why I think Shimano are shit for people with smaller hands.