[CR]Japanese vs. Italian durability

(Example: Books:Ron Kitching)

Date: Sun, 25 Apr 2004 08:05:26 -0400
To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
From: "ADP" <aphillips9@mindspring.com>
Subject: [CR]Japanese vs. Italian durability

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