Ergo Shifting

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Ergo Shifting, also referred to as Ergopower or Ergolevers, is the dual-control shifter component design by Campagnolo for operation of the derailleurs on racing bicycles. An alternative to Shimano's STI dual control levers, the Ergo shifters incorporate a shifting lever behind the brake lever to shift to a larger cog, and a small thumb lever (sometimes called a 'mouse ear') on the insides of the right and left brake hoods that is pressed down in order to shift to a smaller cog. Because the braking levers do not pivot inwards and the shift levers operate independently of the brake levers, the Ergo system is less susceptible than STI to unintended braking while shifting the largest levers.

Campagnolo's design philosophy with Ergo emphasizes using exotic materials to reduce weight, while keeping the system relatively simple. In contrast, Shimano designs are more complex. Because Ergo shifters are less mechanically complex and are designed for serviceability, they can be re-built by a mechanic in a relatively short time. Some users of Ergo levers and Campagnolo parts in general-like the fact they can be serviced should they show wear or break and can have a much longer service life. Shimano parts cannot be serviced as easily and are considered by many to be 'throw away' parts and are therefore inferior to their Italian rival.

For the 2007 model year, upper-end models of the Ergo system (Chorus, Record) allow multi-cog shifting in both directions. In fact, with this feature both shifters can move the respective derailleurs from the largest cog to the smallest cog in one stroke. This can be an advantage for upshifting quickly for going downhill and for sprinting. Shimano's system can only move to one smaller cog per lever stroke. A left-hand Ergo shifter is also double and triple front chainring compatible with no modifications necessary. Finally, an aesthetic and aerodynamic advantage of Campagnolo's Ergo design is that the brake and derailleur cables are both routed under the handlebar tape.