In contrast to the Ekar gravel groupset, the last new launch from Vicenza, Campagnolo has dispensed with an additional sprocket for the Super Record and continues to rely on a twelve-speed cassette. There has recently been speculation as to whether the traditional company will be the first manufacturer to introduce the 13th sprocket for the road. "We see no need for this in the road sector," the Italians announced.
New gear ratios
Instead, the transmission comes with newly graded cassettes and chainrings. As with the competitor SRAM, the cassettes now start with a ten-tooth sprocket and are only compatible with Campagnolo's N3W freehub. The stiff carbon crank with titanium axle and four lengths remains almost unchanged, but the bottom bracket is now said to be better sealed than before.
The 50/34 gradation, previously known as the compact crank, is now the largest in the programme and is aimed at professionals. In addition, there are the smaller 48/32 combinations for amateur racers and the 45/29 suitable for touring; a 1:1 ratio is therefore also possible in the lowest gear.
Campagnolo Super Record WRL: The most important facts at a glance
- Price: 5200 Euro
- Weight: 2520 grammes
- Gears: 2x12
- Brake system: Disc
- Chainrings: 45/29, 48/32, 50/34 teeth
- Sprocket sets: 10-25, 10-27, 10-29 teeth
- Power measurement: no
Like SRAM, the pioneer of wireless shifting with its AXS technology, Campagnolo also integrates the batteries into the front derailleur and rear derailleur. They can be charged directly on the bike using a magnetic plug or removed for this purpose. Integrated, clearly visible LED displays provide information on the charge status as required. It is not possible to swap the two batteries with each other. One of more than 1000 patents that the competition from Japan or the USA has already secured, according to Campa.
"Our competitors have paved the road with patents," said company boss Valentino Campagnolo on the sidelines of the presentation. The range of the two batteries, officially 750 kilometres, sounds meagre in comparison. According to Campa, however, up to 1000 kilometres should be possible. Only the comparison test will show how well the batteries hold up in comparison to their Shimano and SRAM counterparts. The button cell batteries in the newly designed, slim shift levers last up to two years.
Arrivederci, thumb lever!
Unusual for Campa fans: The thumb lever on the inside of the grip is history on the Super Record; shifting is done via four buttons on the brake levers. With the help of a revised app, the shifting logic can be customised, as is also the case with the competition. Additional shift buttons are not yet available on the new model, but are in the works according to the manufacturer. The new Super Record is only available as a disc version. According to the manufacturer, the complete groupset has become slightly heavier overall at 2520 grams.
First test Campagnolo Super Record: Smooth gear changes, powerful brakes
The Super Record Wireless, which was fitted to a Timemachine SLR01 from BMC during our test ride, has hardly any weaknesses. The shifting signals are transmitted quickly and precisely to the front derailleur and rear derailleur. The gears shift smoothly and the jumps are pleasantly small. You quickly get used to the shifting logic and we didn't miss the thumb lever. The braking behaviour is impressive: The Campa disc is extremely sensitive and decelerates excellently. Squeaking or grinding noises? None of that! Instead, the heat-resistant brake discs hum like Swiss clockwork under full load.
The Super Record works flawlessly. Nevertheless, the top groupset lacks a clear unique selling point. And: It is extremely expensive
Due to its high price, the Super Record Wireless will remain a group for enthusiasts: the Italians are asking 5200 euros at market launch. The "street prices" for Dura-Ace or Red AXS are around 2000 euros cheaper. According to Campa, Canyon, Colnago, Pinarello, Specialized and Wilier will be the first manufacturers to offer complete bikes with wireless shifting.
Julian Schultz
Editor
