Everything is clear at the top, behind it there is confusion: this does not describe a racing situation but the range of components from the traditional Italian brand Campagnolo. The top groupsets called (Super) Record and Chorus have been established for many years, but in the mid-price range, subtle differences and, above all, frequently changing names of the groupsets make orientation difficult.
Athena last competed in 2010 to take market share from the top dog Shimano. However, although technically at least on a par, the group was not very successful. This was and is not least due to the Italians' pricing policy. With carbon cranks and brake levers, the Athena comes very close to the Chorus and is ultimately significantly more expensive than the Japanese competition. As a result, even complete bikes with Athena equipment - which are rarely offered anyway - cost more than Ultegra racers. The cheaper Campa alternative called Centaur is technically almost identical to the Athena, but only has ten sprockets and is no longer considered up to date, at least since Shimano upgraded the Ultegra and even the 105 groupset to an eleven-speed drivetrain.
With the new Potenza, Campa now wants to make up ground and at the same time tidy up its portfolio: Athena and Centaur will no longer be available in future - they will be replaced by the new, inexpensive 11-speed ensemble. Their look corresponds to that of the more expensive groupsets: The four-arm crank has a similarly dynamic, angular design, while the levers and brakes retain the proven, classic design.
What is striking is the complete absence of carbon, which Campa has not necessarily used sparingly in the mid-range up to now. The crank is hollow forged, and the rear derailleur and brake levers are also made of aluminium. The finish is subtle, with matt and polished surfaces alternating on the black anodised parts. Not only steel frame fans will be pleased that there is also a silver version. This means that classic bikes can also be fitted with modern technology to match their appearance. Despite the use of metal instead of carbon, the Potenza is not heavy. Although it can't beat the Ultegra, it only weighs just under 80 grams more: the cranks and bottom bracket are slightly heavier than the Ultegra (800 to 690 grams), while the levers and brakes are slightly lighter.
You can read all about the new Campagnolo Potenza in the article, which you can download as a PDF below.
SHORT & SHORT
Campagnolo's new Potenza groupset is not very innovative, but is nevertheless an attractive alternative to Shimano's Ultegra. It offers the good shifting behaviour of the more expensive Campa groupsets and is just as robust and durable. The new brake pads are a positive surprise - as is the favourable price. The silver-coloured version is currently the only option for fans of classic looks.
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