After much anticipation, Campagnolo has finally lifted the curtains on what appears to be a fully wireless Super Record 12-speed groupset.
Adherents to the vaunted Italian brand were first treated to leaked patent images a few weeks, detailing new shifters and mechanicals that smacked of wireless technology. However, new images have emerged today, confirming the existence of the long-rumored groupset.
What we can glean from the photos are separate batteries in each shifter, as well as different rechargeable batteries in each derailleur. Moreover, there are also all-new 2-button fingertip shift controls, revamped ergonomics and a smaller compact crankset that’s designed to take advantage of the smaller cogs of Campagnolo’s N3W freehub.
There are also new 12-speed cassettes that included smaller 10T cogs, a power meter-ready carbon crankset option and even upgraded brake pads. Think 165mm, 170mm, 172.5mm and 175mm cranksets, with 50/34, 48/32 and 45/29 chainrings, along with 10-25, 10-27 and 10-29 cassette options.
Elsewhere, four LEDs on the outer face of each derailleur provide battery status that is checkable with the push of a small sliding button, while the battery status is also displayed in the MyCampy app.
Sadly, there will be no rim brake option for purists, instead, the new groupset will only be available with disc brakes, which appear to have undergone some slight refinements wherein the calipers get an aesthetic update, while the brake pad backing plates switch to a lighter-weight alloy.
The good news is, they use the same Campagnolo mineral oil and bleed process as Ekar, eliminating the need for proprietary tools.
Another surprise is that Campagnolo has done away with the thumb shifter.
“People either love it or hate it,” was the claim from the brand, and that’s apparently not a position it wants to be in. Marmite would undoubtedly disagree with the approach, but ultimately in Campagnolo’s eyes, the thumb shifter is something that “segments us from the market.” In other words, it could potentially be offputting to customers considering making the switch from one of the competitors.
Instead, two stacked shift buttons now sit behind each brake lever blade, which Campagnolo calls “one button, one action”, whereby the left and right shift buttons actuate the front and rear derailleurs, respectively, along with fully customizable settings.
In addition, there are “hidden” buttons on each lever as well, one for power and the other for “Mode”, which is currently programmed to connect with bike computers via Bluetooth or ANT+ to control the display. There’s also an LED that gives the status of the system, which confirms the connection, as well as a low battery warning.
Additionally, Campagnolo has also updated its MyCampy app, allowing owners to make adjustments, check diagnostics, update firmware and get system reports.
Price?
According to Campagnolo, the new wireless Super Record groupset will fetch a hefty $5,399.00, with only limited availability until production ramps up.
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