For enthusiasts who are chasing grams, Campagnolo is offering an “ultra” titanium upgrade for its 13-speed Super Record wireless groupset, comprising carbon chainrings, titanium cassettes and ceramic bottom bracket bearings.
“The Ultra upgrade for our 13-speed Super Record wireless groupset that’s aimed at “ultra-demanding” cyclists who will appreciate the ultimate expression of mechatronics applied to a bicycle,” says Campagnolo.
Made at Campagnolo’s headquarters in Vicenza, Italy, the Ultra chainring features a carbon fiber inner structure that’s bonded to 7075 aluminum teeth via a hard-anodized heat treatment process, which has a claimed weight of 78 grams for the 50-tooth version, 34 grams lighter than the standard Super Record chainring, while a 52-tooth option is 28 grams lighter than its aluminum-only counterpart.
“The composite is stabilized at 130 degrees under controlled molding pressures throughout the polymerization cycle, so that the resin seals the correct orientation of fibers according to the work planes of the finished component,” explains Campagnolo.
As for the cassette, that too is made in Vicenza, with two ratios on offer, 10-33 that weighs in at 215 grams, 30g less than the Super Record equivalent, and a 11-36 version that tips the scales at 238 grams, 44 grams less than a standard Super Record cassette.
“The new Ultra 13 cassette is provided with the larger quadruple/quintuple sprocket sets made of aircraft-grade titanium,” says Campagnolo.
Rounding out the upgrade, are ceramic bottom bracket bearings that Campagnolo says offer “optimal pedaling efficiency”.
“To enhance every performance detail of the Super Record groupset, the bearings are equipped with silicon nitride ball bearings selected according to international aerospace standards,” says Campagnolo. “These guarantee superior roundness, virtually free of any impurities or metal particles, and excellent surface quality – for optimal pedaling performance and long life.Technical features have been further enhanced by redesigning the bearing’s internal cage, made of high-performance resin, which reduces friction and noise between the balls. A double-seal system has been introduced: an internal seal between the inner and outer rings to protect the bearings, and an external seal between the outer ring and the bottom bracket axle to ensure cleanliness and smoothness over time. This solution represents an evolution of Campagnolo’s integrated ball bearing system, with ceramic ball bearings mounted directly on the crankset axle,” boasts Campagnolo.
All in, Campagnolo claims the Ultra upgrade results in a total weight savings of 81 grams, which will set buyers back £905, roughly $1,200.
Campagnolo
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