Campagnolo's Refined Super Record Mechanical

For enthusiasts of the classic cycling experience, the question of whether Campagnolo has introduced a new Super Record mechanical groupset is always met with keen interest. The Italian marque, renowned for its heritage and meticulous engineering, has indeed refined its flagship mechanical offering. Super Record, long considered the pinnacle of mechanical groupsets, continues to evolve, blending its signature ergonomics and stunning aesthetics with updated performance. This is welcome news for those who appreciate the simplicity, reliability, and distinct feel of mechanical shifting, free from the complexities of batteries and electronic management.

A Familiar Yet Enhanced Design

The latest iteration of Super Record is not a radical departure but rather a thoughtful refinement of its predecessor. Campagnolo has wisely retained the striking aesthetics that have defined Super Record, with its liberal use of carbon fibre and titanium, creating a visually appealing and high-performance package. While the price point remains at the premium end of the spectrum, the quality and craftsmanship justify the investment for many.

Key Upgrades and Innovations

Several key areas have seen significant attention:

The New Chainset

Following industry trends, Campagnolo has introduced a new four-arm chainset. This design offers greater versatility, allowing for easier swapping of chainrings. Riders can now readily adopt common configurations such as 53/39, 52/36, or 50/34, catering to a wider range of riding disciplines and preferences. This move enhances the groupset's adaptability, making it suitable for everything from aggressive racing to challenging climbs.

Derailleur Enhancements

Both the front and rear derailleurs have undergone redesigns with a primary focus on improving shift speed and accuracy. The rear derailleur, in particular, features a restyled parallelogram mechanism. A stronger spring is employed, guiding the chain more horizontally rather than diagonally. This, coupled with keeping the chain closer to the cassette's jockey wheel, results in improved chain engagement and better power transmission. While available in a single cage length, it is compatible with a 11-29 cassette, offering a respectable gear range.

The front derailleur benefits from a one-piece carbon fibre outer cage, contributing to weight reduction while maintaining high stiffness. A longer derailleur arm is incorporated to provide a lighter and more responsive shift feel. This attention to detail at the front end ensures that shifts between chainrings are swift and effortless.

Ergonomic Improvements to Shifters

While the overall layout of the Ergopower levers remains the classic Campagnolo design, Campagnolo has made subtle yet significant changes. The indexing in the front shift lever has been revised. It now takes two distinct clicks to downshift from the large chainring, with a third click available for trimming the front derailleur when using the largest sprockets on the cassette. Upshifting from the small to the large chainring requires three clicks. The front derailleur cage has been widened to provide more clearance, eliminating the need for a trim option in the large ring. The rear shift lever retains the highly regarded multi-shift pattern, allowing for up to five downshifts or three upshifts with a single throw of the lever.

Beyond the internal indexing changes, the hoods themselves have received an upgrade. They are now constructed from a hypoallergenic silicone with varying densities and strategically placed grooves. This enhances both comfort and grip, particularly during long rides or in adverse weather conditions. Furthermore, the inner face of the brake lever body has been reshaped to offer a closer fit with a wider variety of handlebars, improving rider comfort and control.

Ride and Performance Impressions

Testing the revised Super Record groupset reveals a familiar yet demonstrably improved experience. The core Campagnolo shifting philosophy, with its one-lever-behind-the-brake design and distinct paddle shifts, remains intuitive and effective. Gear changes are positive and immediate, providing a satisfying tactile feedback that confirms a shift has occurred. This is particularly valuable in fast-paced riding scenarios where quick and precise gear selection is paramount.

The updated hoods are undeniably comfortable. The combination of the ergonomic shape and the soft-touch silicone material makes them a pleasure to hold, even for extended periods. The improved grip, even when hands are wet or sweaty, instills confidence. While personal preference plays a role in groupset choice, the comfort and feel of Campagnolo's hoods are often cited as a key differentiator.

Shifting Performance: A Closer Look

The refinements made to Super Record have indeed closed the gap with its main competitor, Shimano's Dura-Ace mechanical groupset. The changes, especially to the front derailleur, have resulted in lighter and quicker gear changes. The front shifting is exceptionally good, with the redesigned derailleur and shifter offering a crisp and easy action. Shifts from the large to the small chainring are remarkably swift, and the system proved reliable even under demanding conditions, such as steep ascents.

Rear shifting is sharp and accurate. While definitively quantifying the speed increase without a direct comparison to the previous generation is challenging, the response from the rear derailleur is undeniably rapid. There is a distinct lack of delay or hesitation, contributing to a seamless riding experience. The positive, almost bolt-action feedback accompanying each shift is a characteristic Campagnolo trait that riders often appreciate, though it contrasts with the quieter operation of some other brands.

Crucially, the Super Record groupset performs admirably under load. Shifting gears on steep climbs, even when transitioning from the large to the small chainring under significant effort, is achievable without issue. The system is robust enough to handle cross-chaining situations without complaint.

Chainset Versatility and Brake Performance

The new four-arm chainset not only offers enhanced versatility but is also claimed by Campagnolo to improve stiffness. By bolting the chainrings directly to a larger spider and strategically positioning the four arms, power transfer is optimised. While assessing minute differences in stiffness can be difficult, the chainset certainly feels on par with high-end offerings from other manufacturers. The ability to easily swap chainrings for different terrains or events is a significant practical advantage, allowing riders to tailor their gearing to specific needs.

The brakes, a dual-pivot design that has been a staple since 2009, remain unchanged. They continue to offer brilliant performance, providing a firm and confidence-inspiring lever feel, particularly when paired with carbon fibre wheels and appropriate brake blocks.

Weight Comparison

While individual component weights were not measured on the test bike, Campagnolo provides the following claimed weights:

This complete groupset weight is marginally lighter than Shimano's current Dura-Ace mechanical offering but is heavier than SRAM Red mechanical. However, weight is only one factor in the overall performance equation.

Conclusion: Is it Time to Upgrade?

The latest Campagnolo Super Record mechanical groupset represents a series of subtle yet impactful refinements. These changes translate into noticeable improvements in shifting performance, offering lighter and quicker gear changes. Functionally and aesthetically, it remains a superb groupset, particularly for those who are already enamoured with the Campagnolo shifting experience. The continued investment by Campagnolo in mechanical groupsets is commendable, especially in an era where electronic shifting is gaining prominence. For riders who value the simplicity, distinct feel, and proven reliability of mechanical systems, the new Super Record is an exceptional choice, offering a compelling alternative to electronic systems.

However, for existing Campagnolo Super Record users, the refinements may not be substantial enough to warrant an immediate upgrade. The changes are evolutionary rather than revolutionary. Nevertheless, the ongoing development of such high-quality mechanical groupsets ensures that these classic systems continue to offer a brilliant performance, stunning looks, and a satisfyingly engaging riding experience, albeit at a significant price.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Campagnolo Super Record EPS?

Campagnolo Super Record EPS (Electronic Power Shift) is the brand's top-tier electronic groupset. It represents the pinnacle of Campagnolo's innovation, featuring electronic shifting and typically a 12-speed configuration. It leverages advanced technologies and materials to deliver an extraordinary cycling experience, offering precise and instantaneous gear changes.

Is the new Super Record available in electronic form?

Yes, Campagnolo offers Super Record in both mechanical and electronic (EPS) versions. The electronic variant provides the benefits of electronic shifting, such as consistency and reduced effort, while maintaining the Super Record's high performance and premium feel.

What are the main advantages of mechanical vs. electronic groupsets?

Mechanical groupsets are generally simpler in design, lighter, and do not require batteries or charging. They offer a direct, tactile feedback during shifting. Electronic groupsets, on the other hand, provide faster and more precise shifting with less effort, often with more gear combinations and customisation options. The choice often comes down to personal preference, budget, and riding style.

Can I use an 11-29 cassette with the new Super Record rear derailleur?

The new Super Record rear derailleur is specified as compatible with an 11-29 cassette, offering a good range for varied terrain.

Are the brakes on the new Super Record different from the previous version?

No, the brake calipers on the new Super Record mechanical groupset are the same dual-pivot design as the previous version, which has been proven to offer excellent stopping power and lever feel.

What is the main benefit of the new four-arm chainset?

The primary benefit of the new four-arm chainset is its increased versatility, allowing for easier swapping of chainrings to accommodate different riding conditions and rider preferences. Campagnolo also claims an improvement in stiffness due to the direct mounting of chainrings to the larger spider.