Campagnolo has announced the launch of its Super Record Wireless groupset, marking a departure from its prior 2018 iteration, Super Record EPS. This new product eschews the thumb shifter commonly favoured by the brand and is fully disc-brake compatible. It also includes a separate battery for each derailleur, with a magnetic charging cable extending to the same MacBook port as Apple products use. The batteries are unique and not interchangeable, but can be charged whilst on the bike or off the bike, with 20% charge taking just 10 minutes and 90% taking 45 minutes. The groupset is wireless and available in three cassette options, all of which feature a 10T cassette sprocket. The smaller-than-expected chainring configurations up front are 50/34, 48/32 and 45/29. The brand has said that the product will trickle downwards to Record and Chorus, though the price of £4,499 ($5,399 / €5,200) excluding a power meter reflects a niche, luxury market positioning.
Despite being a brand traditionally associated with a focus on traditionalism, the Super Record Wireless groupset’s announcement marks a notable departure for Campagnolo. Its main rivals SRAM and Shimano had previously caught up to, overtaken and far surpassed Campagnolo in the technology arms race. There had already been rumours surrounding the brand’s newfound wireless technology and the product made in Italy’s Vicenza headquarters is the start of a “avalaunch” of launches from the brand in the next year.
Campagnolo’s approach to gearing follows in SRAM’s footsteps, with all cassette options starting with a 10T cassette sprocket and three tighter-than-usual cassettes of 10-25, 10-27 and 10-29. These are paired with small chainring combinations for a lighter, finer ratio of gears. However, unlike SRAM’s approach, Campagnolo’s setups offer consistent one-tooth jumps between gears at higher speeds, which maintain the intended smooth ride feel while increasing the gear range.
The groupset eschews the traditionally beloved thumb shifter and replaces it with two shift paddles behind each brake lever. The levers themselves have been redesigned and feature LED lights that activate when shifting and flash red to signal that the power is low. Hidden buttons act as both power and mode buttons for the levers and a status LED lights up for each battery. The new hood shape aims to accommodate gears and hands of all sizes.
Despite the groupset not coming with or having accessories for a power meter, it does appear primed to accommodate one, making it a game-changer for the luxury niche. It appears that Campagnolo has eschewed any attempt to compete on price and is specifically marketing this product to a select group of sports enthusiasts who can appreciate its unique qualities.
