Test: We had the pleasure of extensively testing Campagnolo's revised Super Record groupset for 2015. We took a seat on one of the few exclusive test bikes with a handcrafted carbon frame. On the 123km of the Granfondo Roma (we reported) we put the new group to a hard test.
The hard facts:
But before we get to the practical impressions, we first want to give you an understanding of the Campagnolo Super Record and in particular the innovations from last year. The heart of the group, the crank, is also the component that has changed the most compared to its predecessor. It has been given a completely revised design and in future four instead of five arms will hold the chainrings. Apart from that, both blades will be screwed to the crank separately in the future. Campagnolo is user-friendly with the bolt circles: The crank is available in 53/39, 52/36 and 50/34 – but the crank arms and bolt circles remain the same. The sensationally low weight of 603g also remains the same.
The front derailleur offers a completely newly developed carbon cage. It ensures that the Campagnolo Record chain slides smoothly from one chainring to the other. Campagnolo riders appreciate the chains in particular for their exceptionally good durability - and that shouldn't change in 2015 either. On the rear wheel, the rear derailleur, which is still made entirely of carbon, and the corresponding cassette form a perfect ensemble. The rear derailleur has been given a completely new interior, which is intended to have a positive effect on the pivoting range in particular. It offers a significantly greater wrap around the large and small sprockets - better power transmission and less wear are the result.
The control center is literally in the Ergopower shift handles. These have been polished both externally and internally compared to the previous year. The combination of carbon and titanium enables a very low weight and the Ultra-Shift technology inside, which enables differentiated detents during the shifting process - depending on the output sprocket. The brakes only got a few improvements compared to last year, such as lighter pad holders.
The group in practice:
After a lot of gray theory, now for the practical test. How did the group fare on the bumpy streets of central Italy, the cobblestones of Rome and how did they master steep climbs and descents full of hairpin bends?
The shifting behavior is pleasing right from the start. The respective processes are smooth, but you get enough feedback through a well-dosed grid and crisp overturning of the chain. The rear derailleur works 100% reliably at all times. It also masters sudden steep counter climbs and the associated hectic gear changes in the racing situation without a murmur. After a little getting used to, the Ultra-Shift technology is particularly pleasing. Even with fast shifting across multiple sprockets, in both directions, you keep track. The front derailleur masters the numerous switching operations just as confidently as the rear derailleur. The simplification of the trimming is positively noticeable here. From the previous four clicks, only two are now left. Trimming is only necessary in exceptional cases and is wonderfully simple even if the worst comes to the worst. Likewise, it is now almost impossible to force the chain to jump off.
The ergonomics of the Ergopower shifters are excellent, regardless of the grip position. The hands seem to slide into the right position by themselves. The brakes also do their job with ease. The pressure point is defined but not digital and allows gentle dosing. Incidentally, braking is done on the new Bora Ultra rims and wheels, for which a separate test will be published shortly.
And finally ...
Well, enough of the words – what is the conclusion? There really isn't much to say about the new Super Record 11+ from Campagnolo, other than: It's an excellent mechanical 11-speed group from start to finish. It comes at a steep price, of course, but you get a lot of value for it, especially when the group proves to be as durable as you've always been used to from the Italians. Both thumps up.
Product highlights:
- Group weight of 1912g
- New rear derailleur with particularly large wrap
- Ultra-Shift shifter with sprocket-dependent maximum detent
Price and Web:
