Product news: With a revised mid-range group, Campagnolo is also targeting the gravel segment. The extremely extensive range of gears arouses curiosity, as do the many beautifully shaped carbon components - and the attractive price of the new Campagnolo Chorus 12.
People have gotten used to the fact that the most interesting new products can always be found in the highest price segment, but Campagnolo can also do something different: what is currently perhaps the most exciting racing bike group should soon be adorning bikes in the 2.500 euro class. We're talking about the proven chorus, which has been somewhat neglected in recent years: when the Italians presented the new twelve-part groups last year, it was all about Record and Super Record.
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Now, however, the Chorus, which has been number two in the Campagnolo range for decades, is being given a makeover and is called the Campagnolo Chorus 12. Of course, the focus is on the two times twelve gears that we were already able to admire in 2018 in mechanical and recently in electronic form. Twelve gears specifically means: jumps of one from 11 to 17, then further with one step of two and four steps of three up to the 32 tooth sprocket – or with a final five-tooth step to the 34 tooth. 11-32 and 11-34 are the two sprocket sets offered for the new group; If you want, you can of course also mount the SR sprocket set with 11-29, which of course costs 339 euros (Chorus: 197 euros).
But that's not all: In addition to the well-known sprocket combinations, the Italians offer innovative 48/32 at the front. To do this, the pitch circle diameter of the inner blade had to be reduced; the mini blade is therefore not compatible with known cranks.
What's that supposed to mean? On the one hand, the Italians understand that enough cyclists hardly ever use their heaviest gears, but need more choice on the mountain. On the other hand, however, the new gradation is perfectly tailored to Gravel bikes, where all gears are slightly longer due to the larger rolling circumference. With a gear ratio that is around or under 1:1, depending on the wreath, you really are prepared for all occasions; 11-48, on the other hand, is by no means too short a gear, even if you run narrow tires.
Campagnolo Chorus 12: many characteristics of the top groupsets
Visually and technically, the new Chorus naturally adopts many of the features of its more expensive siblings. This includes the flat carbon crankset, which, unlike the Record and Super Record, is not hollow and therefore somewhat heavier; also the shape of the new rear derailleur, which is only available in one length and can be converted to direct-mount derailleur hangers.
The Ergopower levers are made of carbon and also follow the new models known from last year in terms of ergonomics and function. The integrated opener can now also be used to adjust the reach; the brake levers are very easy to grip and the rubber covers are softly padded. The shifting mechanism also corresponds to the top groups with up to five shifting steps via thumb button and up to three with the hand lever. Braking is done with the well-known skeleton stoppers or hydraulically, with the function in turn known and proven at a hunt.
The weights of the new groupsets are also already known: with rim brakes, the Campagnolo Chorus 12 weighs 2.333 grams, with disc brakes 2.631 grams, although an 11-29 cassette was also weighed. Above all, the prices are attractive: 1.275 or 1.819 euros are the official recommendations - sounds good in view of the many carbon parts and a very extensive gear ratio. This gives hope that more complete wheels with parts from Vicenza will finally be offered again, and not always only in the top segment...