The Italian 12-speed revolution continues – with the Campagnolo Super Record EPS the electronic drivetrain has also been updated with a 12th sprocket and all the latest features. We’ve had the opportunity to test the groupset in the road bike mecca of Girona to answer all your questions about the new 12-speed drivetrain from Vincenza.
In the summer of 2018, Campagnolo presented their new 12-speed technology on the Record and the Super Record under the banner “movement”, which we’ve already reviewed extensively.
You might have already spied the first pro-bikes with the supposedly new drivetrain from Vincenza at the season opener on the Tour Down Under. Now it’s official: the Campagnolo Super Record EPS 12-speed will be available in stores soon.
What’s new? The Campagnolo Super Record EPS 12x is far more than just a mash-up of their electronic drivetrain with the new 12x Super Record. We’ve taken a close look at the innovation packed groupset, testing it thoroughly on the professionals’ practice loops around Girona.
Campagnolo 12x Super Record EPS: Prices and Availability
For the time being, the electronic 12-speed revolution will only be available on the rim brake and disc version of the top-end Super Record Groupset and should be available at your dealer at the time of this launch. Following is the basic info and availability of the new groupsets as well as the data of the mechanical model for comparison:
| Groupset | Brake | Availability | Weight | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Super Record EPS | Rim brake | 14th March 2019 | 2.255 g | € 4,327 |
| Super Record EPS | Disc brake | 14th March 2019 | 2.505 g | € 4,677 |
| Super Record | Rim brake | available | 2.041 g | € 2,905 |
| Super Record | Disc brake | available | 2.323 g | € 3,223 |
| Record | Rim brake | available | 2.213 g | € 1,960 |
| Record | Disc brake | available | 2.453 g | € 2,420 |
Campagnolo 12-speed drivetrain
Reminiscent of the summer of 2018 and the release of the mechanical 12-speed drivetrain from Vicenza: the highlight of the new Super Record EPS is the upgrade to 12 sprockets, as with the mechanical groupset. All the updates that we were presented with last year have been passed on to the new EPS, so we’ll introduce you only briefly to all of the changes and focus on the electronic innovations.
EPS Ergolever
Campagnolo ist bekannt für die Ergonomie seiner Schalthebel, die nicht ohne Grund Ergolever heißen. Und was ist neu an der 12-fach-Version?
Campagnolo is known for the ergonomics of its shifters, which are called ergolever for a reason. What’s new on the 12-speed version?
The new EPS Ergolever gets all of the updates already introduced on the mechanical 12-speed groupset. For example, the slightly modified Hoods, which are not only more comfortable thanks to a more pronounced inward curvature, which supposedly also offers an additional hand position.
The EPS shifter is bigger and, according to Campagnolo, even more ergonomic, its shape the result of countless hand-studies. One lever, one action – Campagnolo remains true to this motto, providing clarity in every situation. The resulting downshift thumb shifter is one of their trademarks, although it is very different on the EPS variant compared to the mechanical model. Thanks to a multi-layered metal dome structure behind the downshifter, the electronic shifting features the brand’s typical feedback that, according to Campagnolo, lasts over the shifter’s entire lifetime.
The brake lever also gets the double S-curvature presented with the mechanical groupset, which promises to be even more ergonomic. The reach of the brake lever can also be adjusted in two settings to cater to riders with small hands. The disc version features stepless adjustability.
V4 EPS interface
ANT + and Bluetooth – the new EPS interface can do both, providing the foundation for connectivity to your smartphone, bike computer, and more. One would expect this would be the norm by now, but there are some brands that still rely on relatively complicated connectivity to new media. With the help of the MyCampy app on your smartphone, you’ll be able to configure the shifting modes, choose the assigned functions of the shifters, and fine-tune and configure the Multi-Shifts.
Visually, the standard version has hardly changed from its predecessor, but with the 12-speed EPS, Campagnolo offers two new mounting systems: in the handlebar end and in the frame by means of a bracket.
Battery
The new 12-speed battery has grown – by 10%, to be exact. The Italian brand continues to lead in terms of battery capacity, now offering increased capacity, which means that you’ll have to charge the drivetrain even less frequently.
Derailleur
The 12-speed derailleur has received the most comprehensive update, which continues to be exclusively available in a single cage length of 72.5 mm and thus compatible with both the new 11-29 as well as the 11-32-cassettes. Thanks to the 3D Embrace Technology, the upper jockey wheel stays closer to the cassette, which should considerably improve the shifting performance. Looking at it from the side, the rear derailleur moves also further forward, wrapping more of the chain around the cassette. As a result, more teeth are engaged at a time, which should increase the efficiency and precision of the drivetrain while increasing longevity.
The cage of the 12-speed derailleur has also been updated in several respects. Thanks to the use of a new technopolymer material, the weight has dropped and the performance increased. The new spring on the rear derailleur promises to increase the tension on the chain and reduce chain slapping on rough road surfaces.
As with the mechanical version, the jockey wheels have been fundamentally revised. The upper jockey wheel has been given longer teeth and an increased diameter, supposed to improve chain guidance and thus increasing the efficiency as well as the shifting performance. The lower jockey wheel allows for very extreme chain angles thanks to shorter, symmetrically designed teeth, which should also significantly quieten the drivetrain.
Cassette
The 12-speed cassette is identical to the mechanical version; it will be available in 11-29 and 11-32 versions. The smaller gear steps promise to provide the right gear for every situation. Up to the seventh sprocket, the size of the sprockets increases by increments of 1 tooth – virtually pro-Level for all.
The 12-speed cassette is the same width as the 11-speed version, which saves you from having to upgrade or buy a new wheelset. Your bank account will be happy, seeing as the purchase of a new drivetrain has already put it under enough strain.
Narrower sprockets and a narrower chain – does that mean shorter lifespan? Campagnolo says that isn’t the case since the Italian brand has made every effort to maintain durability at the highest level or even improve it. With the cassette they tried to achieve this with the help of new materials: the top two triple-sprocket sets are made of monolithic steel, which together with a chemical coating guarantees a longer service life.
And what about the chain? The links of the chain remain as thick as those of the 11-speed groupset. Only the pins are shorter, which ultimately makes the chain link even stiffer. All in all, not only the durability but also the shifting performance is said to have been improved.
Front mech
The EPS mech has also been given a few updates to meet the requirements of the new 12-speed groupset. The inside of the cage has been slimmed down to allow for more extreme chain angels and to increase tire clearance, meaning that the Italian brand is also following the trend towards wider tires.
Ergonomics
Campagnolo is known for the ergonomics of its shifters, which are called ergolever for a reason. What’s new on the 12-speed version?
At first glance, you’ll immediately notice the slightly different shape of the Hoods of the new Ergolever. With its inward curvature, the hoods promise to be more comfortable while offering an additional hand position.
Another new feature of the Ergolever is the adjustable ergonomics of the brake lever. The proven mechanism for opening the brake to remove the wheel on the rim brake model has gotten an additional intermediate position, which brings the brake lever closer to the handlebars to provide better accessibility for riders with smaller hands. The disc version is steplessly adjustable, which offers even more flexibility.
Cranks
The new Super Record EPS relies on the same cranks as the mechanical 12-speed groupset. One for all – this probably best describes the update of the 12-speed crankset. One crank for all chainring options, both 50/34, 52/36 and 53/39 are compatible with the same crankset, achieved by separate attachment points for the outer and the inner chainring, giving riders a lot of flexibility.
The Super Record crankset comes with a titanium axle and the CULT ceramic bearings. The carbon aero lip on the outside of the crank is supposed to add stiffness to the chainring and also offer improved aerodynamics. Whether us mortal roadies will notice the difference here remains to be seen, but it certainly looks convincing.
Brakes
The rim brakes are unchanged from the mechanical 12-speed version, the updates mostly being cosmetic compared to the 11-speed predecessor. According to Campagnolo they’ve been made more aerodynamic and offer tire clearance for widths up to 28 mm.
Visually, the disc brakes have remained unchanged since the summer of 2018. The innovations are hidden on the inside. The brake rotors have been split into two floating parts, which should increase breaking performance and avoid annoying brake squeal.
The main changes include the new brake pads with cooling fins and an additional mechanical spring, which should guarantee a 4 mm distance between the pads at all times. Thanks to the combination of the mechanical and magnetic springs Campagnolo has made sure to avoid any disturbing brake squeal – a trademark of Italian disc brakes. You can now also adjust the aggressiveness of the disc brake performance in two stages. So both professionals and weekend warriors can choose their perfect setup.
