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The inside of the Palazzo della Ragione (XVI century)
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It was fitting that Campagnolo launched their 2009 product line in a 16th century structure built in the Palladian style (Andrea Palladio was from Padua but lived and worked in Vicenza) to celebrate the companies 75th anniversary. Fitting as well that sitting up front next to Valentino Campagnolo was Eddy Merckx and Miguel Indurain. Even more fitting that after the presentation of the all new Super Record, Record and Chorus that guided tours were given to the 500-year old theater adjacent to the building. The passion of cycling and the history of innovation in the country of Italy go hand in hand. Old and new. 1927 was the year Tullio Campagnolo concieved the idea of a quick release on a snowy Croce d'Aune climb. 1973 Super-Record was born. 2009 Super Record returns only in a
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(From left to right) Valentino Campagnolo, Eddy Merckx and Miguel Indurain anchored the 11-speed presentation
| distinctively different way. The original incarnation brought people like Eddy Merckx to the podium, filled with titanium and hope, the latest, carbon, titanium and 11-speed. The theme of the weekend, 'Raise The Level.' The atmosphere, respect and honor your elders, but sneak out once they go to bed and confidently taunt your competition.
It all makes sense. Campagnolo was about to reveal a three-year project in which they decided to revolutionize the cycling industry one more time. Surrounded by examples of an artistic, innovative and independent past, Campagnolo introduced the future. It would take a pretty jaded cyclist to not be almost brought to tears when the word got out that Campagnolo was bringing back the Super-Record group for 2009. And, it would take a complete cynic not to jump for joy when Campagnolo announced not one, but three new 11-speed groups for 2009. Super-Record, Record and Chorus. If that's not enough, they also introduced two tubeless wheel systems, a dynamic and revolutionary ceramic bearing system and new brake pads for carbon wheels. Here's a close look at 2009 Campagnolo offerings...
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The lever and hoods have been completely redesigned on Super Record, Record and Chorus
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ERGOPOWER ULTRA-SHIFT
Campagnolo's integrated controls were introduced as Ergo-Power in 1992 and now are called Ergo Power Ultra-Shift in honor of the three new 11-Speed groups. Known as 'one-lever, one-action' Ergopower Ultra-Shift levers are completely redesigned to improve ergonomics, comfort, operating force and braking when hands are positioned on the hoods. Campagnolo accomplishes this with a double curve design of the brake lever (4% easier to reach), more space for your fingers (10% increase) and the option to have an insert for riders with larger hands (an 8% increase in distance between the handlebar and lever). There is greater contact area between the hand and control body (15% increase) and a focus on reducing front and rear derailleur shifting force, (13% in the front, 18% in the rear).
THE REAR DERAILLEUR
If you haven't guessed the design changes on the Super Record group are all integrated into
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The 2009 Super Record rear derailleur
| Record and Chorus with minor differences. The derailleur features massively increased rigidity (150% over last year) and high-diameter pulleys on the case are designed to reduce vibration and the smoothness of shifting.
THE FRONT DERAILLEUR
Seeking greater rigidity as called for by the pro peloton, Campagnolo redesigned the inner cage with a more 'funnel' shape to increase the chances of fast and precise shifting.
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The front derailleur and chain are all new for 2009.
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THE CHAIN
The new C11 chain from Campagnolo could be one of the more innovative aspects of the new groups. The C11 is an in-house design and produced item and has been narrowed to 5.5 mm (5.9 for the C10) with a 20-percent stronger steel construction
THE CASSETTE
The 11-Speed cassette was designed from the ground up and features a 'shark-fin' shaped tooth for shifting speed and new aliminum carriers which give the casette a 180-percent increase in rigidity. The cassette is available in 11-23, 11-25, 12-25, 12-27.
2-WAY FIT
We have been waiting for this decision to be made. Campagnolo is now entering the Tubeless world with two wheels for 2009, the Shamal Ultra-2-Way Fit and Eurus 2-Way Fit. In their own testing, Campagnolo concludes that the sames model of Campagnolo wheels has an increased rolling capacity of 31-percent over comparable clinchers. That being said, Campagnolo is not interested in forcing the issue (although they believe within two years Tubeless will be the standard) so their rim sections accomodate both Hutchinson (the only choice for now) Tubeless tires and clinchers.
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