Super Record and Record electronic components out to rival Shimano’s Dura Ace and Ultegra Di2
Campagnolo has finally released its long awaited electronic groupsets, to be named “Electronic Power Shift” (EPS), which will be available to consumers in 2012. The Italian company’s new components, prototypes of which have been raced by the Movistar team this season, will go into direct competition with big rival Shimano’s Di2.
Where Shimano released its Dura-Ace Di2 in 2009, with Ultegra following next year, Campagnolo has created both Record and Super Record groups simultaneously.
Unlike Shimano’s electronic system, the integrated Ergopower shift/brake levers are identical in shape to their mechanical counterparts, with a paddle behind the brake lever to shift in one direction and a thumb paddle to shift the other. Also, unlike Shimano, VeloNation understands that Campagnolo EPS levers will shift more than one gear at a time and will continue to shift for as long as the lever is held; it will reportedly shift from one end of the 11-speed cassette to the other in around a second and a half.
As we previously reported, the Campagnolo battery is considerably larger than that of Shimano, since it also houses the system’s brain. Unlike Shimano, the pack is not removable, and must be charged in situ, which may be seen as a little inconvenient to some. Any worries about the system performing in wet weather have been put to rest by Campagnolo’s claim that it will work a metre under water; it has also been raced in all weathers – including at Paris-Roubaix – by Movistar this year.
Despite the extra sprocket, both Campagnolo’s groupsets come in lighter than Shimano’s, although they are slightly heavier than their mechanical equivalents. Prices have yet to be released, but Record is expected to be similarly priced to Dura-Ace Di2 and – like the mechanical super-group – Super Record will be more expensive.
More details to follow…