Campagnolo today launches its new flagship Super Record 13 groupset, which is not only the world’s first wireless 2x13 system but also represents, in the Italian brand’s words, the start of a new era. Campagnolo is referring to it as “the new platform… the first groupset that will start a general redefinition of the brand’s identity with the next configuration launching in September 2025.” Not only does it have more sprockets but it’s also claimed to be the fastest-shifting on the market; it weighs less than the previous 12-speed system (2,445g, which Campagnolo says is the lightest on the market) and it’s more affordable too – the standard version without the power meter is priced at €4,300 compared to €5,300. And, as photos of Cofidis team bikes had suggested, the iconic thumb button is back.
It comes just two years after the launch of 12-speed Super Record WRL and a year after Super Record S WRL, but in the timeline of its innovations Campagnolo suggests it is 2020’s 1x13 Ekar gravel groupset that is the new system’s direct predecessor, and it says that the improved shifting performance and durability of Super Record 13 comes from Ekar. To recap, Campagnolo was first with 2x12 in 2018, first with 2x11 in 2008 and first with 2x10 in 2000. Now it has leapt ahead once again in sprocket count.
So is the new Super Record 13 groupset a return to the top table after a period in which the Italian brand was arguably on the back foot while its Japanese and American rivals spearheaded innovation? Having visited Vicenza last month, seen the new components in the flesh and talked to the product managers and leaders at Campagnolo including the CEO Davide Campagnolo himself, the grandson of founder Tullio, I think it is. Presenting the new groupset to mostly Italian Campagnolo dealers along with Federico Musi, the CEO of Look, with whom Campagnolo partners through the Cofidis pro team, there was confidence and optimism, a sense that the brand had moved beyond what might have been regarded by onlookers as a period in the wilderness without a WorldTour team. They are firmly fixed on the future with a new product – a platform – that they believe is the best in the world. I watched as they posed with big smiles for a photoshoot with the latest Look team bike outside the factory under the huge blue Campagnolo logo. It’s clear Campag is back. With that, let’s have a look at what’s on offer with the groupset itself, which Campagnolo says was refined in its prototyping stage with the riders from the Cofidis team – and will be produced at its facility in Romania.
Four 13-speed cassette options
Campagnolo points out first of all that the 13 sprockets fit into the same space as 12. The thickness and distance between sprockets has been reduced but he same N3W standard is used, with no need for a new driver body or hub spacing. There are four cassettes offered, two starting with 10 and two starting with 11-tooth sprockets – something that makes a crucial difference when choosing the most appropriate cassette-chainring combination.
- 10-29 (10/11/12 - 13-14-15-16-17-18 - 20/23/26/29)
- 10-33 (10/11/12 - 13-14-15-16-18-20 - 23/26/29/33)
- 11-32 (11/12/13 - 14-15-16-17-18 - 20/23/26/29/32)
- 11-36 (11/12/13 - 14-15-16-18-20 - 23/26/29/32/36)
Same carbon spider, new chainrings
The chainset itself looks to be the only component carried over directly from the earlier groupset. The sleek, exposed carbon four-arm spider is the same, but Campagnolo has given the chainrings a new surface treatment and a new tooth profile derived from Ekar. There are seven configurations available – 45/29, 48/32, 50/34, 52/36, 53/39, 54/39 and 55/39 – and crank lengths go from 165mm up to 175mm with a Q factor of 148.5mm. The chainset turns on the same Ultra-Torque bottom bracket system as before, using two titanium semi-axles. This is a good range of options, but considering taller riders are using 160mm cranks now – including Cameron Jones, who won Unbound 200 – this could be the only oversight here. The HPPM power meter is available as before, and this is unchanged.
Lighter, faster, sleeker-looking derailleurs
The front and rear derailleurs are completely new. Campagnolo says the front has a lighter design (by 10g compared with the previous model) and features a new carbon fork with a wider chain draft range, plus a capacity that now goes from 29 to 55 teeth. The battery housing in the front section is designed to allow more clearance for the rear tyre. The battery, which can be removed or charged in place with a USB cable, holds charge for a claimed 750 kilometres under normal use conditions. Charge time is one hour, with 90% reached after 45 minutes with an LED indicating charge status.
As for the Super Record 13 rear derailleur, Campagnolo says it has undergone a 25% reduction in lateral bulk compared to the previous version. The pulley wheels have been increased to 14 teeth for lower chain friction, with the upper pulley wheel bearing made from ceramic. As for shifting speed, Campagnolo says it completes the entire gear scale faster than any 12-speed derailleur on the market.
The aesthetics are something different too – there are subtle art deco-like stripes or lines in the carbon that suggest speed, and which almost line up with each other on the bike – it's a cool little flourish.
New ErgoPower shifters with more buttons
Campagnolo says the new ErgoPower shifters represent the “greatest revolution brought by the new Super Record”. Most notably the thumb button is back, now renamed the Thumb Shifter, but the brand says this isn’t a return to the past, instead it’s a solution that offers “greater grip control using a lever with a minimal profile, easy to operate from different positions”. Campagnolophiles will rejoice at this. There’s also the standard shift button behind the brake lever, but for the new ErgoPowers Campagnolo has added a new Smart Button. This can be used to scroll through computer screens, operate a playlist or just change gear in an aero position – the buttons are all configurable (as with the other groupsets from the other manufacturers) via the app, in this case MyCampy.
The shape of the hoods is also new – smoother and slimmer and designed for a choice of hand positions. The reduction in bulk is down to the hydraulic tube being moved to the caliper away from the hood. There’s a new carbon brake lever shape with what Campagnolo calls an optimised fulcrum point that allows more progressive and powerful braking. The distance to the handlebar is also adjustable for smaller hand sizes.
More progressive, powerful braking
The brake caliper bodies are made from forged aluminium and feature two new titanium retention screws that Campagnolo says save 6g.
Pads are available in two versions: organic and a new sintered version. Campagnolo says the latter provides longer durability in wet conditions or low temperatures. Both compounds work on a sound-absorbing blade that is claimed to reduce vibrations with a large friction area to ensure enhanced heat dissipation, limiting the risk of compound vitrification. They are equipped with a wear indicator. Rotors come in 160mm and 140mm sizes.
The new Campagnolo Super Record 13 will be available as of June 2025. Suggested retail price for the version without the power meter starts at €4,300/US$4,750/£3,900 and the version with power meter starts at €5,399/US$5,899/£4,950. Go to Campagnolo’s website for more details and keep an eye out for our full review.
