CAMPAGNOLO
Less than a year after Campagnolo launched Super Record 12-speed mechanical to the cycling world the inevitable EPS electronic version has landed
Sitting alongside this issue’s test of Campagnolo’s Super Record 12-speed, we also bring you the electronic EPS version.
Already spotted on World Road Champion Alejandro Valverde’s bike in 2019’s early season races, EPS has always been the pros’ preferred shifting choice for its speed, accuracy and dynamic capabilities. The new groupset shares a number of components with the mechanical version, adds in EPS parts which have been re-engineered for 12-speed – and some all-new or improved ones too.
Externally similar, the Ergopower controls come in rim and hydraulic disc brake versions and maintain the superb ergonomics of the mechanical system, but with a superior thumb lever shape. Unlike the mechanical one, the downward sweep of the EPS inner lever requires little thumb or hand movement to operate from the hoods or drops, further accelerating gear changes.
The double curved brake lever’s reach is customisable and includes an extra-small hand setting, bringing the levers close to the bar; there’s some outward slant to the levers, improving aesthetics and functionality. The enlarged upshift lever blends smoothly in to the rear of the brake lever with a sculpted paddle that’s easy to feel and continues Campag’s one-lever, one-action mantra with separated controls for each function.
Multishift allows moving across all 12 sprockets with one lever activation in either direction or, via the My Campy app, you can customise how many gears it’ll shift each time. Multi-Dome Technology adds a tactile shift feel to the levers, which is not dissimilar to mechanical shifting so you should always know when it’s happened. Vari-Cushion rubber hoods ensure consistent grip, regardless of conditions and include a mode button behind the inner shift lever that can be used to make adjustments via the control box.
The hydraulic disc brake EPS levers offer customisable free stroke before pad application with a small
EPS has always been the pros’ preferred shifting choice for its speed, ac curacy and dynamic capabilities
hex key and, as before, the disc brake master cylinder is compact and low profile, making the hydraulic disc levers only 8mm taller than the rim brake ones. Both levers share identical cylinders on each side with bleed ports at the top, meaning they’re interchangeable and more cost effective to make. Time-triallists can select a specific base bar fitting 12-speed EPS combined brake and shift lever, although it’s only available for rim brakes.
The V4 Interface has BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy), and ANT+ communication and interacts with external devices, such as the My Campy app. As well as the current below stem position, there’s now also an internal bar end option, or with a mounting plate it can be fitted in to the upper down-tube, just like Shimano’s Di2. The redesigned V4
power unit is longer and slimmer with 10 per cent more battery life, in addition to what Campagnolo says was already the best available. It’s compatible with nearly every frame on the market, fitting inside the down-tube or with a seatpost adaptor.
Super Record’s EPS front mech is specific to 12-speed, and incorporates the most powerful motors on the market, giving more torque for shifting under heavy pedalling loads. Automatic chain centering means the front and rear mechs communicate to position the front mech in the ideal position in relation to the selected sprocket and, along with its thin cage, this permits rub-free cross chaining. The rear mech is optimised for the groupset’s 11-29 and 11-32 cassettes, its 12-tooth jockey wheels have longer teeth for the upper one and shorter, chamfered teeth below, for aggressive chain lines, plus Campag’s Embrace Technology, which maximises chain wrap around the cassette’s underside. A thinner cage increases spoke clearance, while the upper body return spring absorbs road vibrations, protecting the mech’s integrity. Standard- or directmount hangers are supplied and, as always, the EPS wires are soldered in place rather than plugged in, for total waterproofing.
As before, cassette width is identical to 11-speed, fitting the same freehub bodies, but the sprockets and chain are slimmer. The latter is lighter than before and said to be even more durable. The largest two triplets (three sprockets) are machined from solid steel and have a surface treatment to increase
Super Rec ord’s EPS front mech is specific to 12-speed, and incorporates the most powerful motors on the market
lifespan, whilst the other sprockets are separated by aluminium spacers. Despite their gearing range, both cassettes have single tooth jumps between the first seven sprockets, from 11 to 17.
Super Record’s crankset is a celebration of carbon fibre, with hollow arms and a UD finish. It’s incredibly glossy when it exits the mould thanks to Campag’s proprietary UV-proof resin, and it needs no finishing. Its Ultra Torque titanium axle is fastened from the left side and spins on CULT ceramic bearings with a 145.5mm Q-factor. The four-arm spider has additional braces to counteract the highest torque loads and each chainring has four bolts, maximizing rigidity. Offered with 50/34, 52/36 and 53/39 combinations, the chainrings have a specific shift pin and zones for each size and go through an internally developed hard anodisation process. EPS 12 is available in crank lengths of 165mm, 170mm, 172.5mm and 175mm.
Super Record EPS 12-speed is available with centre-bolt or direct-mount rim brakes or hydraulic discs. The centre-bolt calipers are intended for C17 and C19 (internal width in mm) rim widths, and have room for 28mm tyres. The direct mount brakes each have a brace to protect frames from flex, and improve braking force. Campag’s hydraulic discs continue as before, but now 140mm rotors and calipers will be available and allowed for front wheels, which were limited to 160mm before.
A mechanical spring has been added to the magnetic spring to ensure even better pad return, with guaranteed 0.4mm roll back. Two small ear-like additions to the top of each steel backed, organic resin brake pad improve heat dissipation, and they include pad wear indicators and a chamfered lower edge for easier rotor insertion. Tested to over 400 Celsius, the AFS centrelock standard, rounded edge rotors now have a floating rotor design for better centering.
THE FUTURE
Interestingly, Super Record will not just be the only 12-speed EPS groupset but Campagnolo’s only EPS groupset... full stop. This begs the question, what might come next? Could this be a hint that Super Record EPS 12-speed is the zenith of the current EPS system and, if so, it’s hard to see Campagnolo not continuing to offer electronic shifting in some form, so perhaps any future mid-range electronic shifting contender could usher in a whole new system. We have no clues: this is purely conjecture based on where the current market place is heading, but remember that Campagnolo began working on the EPS system in 1992, so it wouldn’t be a surprise if there’s been a successor in development for some time.
Campagnolo began working on the EPS system in 1992, s o it wouldn’t be a surprise if there’s a successor in development