Riding Long with the Campagnolo H11 Disc-brake System
An extended test with the Italian company’s latest technology
An extended test with the Italian company’s latest technology
While Campagnolo may have been the last of the big component makers to release its hydraulic disc brakes for road, the H11 system it delivered in 2017 has power and control that are impressive for a first entry. The Vincenza, Italy-based company has been at the forefront of cycling technologies since Tullio Campagnolo patented the quick release in 1933. The Italian component and wheel manufacturer was the first to introduce the modern rear derailleur, as well as 10- and 11-speed drivetrains, in 2000 and 2009. With disc brakes, however, both sram and Shimano came out with rotors for road before Campy. In 2016, Campagnolo revealed that its own disc-brake system was in the works, but not completely ready for riders like me. In the spring of 2017, the company gave a full presentation of the H11. My first impressions were overwhelmingly positive. The design, technical details and functionality were spot on. Still, I wanted to spend more time with the components to evaluate the merits of Campy’s newest braking system.
The build
One of the first Campagnolo hydraulic disc groupsets arrived at the Canadian Cyclingmagazine office in late summer. The H11 brake levers, crankset and calipers, Super Record 11 derailleurs and Bora One 35 DB clinchers were soon installed on a No. 22 Aurora. In the following months, I dutifully, or rather eagerly, put close to 3,000 km on the new brake system and drivetrain.
Gaining and scrubbing speed out on the road
Apart from perhaps your saddle and cleats, your hoods are the most important contact points on your bike. The Ergopower hood shape ensured my hands were secure as I held the controls in a natural position over every
kilometre. The 8 mm of extra height that had to be added to the hoods to accommodate the hydraulic components didn’t compromise comfort. The extra space actually offered me different hand positions on the longest of my rides. The levers have three points of adjustability to ensure the position and stroke suit your preferences.
The Powershift action and lever position feel just right. Swing the shift lever to move the chain to as many as three cogs inboard. Push on the thumb shifter and you can go outbound as many as five. It all happens in seamless movements. Yet, Campagnolo wants you to know its working: with each shift, there’s a satisfying click that signals the bike is doing precisely what you’ve commanded it to do. At first it may feel a little clunky, but that smoothes out in time. There is some truth to the saying that Campagnolo wears in while other groupsets wear out.
The carbon brake lever isn’t only attractive, but finely tuned: the lightest of pressure will begin engaging the brakes. The modulation and precision was more than I expected, which continued to strike me whether I was coming to a stop in front of my favourite coffee shop or responding to a sudden change on the road. Rain or shine, the brakes were up to the task. The first time they got wet, they made a bit of noise, but afterward, they were mostly silent. On rare occasions, after particularly intense braking, the pads stuck a little causing some rub. They would soon return to their original positions.
Campagnolo only offers an organic-compound pad that I appreciated every time I engaged the brakes. They provided consistent and predictable braking on the front 160-mm-diameter rotor and rear 140-mm rotor. The pads have worn a bit, but seem to have plenty of life left in them. If I were to ride in messier conditions, I would have liked a wider selection to choose from. Still, Campagnolo is confident in what they are providing with its single option.
The carbon-arm H11 crank feels stiff under load. I rode a compact 50/34-tooth crankset paired with a 11-29 cassette. I had all the gears I needed, even on the steepest climbs. The Super Record 11 derailleurs are quality. On the road, it’s apparent how refined they are. Finally, the Bora One 35 DB clincher wheelset has the G3 spoke pattern on both the rear and front wheels. Each wheel’s light weight helps it to get up to speed quickly and bound up climbs. When I put power into the bike, the wheels felt stiff and responsive. On rough roads and descents, they inspire confidence. I was never hesitant to bomb along pothole-riddled roads or down gravel descents. They started and stayed true regardless what I threw at them. The ceramic bearing hubs were smooth. Since there’s no brake track, the beautiful carbon rims won’t wear out gradually.
Standing the test of time
After nearly 3,000 km, the groupset continues to run well. While it’s near the time to swap the chain, the shifting is clean, immediate and crisp. The braking has lost nothing. I wouldn’t be surprised to be able to double my distance before needing to bleed the system. There’s nothing that inspires more confidence than consistent and continuous performance over so many kilometres. While you may choose Campagnolo for the esthetics, performance, history and tradition, the quality is at the core of what makes Campagnolo so desirable. Campy may have a late entry with its disc brakes, but now it’s leading the way.
“In the following months, I dutifully, or rather eagerly, put close to 3,000 km on the new brake system and drivetrain.”