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Campagnolo Record Groupset Review

The 11-speed Record groupset is one of the most popular groupsets produced by Campagnolo. With its technologically advanced features and sleek designs it is easy to see why road cyclists around the world choose this phenomenal groupset.

The cassette of this impressive groupset has been created using a combination of steel and titanium, in particular when creating the sprockets. Campagnolo have explained that the Record cassette includes an Ultra-Shift teeth shift design, which our testers noted did help create smooth and precise up shifting. While the Ultra-Shift sprocket synchronisation design ensures that the sprockets have been carefully positioned to make shifting quick and more concise. Other technical design improvements to the cassette include a support frame for the 2nd and 3rd sprocket triplet, which helps to increase the cassettes torsional rigidity, as well as a nickel-chrome surface treatment introduced to reduce the chain/sprocket friction.

The shifters of the Campagnolo Record groupset are also impressive; the levers feel comfortable due to the Vari-cushion hoods. The Ultra- Shift design offer greater ease of movement and ensure the levers feel light, while the Ultra-Shift exclusive mechanism enables riders effective 3 sprocket up shifting and 5 sprocket down shifting in a single stroke. The double curvature break lever enables responsive braking in all weather conditions. Overall, our testers stated that the levers were one of the most comfortable, responsive and durable levers they had ever tried.

The design of the Record’s crankset is eye catching, while the new teeth design and construction offers a high performance shifting. The new teeth design and Campagnolo’s X.P.S.S extreme performance shifting system chainrings, guarantees that riders will enjoy precise, fast and easy shifting. Impressively, the crankset is also extremely light due to its unidirectional carbon fibre Ultra-Hollow crank and low weight bottom bracket. But while the crankset is light our testers commented that it was extremely rigid and effectively transferred power enabling riders to reach impressive speeds.

The derailleurs have also undergone some improvements, the front derailleur has a carbon cage construction and a Z-shape inner cage, while the Exclusive M-Brace Campagnolo geometry derailleur design guarantees rigidity, reliable and precision shifting. While the rear derailleur has been described by Campgnolo as the soul of the new 11-speed Record transmission, constructed with an aluminium lower and upper body, it is light, guarantees less friction and more precision shifting. The ceramic ball bearings of the derailleur significantly reduced the amount of friction, whilst also ensuring an unbelievable amount of smoothness. Several testers noted that the rear derailleur worked perfectly, even after excessive use.

The Record braking system offers riders two braking options and a noticeable level of symmetry and strength. The front brake stirrup possesses a dual pivot for extra braking power, while the rear is a single pivot, as riders don’t require the same level of power at the rear. This unique differentiated design offers a greater level of braking power modulation, while the pads are hard-wearing. Overall the breaking system of the Record is impressive and a fantastic alternative to other braking systems.

These features of the Record are why this groupset has become synonymous within the world of racing. The components advanced designs; features and use of high quality materials mean that the Record is a technological masterpiece.