Campagnolo’s 11-speed groupsets have been designed specifically with competitive aims in mind. According to the Italian groupset specialist, 11 speed does not just mean a smaller sprocket to streak ahead downhill or a larger one for the toughest climbs. It is billed by the company as a new concept of groupset, completely reengineered in order to raise performance levels. The 11 speed groupset has a higher level of efficiency, precision and quality of rear derailleur shifting and front derailleur shifting than the previous version 10s.
Ergopower Ultra-shift 11s is more ergonomic and grants a more natural position. Vari-Cushion hoods make it more comfortable: the hoods are softer in the hand support zones and harder where the fingers grip the control. The weight and the required operating force are lower thanks to the titanium and light alloy mechanism parts.
The 11s rear derailleur has been completely renewed, with more rigid geometry. The oversize carbon fibre front plate grants greater stability, stiffness and precision – alongside the increased stability of the sprockets etches.
The 11s front derailleur has been designed to be more rigid, faster even under stress, and allow all the sprockets to be exploited. The ‘antifriction treatment’ favours the chain upshifting and downshifting and reduces wear. The outer carbon fibre cage is compatible with the Standard and the Compact crankset.
As with the front and rear derailleurs, the 11s crankset is more rigid and shifts more quickly and fluidly under stress. The new anti-wear surface treatment further increases durability. The carbon fibre crank and the titanium sprockets allow a consistent reduction in weight.
The 11s chain has been designed for shifting more rapidly and fluidly under stress. The chain becomes thinner (5.9mm to 5.5mm) and lighter (utilising hollow pins) but Campagnolo claims it is 20% stronger thanks to the use of enhanced steel.
The 11s brakes are more rigid and lighter and produce a more powerful and progressive braking. They are differentiated as the previous version 10s, but the required operating force is lower thanks to the bearings. The skeleton design holds steady and the titanium screws and nuts reduce the overall weight.
11s includes a broad range of combinations (11-23, 11-25, 12-25, 12-27).
