Noting that its EPS electronic transmission has certainly received a great deal of attention, according to Campagnolo, mechanical transmission is nowhere near obsolete. Striving to get one step closer towards the ‘ultimate goal of mechanical shifting perfection’, Campagnolo is now rolling out its Super Record RS groupset.
This new edition of the Super Record groupset is the fruit of Campy’s collaboration with professional teams at the highest level of cycling. While the majority of Campagnolo sponsored riders choose to use the EPS electronic transmission, several prefer the traditional feel of mechanical shifting.
Campagnolo notes that it doesn’t believe in imposing any system on athletes and feels that whether a sponsored rider chooses to use mechanical or electronic shifting in his/her quest for victory they should feel confident ‘riding with Campagnolo quality and performance’.
To ensure that Campagnolo sponsored professional riders could count on superior performance and technological advantages with mechanical transmission, the company’s R&D department set out to produce ‘a groupset that represented a new evolution in mechanical shifting with no compromises, despite harsh conditions.’
Campy’s engineering staff in northern Italy left no detail unexamined to find the best solutions for improving mechanical shifting. The fruit of their labours came in the form of several prototypes that were tested heavily in the lab but mostly in the field during World Tour competition.
The Super Record RS groupset project was aimed at increasing both performance as well as reliability even in extreme conditions although ‘most changes won’t be easily recognizable to the naked or untrained eye.’
While at first sight the groupset appears quite similar to the previous version, several angles and shapes were modified throughout the drivetrain with the most significant changes being concentrated on the chainrings and front derailleur design.
Campagnolo notes…
‘While the average cyclist might not realize the intricacies of a chainring; how each and every tooth has its own shape, how the internal surface is designed for specific performance and how the two perform in unison for faster and more efficient chain engagement; it is actually a very complex piece upon which the overall performance of the transmission is based.’
With meticulously redesigned chainrings, attention was then dedicated to the front derailleur in order to have ‘the perfect angles and structural form to ensure perfect compatibility between the two components.’
In addition to form developments, structural integrity was improved through new production techniques thus making the front derailleur more rigid. These changes were then incorporated into the complete transmission in a manner in which they would all function together in a synchronized fashion.
Initially cloaked as normal Super Record mechanical groupsets, the new components were only recognizable by small markings hidden from sight with the project’s code name ‘SC-14’ laser etched to help team mechanics and Campagnolo staff avoid confusion with the prior version.
After a ‘great deal of positive feedback from all athletes’ who competed and trained atop this SC-14 (which stands for ‘squadre corsa 2014’) it was decided to no longer keep the new mechanical groupset a secret.
From prototype status the SC-14 project moved into the public realm in the form of Super Record RS. The Super Record RS group, while still maintaining the laser etched SC-14 project name on the inside, was given its own graphic treatment in an effort to distinguish it from the previous versions even at first glance.
While not publicized until now, the groupset has been visible, in its new graphic form, on several bikes in the professional peloton since immediately after the Tour Down Under. ‘The discrete graphics have allowed the groupset to compete at the highest level going relatively unnoticed.’
The new groupset will be available for purchase ‘atop the finest frames and in Campagnolo retailers the world over’ although it will be offered in limited quantities and for a limited time only.
While the performance aspect is undoubtedly the most alluring part of the RS version of Super Record, Campy notes that aesthetics also play their part. Incorporating different elements that each refer to significant aspects of the groupset and its maker, the graphics make this new product not only of interest due to its increased performance characteristics but also for its ‘meaningful look’.
The ‘tricolore’ is representative of the Italian heritage of both Campagnolo and the Italian cycling culture from which it was born. The chrome text and logos recall the mechanical origins of the historic cycling component manufacturer while the checkered flag aesthetic pays homage to its race winning pedigree.
Super Record RS will be available in the following configurations: 53/39, 52/36, 50/34.
