Please tell me I’m not the only one who thinks that every time Campagnolo pops in the news. Because the second question I ask myself, after acknowledging that the word “bankruptcy” isn’t in the headline, is “Why is Campy still in business?”. They’ve been struggling for relevancy for as long as I’ve paid attention to cycling, and their products seem to pivot around being the most expensive. But, not the best…That confuses me. But, I guess, many luxury for the sake of luxury, goods also confuse me. So maybe that’s the market demographic that keeps the lights on at Campagnolo HQ? I don’t know anyone who rides their groupset, I have seen it in the wild maybe 2-3x. So when I look at their new Super Record Wireless group, I have wonder who is going to buy that? It’s over $1k more than Dura-Ace Di2, which is already crazy $$$$. What is the appeal there? Is it exclusivity? Signalling? Luxury for the sake of luxury? Let me know, I’m more than happy to learn something here.
Today, Campagnolo has finally launched its highly anticipated, range topping Super Record Wireless groupset. The new shifting system, which has been heavily rumoured over the last few months, features fully wireless shifting, like SRAM eTap. It also comes with a staggering new price tag of $5,399/(£4,499), making it the most expensive mass-market groupset ever to be released.
Not only that, Campagnolo has also waved its goodbyes to rim brakes, with its flagship only available for hydraulic disc brakes.
Campagnolo fans may also be shocked by the distinct change to shifting ergonomics, with the removal of its signature thumb shifter. A step closer to Shimano on button placement, but with a price tag that trumps Shimano Dura Ace Di2 by over $1000, the new Italian groupset will have to use more than just its beautiful looks to charm the consumer.