Campagnolo Super Record EPS Disc 12-speed groupset review

The Campagnolo Super Record EPS Disc groupset competes directly with Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 Disc and Sram Red eTap AXS at the very high end. It is also the most expensive of the three on paper, but also the heaviest. What remains is a largely satisfactory operation and an exemplary finish, likely to appeal to fans of the brand.

By Guillaume Judas – Photos: @3bikes.fr

As always for the past thirty years, Campagnolo was the first brand to introduce an extra cog on its drivetrain to offer 12 speeds, pushing competitors to follow suit. This was already the case in the early 90s with the introduction of the 8-speed cassette, in 1995 with 9 speeds, in the early 2000s with 10 speeds, in 2008 with 11 speeds, and thus in 2018 with 12 speeds. The following year, the Italian brand presented the electronic version of its flagship groupset, the Super Record, with the code name EPS (Electronic Power Shift), for both rim and disc braking. Unlike Shimano and Sram, Campagnolo reserves electronic shifting for its highest-end groupset, which is also still available with cable shifting. The other groupsets in the range, Record and Chorus, are also 12-speed, offered for rim or disc brakes, but retain mechanical shifting.

Campagnolo thus blends modernity and tradition, with components that combine carbon and titanium as is the case here on the Super Record, and which are entirely manufactured in Europe. The aesthetics and finish are superb, and the operation lives up to what is expected of the Italian brand. Shifting proves to be smooth, precise, and silent in use, allowing for all possible cross-chaining. Braking, for its part, is powerful and progressive, and an ingenious magnetic return system at the disc brake pads prevents rubbing when the bike is pushed hard out of the saddle after a sharp deceleration.

A unique aesthetic

A true work of art from our point of view, the crankset is strictly identical to the one equipping the Super Record 12 version with cable shifting. It features carbon crank arms and a four-arm crank spider, connected in pairs to a reinforcement that is flush with the large chainring. There are eight mounting bolts for increased rigidity, with a double bolt circle diameter of 112 and 142 mm. The axle and bolts are titanium, the chainrings are aluminum, and the bearings are ceramic (Cult). Crank arms are available in 165/170/172.5/175 mm. For chainrings, the now classic combinations of 50-34/52-36/53-39 are available. The claimed weight is 618 g for 50/34, to which 40 g must be added for the bearings.

The derailleurs are identical to those of the Super Record 12 EPS version for rim brakes, and they also feature extensive use of carbon. On the front derailleur, even the outer plate is carbon, while the inner part remains aluminum. The rear derailleur also benefits from a carbon body and derailleur cage. It has a maximum capacity of 32 teeth. Thanks to 3D Embrace technology, it remains perfectly oriented on each cog, which offers smooth and extremely precise operation. The claimed weight is 132 g for the front derailleur and 234 g for the rear derailleur.

The Super Record EPS Disc levers naturally adopt the general appearance of all Campagnolo levers, but they are more imposing, in order to accommodate the electronic shifting and the hydraulic braking system. They are thus 8 mm taller at the upper tip. The brake levers feature a double curve to facilitate braking with hands on the hoods. The shift paddles are distinct, as always with the Italian brand. The large lever behind the brake lever is used to shift up the cassette (or to shift to the large chainring), and the small lever placed on the inner part of the body is used to shift down the cassette or to shift to the small chainring. This latter lever is curved downwards, to facilitate its manipulation with hands in the drops. The claimed weight is 948 g for the complete system including shifters, brake calipers, rotors, and hoses.

On the braking side, the Flat Mount calipers are paired with 140 or 160 mm rotors, and feature 22 mm pistons and a special metal plate placed between the pad and the caliper piston to dampen vibrations. A magnetic system allows for quick return of the pads to their initial position after braking, which prevents rubbing.

On this latest generation of EPS, the interface migrates from under the stem to a housing provided in the frame’s down tube or, as here on the test bike, at the end of the handlebar. Campagnolo retains electric wires, whereas its two competitors Sram and Shimano – more recent, it is true – do away with them, at least in the cockpit. The weight of the interface, battery, and wires is claimed to be 168 g. The interface is capable of communicating via Bluetooth and ANT+, with a phone or a bike computer. With the MyCampy application, it is possible to customize derailleur lever commands (e.g., to reverse them), download and install new firmware, run diagnostics on each component, check the battery charge status, verify maintenance intervals, or set up sequential shifting, as with Shimano and Sram.

Campagnolo offers three Super Record cassettes, but only two are compatible with the EPS groupset, given the derailleur’s capacity: 11-29 (11-12-13-14-15-16-17-19-21-23-26-29) and 11-32 (11-12-13-14-15-16-17-19-22-25-28-32). The 11-34 is reserved for mechanical groupsets. They retain the same footprint as 11-speed cassettes, allowing them to be mounted on wheels with an 11-speed freehub body. The claimed weight is 266 g. Finally, despite a width of 5.15 mm, the 12-speed chain is, according to Campagnolo, as durable as the 11-speed version. It is also relatively light, at 228 g.

Nevertheless, in terms of weight, the Super Record EPS Disc groupset is slightly heavier than its two direct competitors, with a theoretical weight (as it all depends on the chainrings, crank arm length, and cassette) of 2634 g, compared to 2516 g for the Sram Red eTap AXS and 2442 g for the new 12-speed Dura-Ace Di2 Disc. The price, however, is high, with a displayed price of €4818, compared to €3999 for Dura-Ace and €3618 for Sram Red. Those looking for a better weight/price compromise would therefore do well, when possible, to opt for the Super Record 12 groupset for rim brakes, and with cable derailleurs (2253 g for €2994).

Business class travel

On the road, the Campagnolo Super Record EPS Disc makes you forget these drawbacks. It proves true to its reputation, without the slightest hitch. Operation is smooth and silent in the drivetrain, with minimal noise, even though our test version has already covered a few thousand kilometers. Even if not necessarily recommended, all cross-chaining is possible, and you can have fun riding with the large chainring and the large 32-tooth cog like Tadej Pogacar in the Col de la Colombière on the last Tour de France, without feeling any resistance. With the small chainring and the 11-tooth cog, only chain slap against the chainstay is audible. Shifting quickly becomes intuitive, and you find yourself shifting often, at the slightest change in gradient. Especially since the cassette is properly geared in this 11-32 configuration. From 11 to 19, the gear progression is classic, therefore ideal for most uses on hilly terrain, and it is at the top of the cassette that you may feel more gaps between the cogs, but without it being truly prohibitive given the speed of travel associated with the use of these tooth counts. When shifting chainrings, it is also smooth and silent, but it seems a tad less powerful and fast than with Shimano.

You can have fun riding with the large chainring and the large 32-tooth cog like Tadej Pogacar in the Col de la Colombière on the last Tour de France, without feeling any resistance.

The grip of the hoods is particular, but not frankly unpleasant. It is better suited to large hands than to smaller ones in terms of ergonomics. The finish is of an excellent standard, and there are no sharp parts likely to injure the fingers, as is the case with Sram, for example. While it seems a little complicated to fully grasp the hoods due to their particular shape, the raised upper part offers additional support in a speed-seeking position, with the elbows resting in the angle of the handlebars, for example. Note also that this protrusion offers an advantage in certain situations, for example, to regain control of the handlebars after a false move.

The brake levers are very accessible, regardless of hand position. The initial brake feel is a bit spongy, but firmer as the pads approach contact with the rotor. There is never an “on/off” effect and modulation is quite easy.

Finally, regarding the battery, we noticed nothing particular, not having needed to recharge it after about 1000 km on the bike. On the application, the indicated charge level is still 43%. Note also that the application offers various interesting functions, such as visualizing the number of shifts per ride or since the last recharge, which allows you to learn a little more about your own habits.

The Campagnolo Super Record EPS 12 Disc groupset is, as expected, impeccable in terms of finish and operation. But its very high price reserves it for lovers of the Italian brand, or for those who want to stand out by enjoying its timeless charm.

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