BikeBiz Bicycle and cycling retail news
Campagnolo took a fair amount of heat when it launched the Super Record WRL groupset in 2023, and a lot of that came as a result of the price point.
16 months on from that launch the brand has introduced its Super Record S WRL groupset, and, for those who, rightly or wrongly, took aim at the pricing of the previous groupset, this one is 22% less expensive.
Important to note: I specifically chose the phrase ‘less expensive’ because the RRP £3,525 is still a premium price, albeit one that is on par with products produced by rival manufacturers, and currently ridden WorldTour level.
Enough about the price, what about the groupset
Campagnolo states “the Super Record S Wireless has been specifically designed to meet the needs of cyclists of all levels”, so no grumbling about compact or smaller chain ring sizes this time round from those with leg and lung power of the kind required to snag Box Hill KOM / QOM.
This time round the Wattage Bazooka crew are treated to cranksets offered in six configurations. In addition to the previous 45×29, 48×32, 50×34 – confirmed in this range – the “S” version adds the new 52×36, 53×39 and 54×39 cranksets.
The brand points out that this range of combinations is intended to satisfy the simple enthusiast, the advanced amateur and the demanding professional.
Super Record S WRL also comes with three combination choices for the cassettes: 10/27, 10/29 and the new 11/32 cassette.
Key technical features:
- Ultra-Torque system for maximum power transmission efficiency
- Pro-Tech patented external dustproof protective seal superior braking performance thanks to the tested Campagnolo braking system
- Perfect ergonomics of controls and total adaptability of levers
- LED interface for highly visible battery status
- All-round cycling experience via the MyCampy 3.0 app, to check riding performance or view the battery status at any time and place.
What’s the catch?
A 150-gram weight gain over the top-tier groupset.
The new Super Record S WRL groupset has been developed “by making a more moderate use of extreme materials and adding a non-hollow full carbon crankset”.
Campagnolo is keen (understandably) to point out that Super Record S WRL provides the same performance as the Super Record Wireless, whilst carrying a weight penalty for material and construction method choices.
No mention of beautiful aesthetics?
No Campagnolo launch would be complete without some talk of looks, and this one is no exception.
Visually, the new Super Record S Wireless stands out, coming with a Matt Black finish, described as “an elegant deep shade of black that enhances the clean, aerodynamic lines of the components”.
For the first time since their creation, the Bora WTO carbon wheels have also been dyed matt black with tone-on-tone branding effects, creating the “Full Campy Experience – Matt Edition”, which can naturally be extended to the adoption of the HPPM power meter.
Campagnolo is distributed in the UK by Chicken Cyclekit.
