ONCE=ELF=UNDICI=ONZE.

22 August 2008

The answer to the world’s problems might just be contained in one of the boxes above…


…like the voice of God herself. Somehow, I always knew she spoke Italian.

Aside from not suffering a dearth of ceramic and titanium, the most notable features of the new Super Record 11 gruppo are the new shifters and rear derailleur.

The ergonomics have had a complete overhaul. The shifters are now asymmetrical, and curve inwards and extend higher than previous incarnations. The Campagnolo sales rep explains that this affords a much more substantial body to grip while riding on the hoods, especially while climbing. The Vari-Cushion hoods are cast in a (two hardness) variable-durometer rubber–soft on the palms, and harder where the fingers wrap around; as well as channels molded into the rubber to help route sweat and increase grip–as well as a newly configured cable routing, which eliminates bulges under the hoods.

Taking a cue from the Record Red levers offered to professional riders, the shifters are claimed to have a decrease of lever effort of roughly 15%.

The new brake lever features a double-curve design permitting a firmer grip when on the hoods. The lever’s pivot has been moved higher, making it possible to operate the lever using one finger. Additionally, the shifters are packaged with a shim that is mounted between the handlebar and shifter tilting the unit slightly outward, thereby increasing the space between lever and bar for larger hands.

_garrett chow