Nicola Rutzou
In the ultimate move to a luxury groupset, Campagnolo has launched an ‘Ultra’ version of its high-end Super Record 13 groupset, with carbon chainrings, a titanium cassette and ceramic BB bearings.
The ‘Ultra’ chainring is made of a carbon fibre bearing structure combined with aluminium teeth. Campag says that the carbon fibre gives the chainring absolute rigidity, resulting in consistent power transfer even when passing through dead spots. It also reduces the weight of the entire component, and adds a bit of bling to your steed.
The new ‘Ultra’ 13 cassette is provided with the larger quadruple/quintuple sprocket sets made of aircraft-grade titanium. The sprockets are machined from a solid titanium block that weighs 1250 grams for the 36T version (5 sprockets) and 900 grams for the 33T version (4 sprockets). The fully machined 36T version weighs 113 grams, and the 33T version 84 grams.
Hidden in the bottom bracket, the bearings are equipped with silicon nitride ball bearings that have been selected according to international aerospace standards. Campag says that these guarantee superior roundness, virtually free of any impurities or metal particles for optimal pedalling performance and long life.
More info at campagnolo.com/au-en/
Nicola Rutzou – a long-time contributor and, most recently, the editor of Bicycling Australia. Nicola is a keen Sydney-based road cyclist who writes reviews, news, and destination pieces, as well as the weekly e-newsletter for BA online.
