Peter Maniaty
Arriving with considerable fanfare back in 2023 and more recently heralding Campag’s return to the WorldTour in 2025, the Super Record Wireless groupset is sublime.
Super Record Wireless is Campagnolo’s flagship road groupset. Whilst sharing a few cosmetic similarities with its predecessor, Super Record EPS – the raw carbon finishing on the crankset and derailleurs, for example – and clearly honed with data gleaned from the EPS experience, Super Record Wireless is a very different animal. The most fundamental change, of course, is that it’s a fully wireless system with bespoke batteries powering each of the derailleurs, something that brings the Italians in line with SRAM AXS and places them ahead of Shimano Di2 which remains semi-wireless, at least for now. Also gone are Campy’s trademark thumb shifters, replaced by up/down paddles behind the brake lever in a move sure to delight some and dismay others. Weight-wise, Super Record Wireless sits at a very tidy 2,520 grams (45/29T), placing it generally on par with its main rivals, while also being around 150 grams lighter than Super Record S.
Shifting gears
Campagnolo’s ErgoPower shifters have been around for years, and the platform continues to be very, very good. The switch to wireless has obviously necessitated some changes, not least the CR2032 battery under each hood cover. The inclusion of shifting paddles has also provided the opportunity to rethink its levers, with the redesigned shape helping to deliver a firm and comfortable grip in high and low hand positions whilst also providing a more efficient overall braking experience. As was the case with EPS, the brake lever position can also be easily adjusted to provide the perfect reach, regardless of handlebar or hand size. With thumb shifters gone, the inside of the hood now features a battery status LED indicator and a small function button. To maximise battery life, the shifters go into low power mode after 30 minutes of inactivity, whilst any movement wakes them up.
Like several other features, the right and left paddle functions can be customised using the MyCampy app. But regardless of how you set things up, if you’re switching from an older Campagnolo gruppo it may take a few rides to get the hang of the new shifting configuration. When you do, you’re in for a real treat because moving through the gears, even big jumps across multiple sprockets is smooth and assured with whatever cadence and gearing ratios you throw at them. Powered by tiny precision motors and position sensors, the derailleurs constantly monitor your gearing, shifting automatically into the ideal position for your selected combination, essentially eliminating the risk of chain rub. Pleasingly, despite all the changes, Super Record Wireless maintains a somewhat ‘mechanical’ feel and sound with just enough feedback.
Hello Bluetooth
With no more wires, the derailleurs communicate directly to the shifters via Bluetooth. Accordingly, each derailleur has its own removable battery; however, the front and rear batteries aren’t uniform, so you can’t swap them over. Range-wise, Campagnolo claims a reasonably modest 750km per charge. On the flip side, charging is fast, just 60 minutes, using quick-snap magnetic cables.
Crank it up
As was the case with its EPS predecessor, the crankset presents with a distinctive raw carbon finish. Moulded from unidirectional carbon fibre, the four-arm carbon spider and left-side crank arm are connected by a titanium axle featuring Campagnolo’s patented Ultra-Torque locking system with aluminium chainrings and ultra-smooth USB ceramic bearings. Hollow construction further reduces the already low weight – the complete standard crankset weighs just 585 grams (down from 618 grams for EPS).
The chainrings have been downsized with 50/34T, 48/32T and 45/29T pairings. Campagnolo has also kept its 12-speed cassettes quite narrow with 10-25T, 10-27T and 10-29T options, indicating a clear focus on optimising cadence rather than maximising gearing range. That said, the 10T sprocket should still allow ample gearing for most. Also worth noting is the use of single-tooth jumps all the way to the seventh gear, aiding silky smooth transitions and more consistent cadence.
Stopping power
As undoubtedly good as the shifting is, braking performance is arguably the single biggest stand out for me. From navigating fast and technical descents to high-speed corners in crowded pacelines, the confidence-inspiring balance of comfort, modulation and precision control is super impressive – quite possibly the best and smoothest braking I’ve ever experienced. One of the interesting tech features is the use of small aluminium backing plates nestled between the pistons and the pads inside the callipers to help cushion vibration during braking. 160mm and 140mm rotors are available. As you’ve probably already guessed, there’s no rim brake option.
Summing up
Groupset, or status symbol? Campagnolo Super Record Wireless is outstanding. But it’s also eye-wateringly expensive, with a price tag significantly higher than both of its nearest rivals and comfortably more than many complete bikes. This won’t be an issue for some, and this is precisely who Campagnolo is targeting. But for the rest of us, it’s a groupset of dreams, not reality. Yes, tradition can take you a long way in cycling. But is Super Record Wireless going too far? Time and the market will decide.
Recommended Retail Price
Super Record Wireless: $8,169.00
Super Record Wireless + Power Meter: $10,099.00
Super Record “S” Wireless: $6,799.00
Super Record “S” Wireless + Power Meter: $8,799.00
Super Record S
Towards the end of 2024, Campagnolo added a second-tier wireless option to its groupset stable. Somewhat confusingly known as ‘Super Record S’, it features a little more aluminium and a little less carbon than Super Record Wireless, together with a steel axle, solid crankset, standard bearings and matt black finishing. The complete groupset is 150 grams heavier, but also around $1,500 lighter on your hip pocket. Power meter and standard options are available.
