January 2004--The year has only just begun, and we have fearlessly issued our predictions for what Campagnolo will be offering in their 2005 lineup.  We also asked you, the reader, to suggest what you think will be coming for next year--we're very impressed with the imagination shown by our readers (let's see if it's matched by the imagination in Vicenza ...).  

Coming Soon: We'll be launching an online survey--vote on what you think Campy will introduce!
Campy Only's predictions:
 

bulletElectronic shifting will finally debut in a 10s Record version.  Retail price will be at least $1,500 higher than standard Record, and it will be released in limited quantities, which will sell out completely.
bulletCarbon chainrings will be offered for Record and (perhaps) Chorus.  Unlike other designs already on the market, Campagnolo's rings will have alloy teeth mated to a carbon ring.
bulletErgobrain will go wireless for '05.  The sensors at the Ergo levers will still connect with wires, but speed and cadence will be picked up by wireless units.  Campagnolo will offer a wireless upgrade for older ErgoBrain units, but it will cost too much for most riders (like the spare mounts that currently cost almost as much as an entire new ErgoBrain).
bulletSeveral new clothing designs will be offered.  None will sell well.
bulletUpdated 1-26-04--We're predicting that carbon brakes will not come out for '05 ...

Predictions from our readers:

Clayton Bowler

bulletCampagnolo will surprise us with a wireless electronic shifting Record Group, that will have a much smaller battery pack than the current battery we have been seeing.  Ergobrain will be sold with the group, and will be essential to the group operating properly.  Carbon will be added to the brakes as well.  Alloys will start to be replaced with more titanium and magnesium for lighter weight.
bulletChorus will look like the current Record with the the exception of the brakes, which will remain alloy, and be offered in 2006 as a carbon brake set.  Chorus will become more accepted than Record due to the increased cost in Record once it goes electronic.  Chorus will remain analog for a couple of more years, until Campy finds a way to control cost.  It will get a make over and also be offered at an electronic group in 2007.
bulletCarbon will make its way in a very limited fashion to the Centaur group, although you won't see as much of it as you do in this year's Chorus.  The derailleur plate will be carbon, and possibly the Ergo levers, however, if there is to be a carbon crank set for Centaur, it will be carbon arms only, and the spider will be made of alloy.
bulletThe rest of the groups will become ten speed.  Nine speed will be phased out by the rest of the industry as well.
bulletCarbon spokes will be paired with Campy's carbon hubs and rims as well.  I would look for a new type of wheel to come out of this.
bulletErgobrain will also have a pc interface to download training data into, but I would also look for it to measure altitude, temperature, and grades.

Doug Hurst

bullet(Perhaps more long-term than 2005)  ErgoBrain will be combined with a GPS unit, which will provide speed and elevation (cadence and gearing will come from standard ErgoBrain sensors).  

Ove Simonsen, Denmark

Record:

bulletBottom bracket spindle with splined pattern and ceramic bearings (maybe first 2006).
bulletStandard hubs will be available in black finish and ceramic bearings.
bulletNew "AX-Lightness style" lightweight seatpost.
bulletNew lightweight quick realeases in "Tune or USE style".
bulletCarbon brakes (maybe first 2006).
bulletMore carbon small parts.

Chorus:

bulletSeatpost from Record
bullet10s Ultra shifting from Record

Centaur:

bulletSeatpost from Chorus
bullet"Record style" bottle cage in alloy

2005+:

bulletAfter the introduction of Multidirectional Carbon Fiber more part will be avaible in 
carbon fiber (front/rear derailleur body, chainrings, cassette body, pedal body....)

Mark Munn (U.S. Military, Kuwait)

Record: 

bulletThe record bottom bracket will be offered with a titanium axle. 
bulletHubs will be available in a black finish. 
bulletRecord pedals will go to a carbon body. 

Chorus: 

bulletAn optional black finish for hubs and brakes. 
bulletErgo levers will get Record's Ultra treatment. 

Centaur: Predict no major changes to the group. 

Veloce: Will get Centaur hubs. 

Beyond 2005 Campy will eventually offer a carbon fiber fork.

"Bunnyman"

bulletCarbon fiber brakes might be toyed with, maybe not for release next year.
bulletGold anodizing on Record (much like the Once bikes).
bulletCeramic or other advanced material in bottom bracket bearings.

Rob Sallnow

bulletI think carbon chainrings are a long way off........so in the mean time Campag will offer black anodized chainrings for the carbon cranks......
bulletErgobrains will come in a choice of new colours (like the new mini iPods)
bulletBlack anodized gear/brake cables
bulletBlack anodized standard Record hubs.
bulletTi Record skewers
bulletA Centaur bottle cage......just an alloy effort.
bulletAnother new method of joining the C10 chain.......and new tool!!
bulletXenon to be scrapped and replaced with 'Avanti'

Ronald van Tol

bulletMirage goes 10 speed
bulletCentaur gets titanium seatpost (previous Chorus / Record post)
bulletVeloce gets alu seatpost from Centaur
bulletRecord gets black anodized hubs

Rob Reed

bulletI think Campagnolo will or (should) come out with their own version of a 2-piece crankset that does away with a square taper bottom bracket. If they were smart they NEED to do this because, seriously the square taper BB is outdated and the whole design needs to be updated. (Note: Click here to read a comparison of square tapers vs. ISIS)

If you have an idea about next year's stuff:  Email us! 

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