 | December 29, 2000--Would Record
Carbon Cranks be just a rumor if you held them in your
hand?
Click here to read the latest report from Australia!
Added January
1--The Carbon Crankset described in detail! |
| December 19, 2000--Think your
new Ultra-drive cassette looks a little familiar? If
you've been looking at your friend's Shimano cassette,
there's a good reason--the ramps are similar because Campy's new
cogset is based on Shimano's patents, which expired last year. |
| December 18, 2000--Not much
happening in the way of rumors lately, but here's a new one: Word
on the street is the well-known Canadian cycling clothing
manufacturer Louis Garneau
has been told this year that they can not produce their annual
Campagnolo-themed jersey. Sources we talked to said the
Campagnolo jersey has been Garneau's biggest seller for the past
five years. Our guess as to why: First, Campagnolo is
becoming much more aggressive in protecting their trademark
(although Garneau's jerseys were licensed by Campagnolo).
Second, Campagnolo may be seeking to avoid confusion between
Garneau's jerseys and their own line of clothing (see our
September 28, 2000 item, below), which premiered at trade shows
this year but have yet to appear in any retail outlet we've seen. |
| November 27, 2000--Rumors
floating around the Internet of the demise of the official
Campagnolo web site (www.campagnolo.com)
are unfounded. That's the word today from Campagnolo
USA. We had heard that Italy was thinking of taking down
their web site--no so, says Campagnolo USA head Richard Storino. |
| November 20, 2000--As noted
below, we'll be starting our test of the new 2001 9-speed
derailleur soon. For now, we put the new derailleur on a
digital scale and got a weight of 6.7 ounces (189 grams).
That's exactly the same as the advertised weight from the 2001
catalog. Then, just for grins, we put an old Super Record
derailleur on the same scale, and came up with a weight of . . .
6.5 ounces (184 grams)! The 2001 derailleur certainly shifts
infinitely better than our Super Record, but it's interesting to
see that some of that old equipment can still hold its own in the
weight department against the modern advantages of new Ti alloys,
carbon fiber, and computer-aided design. |
| November 14, 2000--Watch for
our review of the 2001 9-speed derailleur. Campy is
offering their redesigned 10-speed derailleurs in 9-speed mode for
2001, bringing supposedly better shifting to those Luddites among
us who don't want to go with 10-speed gearing. The
downside? You have to change out the Ergo lever cam, since
pre-2001 9-speed levers won't work with the new derailleurs.
No sweat, really, since we've found that changing the cam isn't
that difficult--click here
for our Ergo rebuild instructions. |
| November 14, 2000--Bora
Wheels are coming back. Campagnolo stopped shipping
their top-of-the-line model earlier this year, but plans to start
shipping again soon for the 2001 model year. Want a
set? Save your pennies, and plan to spend about $3,000. |
| October 30, 2000--Limited
supplies of 2001 gruppos are starting to trickle out to bike shops
and retailers this month. November is scheduled to see the
rollout of additional offerings, including the new 2001 9-speed
Record and Chorus derailleurs, which require a changeout to the
innards of the Ergo lever to work. We'll be testing the 2001
Record 9-speed setup as soon as we can get our hands on it--watch
for test results at this site. |
|  October
17, 2000--The 2001 gruppos are here! Reader Jaime
Lagueruela sent this photo --->
of his brand-new ErgoBrain 10, which arrived on this
day. Another reader, Jeff
Titone, wrote today to let us know that he had just picked up
his 2001 Record gruppo from his LBS. He tried the new
single-pivot brakes and liked them, but said there were few other
noticeable changes . . . |
| October 10, 2000--We've heard
that ErgoBrain 10-speed is now shipping in the U.S.
The 10-speed is compatible with 10-speed shifting (of course), but
also adds backlighting for nighttime riding and several
"beeping" alarms to warn you when you're riding too slow
. . . |
| October 10, 2000--We have
posted a complete summary of the 2001
Lineup. Included there is a summary of how to
upgrade your drivetrain to use the new, better-shifting rear
derailleurs with your existing Ergo levers--and how to continue
using your 8-speed system. |
| October 2, 2000--Cracked
carbon posts? Campagnolo USA reports that they have had
less than 100 failures from the more than 25,000 posts on the
road. The culprit in every case of failure thus far? Overtightening
of the seat post binder. Campagnolo USA points out that the
post is very light and strong, but not as resistant to
overtightening as a steel, alloy, or Ti post. The bad
news? If you crunch your post in the frame, it's not a
warranted failure . . . |
|  September
28, 2000--Campagnolo clothing? Yep, that's what
they're showing at the bike shows now. Here's what Bicycling
Magazine said on their web site: When I caught wind that Campagnolo was producing its own line of clothing, I dropped everything and bolted for the high-class Campy compound. The ultra-chic Metals line of clothing is the Italian manufacturer's high-end clothing designed for the road (its more-affordable Alta Vista line fulfills off-road demand). The Full Zip and 3/4-Zip Intera Jerseys (available in titanium, aluminum and zirconium colors) boast instantaneous moisture evaporation technology (in the fabric) and come adorned with a gorgeous customized metal Campagnolo zipper pull. The Reflective Trim Bib, Racing Bib and Racing Short all offer the same instantaneous moisture evaporation technology and temperature-diffusing synthetic chamois. Prices are to be determined, but rest assured, Campagnolo quality will come at a Campagnolo price.
Check out BM's full report at:
http://www.bicycling.com/interbike2000/accessories/accessories_day2.shtml |
| September 26, 2000--News from
the world of chains--Reader Chris Chambers reports that for
2001 Campy will have a new chain that works with 9 and 10 speed;
it will be coated with a polymerized finish to reduce wear and
improve shifting. Chris reports that Campagnolo has been stung
by numerous reports of premature wear on 10-speed chains and the
exorbitant cost of the Perma-link design. According to the German
magazine Tour, many riders are wearing out chains within ~1000Km
(600 miles). |
| September 25, 2000--Reports
of cracked or broken carbon seatposts continue to come
in. One reader reported that Campagnolo's official
site warns against overtightening the post, particularly on
aluminum frames. Other riders have written in to tell tales
of woe:
"I installed a carbon post this spring at the same time I started using a new style saddle.....thus I carefully started with high settings and worked down 1/32 to 1/16 of an inch at a time so as to not go too deep and mark up the nice post. Well, after about 12 adjustments or so I was set. Then about 1 month later the post was found to be cracked &
bulging out through the slot in the seat tube by the seat post clamp. Campy
warranted it."
"The head mechanic at the bike shop I frequent is a dyed-in-the-wool Campagnolo fanatic. He is less
than impressed, however with his Record carbon seatpost. After about 4 months of use, it suddenly
cracked halfway into where the post goes into the seat tube. Fortunately, he was within a mile of
finishing his ride, but the post continued to crack as he tried to remove it. He did manage to remove it
before it completely broke apart."
|
| September 21, 2000--We're
hearing a number of complaints bout the Record carbon seatpost.
Many riders report cracks in the seatpost, some after only a few
miles. If you have
had trouble with your carbon seatpost, Email
us. |
|  September
20, 2000--Our search for the elusive carbon crankset
continues, but in the meantime, here is a photo of Bianchi's
own carbon crank spider, apparently bolted to a set of Campy
rings. Click on the image to
see the whole bike. |
| September 12, 2000--Campagnolo's
Mad 4 Campy section is up and running again after a long
absence--and they've posted a bunch of news about the 2001 lineup
that basically repeats what we have already posted here. To
read M4C: Mad
4 Campy
|
| September 12, 2000--Campy
Only notes that among the changes for the 2001 lineup will be
polished aluminum bodies for the ProFit pedals. We
complained last year about the painted finish, which is quickly
scratched and scarred . . . Thanks, Campagnolo! |
| September 12, 2000--No
rumors--here is news from the online magazine www.cyclingnews.com
about Campy's 2001 lineup: "Although there are no
major innovations from Campagnolo for 2001, the Italian component
maker has make some changes to refine their already state of the
art groupsets. Record 10v has a lighter rear brake (by 40 grams)
called "Differential "brakes and a "Hiddenset
"Record headset for the new integral headset designs in both
1" and 1 1/8". And new "Pro-Fit Plus "pedals
offer a wider foot support area than the 2000 model. For the big
meat crankers, Record cranks are now available in 177.5 and 180mm
length. "Differential "brakes are also available in
Chrous for 01. For you value for money Campag consumers, the
Daytona group is now available in 10v; Record look and performance
for half the price!" |
| September 8, 2000--Are there problems
with the new Carbon seatpost? We can't say, but we've
heard from one reader whose local bike shop told them of rumors of
numerous problems with the seatposts cracking. |
|  September
6, 2000--Reader Neil Aldridge in the UK passed along this
photo of the new ten speed Daytona gruppo click to see a
larger version --> |
| September 1, 2000--Carbon
chainrings? Reader Paul Havey points out that a UK
company, Hansell Composites, Ltd., already offers carbon fiber
chainrings for Campy and (yuck!) ShimaNO cranksets. Also on
their list of items: replacement derailleur cage plates for Chorus
derailleurs in carbon fiber. Check out their web site at: http://www.fibre-lyte.co.uk/ |
| September 1, 2000--Colorado
Cyclist's latest catalog, which began arriving in mailboxes
yesterday, features a Tomassini model built up with a 10-speed
Daytona gruppo, confirming rumors we posted here that one more
cog would get added to this gruppo. |
|  August
31, 2000--More on the single-pivot brake, this time
from the German online magazine RennradNews. They posted
this photograph of the new brakes, along with a report that cites
a 40-gram reduction in weight for the revised brake, compared to
the standard Record dual-pivot. Thanks to reader Chris
Timm for this tip! |
| August 16, 2000--Confirmation?
We have heard from a reliable source that a single-pivot Record
rear brake will be offered in 2001. It is supposed to
look like the dual-pivot model, but it's lighter and shouldn't
have the same stopping power. |
| August 15, 2000--Rumors about
new carbon fiber parts keep coming in. The latest
comes from a reader whose friend recently toured the Vicenza
factory, and reported seeing carbon chainrings laying
around. Has Campy found a way to make carbon fiber strong
enough to survive chain wear? |
| August 3, 2000--Daytona
will go 10-speed in 2001! That's the latest rumor.
Also look for an integrated headset (see the
latest VeloNews for illustrations and text on Cannondale's latest
bikes, which feature integrated headsets and bottom brackets). |
| August 3, 2000--We're not so
sure about this one, but we've heard about a change in the brakes on Record and Chorus--the
rear units will go to single-pivot to save weight and help prevent
wheel lockup. This sounds a little far-fetched, but it's a
rumor nonetheless . . . |
| July 31, 2000--Looking ahead
to 2001, we're hearing more rumors about carbon fiber cranks
and brakes. Check out our earlier rumors, and you'll
know that we were once led to believe that we'd see carbon parts
in 2000. Will they actually show up? Wait and see . .
. |
| July 11, 2000 -- What's
coming for 2001? Our sources tell us not to expect much,
other than 10-speed descending at least one gruppo further down
the lineup. The 10-speed version of ErgoBrain is supposed to
come out in 2001; given the success of the 9-speed version,
perhaps Campagnolo will get the 10-speed unit out on time? |
| July 11, 2000 -- Campy
Only's own Tim Laflin is once again traveling to
Europe--and this time, his itinerary includes a visit to the
Campagnolo factory in Vicenza. We'll report back on any info
he picks up while he's there. (Never seen the factory? Click
here!) |
| June 1, 2000 -- ErgoBrain
is now shipping in large numbers. Branford Bike now
has plenty on hand: ErgoBrain
Info at Branford Bike We have started our ErgoBrain
road test, and we'd like to hear from anyone else out
there who is using the new computer. Write
us with your comments. |
|  May 21, 2000 -- ErgoBrain in
Short Supply? Our sponsor, Branford Bike, reports
that they received a fraction of the ErgoBrain shipment they had
been promised. It's here, but it may be a while before you
can find one. Rumor Alert: Look at the June 1 entry for an
update. |
|
| |
Cateye's headquarters in
Osaka, Japan. Your ErgoBrain computer will call this
"home"
|
|
|
May 18, 2000 -- ErgoBrain
is Coming--And They're Made in Japan! Our sponsor, Branford
Bike, is expecting their first shipment of ErgoBrain
computers on May 19th (other retail outlets should also have them
shortly). We'll be getting one next week to
start road testing. The other big news (aside from the fact
that the computers are finally here, almost a year after their
anticipated release) is that Japanese electronics company Cateye
is definitely producing the computers. Is it a slap in the
face of the Italian electronics industry that Campagnolo went to
the land of ShimaNO for a manufacturer? Or just a statement
that Campagnolo was looking for a company with extensive
experience making bike-mounted computers? Has anybody out
there heard any rumblings out of Italy? |
| May 15, 2000 -- ErgoBrain
for Christmas? That's what one reader was told by a large U.S.
mail-order house. Count on spending the Summer with your
current computers, folks. Rumor Alert! Look at the
May 18 entry--ErgoBrain is Here! |
| May 15, 2000 -- Is ErgoBrain
being made in Japan?? That rumor comes to us from a
reader who quotes reliable sources that Japanese electronics maker
Cateye is producing the computer for Campagnolo. Our
reader reports that Cateye is having unexplained production
problems, which is the cause for the delay in the release of
ErgoBrain. |
| May 8, 2000 -- Reader Steve
Manning reports from the UK that, "After a really slow
start to the UK markets supply of Campag 2000 kit bits and pieces
seem to be coming in. Unfortunately this excludes Ergobrain to
date and according to reliable sources in the trade it will not
arrive until later in the Summer if at all this year!"
We here are Campy Only are prompted to wonder again what's
going on with ErgoBrain? Our best guess: Campagnolo has
never made a computer before, and is probably learning the lessons
of a new high tech industry the hard way. In the meantime,
we wait--along with the rest of the Campy world--for the computer
to show up. |
| May 2, 2000 -- No
rumor! Campagnolo has asked us to remove all links to their
official site and Email. More to follow . . . |
| May 2, 2000 -- Is Campagnolo
shipping ErgoBrain? That's what we've heard. Let
us know if you get one! But wait--look at our May 8
rumor! |
| May 2, 2000 -- One reader
reports that Campy's $70 chain tool for 10-speed is essentially
the same as a similar tool available for about $35 from any
well-stocked automotive tool supply house. |
| May 2, 2000 (Sorry about the lag
in rumors!) -- VeloNews road-tested the 10-speed Record
gruppo and had mostly good things to say about it. They
carped about the chain design that requires a $70 Campy tool (see
rumor above), but liked the shifting and operation. One
interesting item: They said the 10-speed gruppo is selling very
well. Maybe we were wrong to predict the early demise of
10-speed . . . In related news, reader Peter McLennan clipped this
list of 10-speed-equipped EuroPro teams from the official site: |
March
1, 2000 -- Longtime reader Henrik caught sight of this photo
in the Italian online magazine Canalesport ( 