Compatibility? 2001 Brings Changes for Owners of 2000 and Earlier Derailleurs

Campagnolo has changed their 9 speed rear derailleurs for 2001. They are now modeled after their faster shifting, 2000 10 speed rear derailleur. Campagnolo 2001 9 speed rear derailleurs are NOT compatible with 1997 to 2000 9 speed Ergo levers.

However, your current 9 speed system is NOT obsolete!  All of the 2001 9 speed cassettes and chains will work with all Campy 9 speed systems.  If you wish to upgrade your 1999 - 2000 9 speed system all you need to purchase is a 2001 rear derailleur and a 2001 Ergolever 9 speed cam. The cam will be compatible with all 1999 and 2000 Ergo levers. Only 1997 and 1998 Ergo lever owners will have to purchase new levers. For instructions on removing your existing cam and replacing it with the new version, see our Ergo lever rebuild guide.

The only riders who should be concerned are ones who are using 8 speed. Now would be a good time to pick up a year 2000 9 speed rear derailleur, a set of 8 speed pulley wheels and two longer pulley bolts. Unlike 1997 to 2000 9 speed rear derailleurs, the new 2001 9 speed rear derailleurs cannot be converted to 8 speed. 

The 2001 Racing Triple rear derailleur was changed also and requires a new Ergo cam; the same one as all of the other 2001 9 speed rear derailleurs. The 9 speed UltraDrive chains and cassettes will work on 1997 to 2001 9 speed systems. The 10 speed UltraDrive chains and cassettes will work on 2000 to 2001 10 speed systems.