Campy Unveils New Disc Brake Project at Global Launch – Test Report
by Tim Lefebvre
May 09, 2017 (Canary Islands, Spain) – Gran Canaria was the site of Campagnolo’s recent launch of their new Disc Brake Project and Pedal was stoked to be on board for a first look and test ride on classy blue bikes with Sarto frames equipped with a mechanical Super Record groupset clad in disc brakes along with a Bora One wheelset – this super stealth machine was ready to roll.
The 2017 Campagnolo Global Press Camp also featured their new Centaur groupset along with three new exciting disc wheelsets including the Bora One – more on these babies shortly.
The new Campy disc brakes are purported to have from 14% to 55% more stopping power than conventional brakes while requiring less hand force. Last year’s Press Camp gave us a glimpse of their Disc Brake Project but with very little information.
“By placing more emphasis on maintaining integrity and ensuring Campagnolo quality and less priority on being “first to market” the Italian company has concentrated solely on quality,” reads the legendary brand’s official release. According to Campy “countless hours and kilometers by professional athletes” went into delivering the prestigious “Campagnolo Corretto” disc brakes.
This year each part was dissected and the mystery unveiled. The high-end H11 disc brake is available in both EPS and mechanical versions and comes complete with carbon fiber brake levers. The mid-range comes via their Potenza 11 Ergopower with an aluminum brake lever and internals specifically designed for Potenza’s mechanical transmission. Campy’s new flat mount system with no adapters is compatible with all frames on the market.
Front disc and caliper [P]
Bleeding Port – faucet design with a special insert for bleeding operation. This will eliminate any risk of oil on the disc. Partnered with Magura in order to draw from their expertise with the master cylinder.
Calipers – mounted by two screws (19, 24, 29, 34, 39 or 44) six standards in total. Fewer pieces equals less weight and all screws are visible for inspection which is great for safety.
Pistons – 22mm and lightweight, made out of phenolic resin and provide great power transfer. Magnetic spring which maintains performance over time.
Brake Pad – patented design, where contact points are very important. This will eliminate noise and vibration, being quiet and smooth. There will be a visible and audible wear indicator and a special form that will guide the disc into the space.
Rotor – AFS standard 100/140mm. Rounded edge steel which is incredible resistance to heat as it dissipates it with ease.
Crank – a new crankset is necessitated as chainline optimization was needed.
The Test
What goes up must come down, and as we climbed through the picturesque valleys of Gran Canaria a true appreciation for Campagnolo’s quality emerged. The smoothness and silky feeling of the ride was clearly evident as the chatter stopped and the gradient increased.
Descending mountains continues to be one of life’s great pleasures for me. There is something about rocketing down a twisty road, unbridled in your pursuit of speed and control. With this notion clearly in my mind I sped off to test this innovative machine to it’s limit.
Hurtling towards switchback turns the mind and tells the body to squeeze the lever at the time you have become accustomed to. A disc brake allows for more time and therefore an adjustment – and with this adjustment you find yourself coming in hotter to the apex and able to handle the situation with time and control.
The brakes are definitely stronger, sharper, quicker, and more responsive than anything I have ever tried before. It helps that the Bora One wheelset underneath this 180lb package is controlling things admirably from the ground up. There is no flex, no screeching sound, no ping, and no feeling that doesn’t belong – it’s pure bliss.
The ability to bring your steed into corners at different angles and trajectories is apparent as you begin to test different lines with this new found control. It inspires confidence and let’s riders who know what they are doing, push the envelope even further and faster.
Disc Brake (DB) Weights, Pricing and Availability
Potenza DB (2,613 g) – $1,610 US
Chorus DB (2,319 g) – $2,135 US
Record Mech DB (2,260 g) – $2,385 US
Record EPS DB (2,390 g) – $3,835 US
Super Record DB (2,228 g) – $2,610 US
Super Record EPS DB (2,355 g) – $4,230 US
Campy Disc Brake Project Press Release here.
