Campagnolo goes 13 again: new Record 13 groupset aims to bring top-tier performance at a lower price

Campagnolo has officially unveiled its new Record 13 groupset, bringing its 13-speed platform to a more accessible price point for both road and gravel applications. Positioned below the flagship Super Record 13, this latest offering retains much of the higher-tier technology, albeit with a slight weight penalty. This move expands Campagnolo's unique 13-speed ecosystem, offering consumers a choice beyond the premium Super Record while maintaining the brand's distinct gearing philosophy.

This release is significant as Campagnolo has, for some time, been the sole major player championing 13-speed mechanical groupsets, particularly for road. While competitors like SRAM and Shimano have focused on 12-speed or electronic 1x systems, Campagnolo’s commitment to 13-speed, first seen with Ekar for gravel and then Super Record Wireless, now solidifies its mid-range offering. It democratizes access to their proprietary gearing, potentially broadening its appeal beyond the most ardent Campagnolo purists and into a wider market segment seeking unique performance.

Ultimately, Campagnolo continues to march to the beat of its own drummer, offering a distinct alternative in a market increasingly dominated by electronic 12-speed. One can only admire the stubborn dedication to an extra cog.