Campagnolo – the name alone makes the hearts of cycling enthusiasts beat faster. For nearly a century, the company from Vicenza has stood for the highest quality, technical innovation, and classic Italian design. From inventing the quick-release skewer to producing iconic component groups, Campagnolo has profoundly shaped the world of cycling. In this post, we’ll explore the development of its most important groups – true milestones in bicycle technology.
Campagnolo Cambio Corsa – The Beginning of an Era (1930s–1940s)
The Cambio Corsa, introduced by Campagnolo in the 1930s, was a groundbreaking innovation in cycling technology. Tullio Campagnolo, frustrated by the need to dismount in order to change gears during a race, developed the first gear system that allowed riders to shift while remaining on the bike. The system featured a quick-release mechanism for the rear wheel and a long lever that enabled the rider to move the chain across different cogs. This early system, while complex, was revolutionary at the time and became a key part of many racing bikes.
The Cambio Corsa required manual manipulation of two levers: one for the quick release and the other for moving the chain to a different cog. This system was difficult to master, requiring precise timing and practice, but it allowed for faster gear changes without dismounting. It gained popularity among professional cyclists of the era, including Gino Bartali, who used it to win the 1948 Tour de France.
While not as refined as later designs, the Cambio Corsa paved the way for future innovations in gear shifting, and it remains a key milestone in the history of cycling.
Campagnolo Paris-Roubaix – Innovation for Tough Races (1950s)
In the 1950s, Campagnolo refined the Cambio Corsa and introduced the Paris-Roubaix system, named after the notoriously difficult one-day race, the Paris-Roubaix. The group was designed specifically for the punishing conditions of the cobblestone roads, which required components that could endure heavy stress and offer more reliability.
The Paris-Roubaix system used a rod-actuated derailleur, similar to its predecessor, but with improved durability and slightly more intuitive operation. The mechanism was more robust and offered smoother shifting, even under load. While still requiring manual gear shifting, the system marked a step toward the more user-friendly designs that would dominate the industry in the coming decades.
The Paris-Roubaix was popular among professional cyclists in the mid-20th century, appreciated for its craftsmanship and ability to handle the challenging conditions of cobblestone classics. It was an important step in Campagnolo’s quest to create high-performance components for road racing.
Campagnolo Gran Sport – The Start of Modern Shifting (1953)
Introduced in 1953, the Campagnolo Gran Sport was a significant leap forward in derailleur technology. It was the first Campagnolo derailleur to feature the parallelogram design, which became the foundation for all future rear derailleurs. This design allowed for smoother and more precise shifting, as the derailleur’s position remained constant relative to the cogs, reducing drag and improving shifting accuracy.
The Gran Sport was made from steel and aluminum, offering a perfect balance of strength and weight. It could handle up to five gears, which was a considerable upgrade at the time. The system became known for its reliability and smooth performance, and it quickly became a favorite among competitive cyclists.
The Gran Sport helped solidify Campagnolo’s reputation for high-quality, innovative components and marked the beginning of the company’s domination in the professional cycling world.
Campagnolo Record – Prestige and Precision (from 1963)
The Campagnolo Record was launched in 1963 and represented a leap in performance and design. This group was crafted using lightweight aluminum and was designed to be both durable and elegant. The rear derailleur of the Record featured improved spring tensioning, allowing for smoother shifting under load. The components were made with CNC-machined precision, making them lightweight without compromising durability.
The Record group quickly became the go-to choice for elite cyclists, including the legendary Eddy Merckx, who used it to win multiple Tour de France and Giro d’Italia titles. The group’s exceptional performance in the world’s most prestigious races helped cement its status as the benchmark for high-end cycling components.
The Record group continued to evolve, setting the stage for future innovations while maintaining its status as the gold standard in cycling technology.
Campagnolo Nuovo Record – A New Lightweight Benchmark (1967–1984)
In 1967, the Nuovo Record succeeded the original Record group and became the most popular group set in the world. It was known for its lightweight construction and impeccable craftsmanship, incorporating subtle design changes that enhanced its performance. One of the key upgrades was a lighter rear derailleur and a more efficient front derailleur, both of which contributed to a smoother shifting experience.
The Nuovo Record became the preferred choice for professional cyclists in the 1970s and 1980s. Its simple yet elegant design made it the go-to option for riders aiming for both performance and style. The Nuovo Record was also used by cyclists in multiple Tour de France victories, solidifying its place in racing history.
Throughout its production, the Nuovo Record maintained Campagnolo’s reputation for precision engineering and performance excellence, ensuring that the group would remain a favorite for decades.
Campagnolo Super Record – The Crown Jewel (1973–1987)
Launched in 1973, the Campagnolo Super Record represented the pinnacle of cycling technology at the time. It featured titanium bolts, stiffer cranks, and advanced materials, making it the most refined and lightweight group of its era. The Super Record was aimed at professional cyclists seeking the very best in both performance and weight savings.
A key feature of the Super Record was its innovative chainrings and rear derailleur, which allowed for flawless shifting performance under the most demanding conditions. The Cobalto brakes, introduced alongside the Super Record, were a notable design, with their unique blue-colored bolts and lightweight construction.
Cycling legends such as Bernard Hinault and Greg LeMond relied on the Super Record during their careers, using it to achieve great success in races like the Tour de France. Its combination of cutting-edge technology, elegant design, and incredible performance made the Super Record the crown jewel of Campagnolo’s offerings.
Campagnolo 50th Anniversary – A Mechanical Monument (1983)
To celebrate its 50th anniversary in 1983, Campagnolo released a limited-edition 50th Anniversary group. This special edition was numbered and adorned with gold accents, giving it a luxurious and commemorative feel. The components were based on the Super Record group but featured even more refined finishes and attention to detail.
The 50th Anniversary group became highly collectible, as it represented a blend of Campagnolo’s rich history and its commitment to excellence. Riders and collectors alike appreciated the quality and craftsmanship of the group, and it remains a coveted piece in the history of cycling components.
Campagnolo C-Record – The Road to Modernity (1985–1994)
The Campagnolo C-Record group, introduced in 1985, marked a bold departure from previous designs. Its aerodynamic shape and sleek, polished finish represented a futuristic vision of cycling components, and it quickly became a favorite among both professional and amateur cyclists. The C-Record also introduced the Delta brakes, which featured unique triangular arms and were a testament to Campagnolo’s commitment to both design and performance.
Though the Delta brakes were controversial for their tricky adjustment and braking performance, their aesthetic appeal and innovation made them a cult favorite. The C-Record group also featured the Ergopower levers, a groundbreaking integration of shifting and braking into a single control, which laid the foundation for the modern, integrated groupsets we see today.
The C-Record group marked the end of Campagnolo’s classic era and ushered in the integrated systems that would define the next generation of road cycling technology.
Conclusion: The Legacy of Campagnolo
Over the decades, Campagnolo has continually pushed the boundaries of what’s possible in cycling technology. Each of the groupsets we've discussed here not only tells the story of innovation but also showcases the craftsmanship, passion, and dedication that have made Campagnolo the iconic brand it is today. From the early Cambio Corsa to the cutting-edge C-Record, these components have shaped the landscape of professional cycling. As we look to the future, it's clear that Campagnolo will continue to lead the way, creating components that inspire and empower cyclists around the world.