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TECH NEWS
2021 Campagnolo Ekar 13-speed gravel groupset 3.jpgCampagnolo turns it up to 13 with Ekar gravel groupset also featuring tiny 9T cog
First there was 11-speed, then this became 12-speed. Now, Campagnolo has launched a 13-speed groupset for gravel bikes with an incredibly small 9-tooth cog in the wide range cassette that was designed specifically around the N3W freehub.
Matt Page has already been out riding the new Ekar groupset. You can find his first ride review right this way.
Ekar is Campagnolo’s first go at a gravel groupset, but they didn’t go in blind, claiming to have consulted with over 4,500 gravel riders and spoken individually to bike builders, riders, OEMs and more to ascertain the key features needed for the new groupset. Campagnolo says that this showed the following five factors to be top on the list of priorities.
- Durability
- Braking control and power
- Chain stability
- Gear range options
- The ability to run 1X
Even though weight didn’t make the top 5 priorities, it seems that Campagnolo couldn’t simply disregard it’s roadie roots and as a result, they claim to have made the lightest 1X gravel groupset on the market.
Campagnolo is claiming a system weight with a 9-36T cassette of 2.385kg. This, they claim, compares well to a SRAM Force 1X 11-speed groupset with a 10-42T that they say weighs in at 2.471kg, though the size difference in the cassettes could well be skewing this weight saving claim.
The new groupset comes with the following price tags:
- Rear Derailleur £218.99
- Chainset £307.99
- R/H Ergo (+ calliper) £337.99
- L/H Ergo (+ calliper) £269.99
- Chain (inc. C-link) £38.99
- Cassette (all ratios) £234.99
While you can buy the parts individually, there won’t be much point as cross-compatibility with other gravel components is non-existent. To save you doing the sums, this all adds up to £1447. That makes it more expensive than the mechanical offerings from Shimano and SRAM, but cheaper than their electronic groupsets. That’s the groupset in a nutshell, now onto some specifics.
Rear Derailleur
1X systems can benefit from having a clutch system in the rear derailleur. It’s a feature that we’ve seen on pretty much every 1X drivetrain and it’s one that can be found inside the Ekar derailleur. A clutch is used to add tension to the chain when it isn’t being shifted. This keeps it from bouncing around quite so badly, with the goal being to keep the chain on the single chainring.
Campagnolo also uses “2D Parallelogram”, a feature that is designed to aid shifting as the chain goes from making small jumps between the high gears, to the larger jumps found in the lower gears. Campagnolo claims that this allows the jockey wheels to follow the curve of the cassette rather than moving in a linear motion as is usually the case.
Cassette
The new cassette features a tiny 9T cog, an unusually small gear even in the mountain bike world. Currently, Campagnolo is offering the Ekar cassette in 9-36, 9-42 and 10-44.
Campagnolo says that the 9T cog has been used to make the groupset suitable for all-road riding.
The 9-42T cassette that we have in for testing uses single-tooth jumps from the 9T cog to the 16T cog. The gaps then increase from 18-21-25-30-36-42. This provides a range of a whopping 466%, though Campagnolo has had to use some very pronounced ramps and tooth shapes to aid shifting.
To allow such a small cog, Campagnolo developed a new freehub body, the N3W. We first heard about the N3W freehub body back in July and while Campagnolo wouldn’t confirm their gravel intentions back then, the signs were pretty clear that the fitting of a tiny cog was on the cards.
Crankset
Campagnolo’s 2-piece crankset turns on an alloy axle that is bonded to a polyamide-carbon spider. The crank arms are made using UD carbon and while not pictured in the press release photos, ours has come in with a bash guard on the end of the arm to protect against rock strikes.
Coming in at a claimed 615g with 175mm arms and a 38T chainring, the new crankset is certainly not a heavy piece of kit.
The crankset also has a slightly narrower Q-factor than the equivalent Shimano GRX crankset. The Ekar measures 145.5mm with GRX is 151mm. For riders that are used to road cranks, this narrowness will feel nicely familiar, but it may well come with some clearance concessions.
That said, wider Q-factors are often only required where larger chainrings are needed. The 9T cog means that this isn’t the case here, though it will be interesting to see which bikes can use the new Ekar groupset as some are specifically designed with wider Q-factors in mind.
Shifters
Take a quick glance at the shifters and you’d be forgiven for thinking that they’d come straight from one of Campagnolo’s road groupsets. The big change, apart from the 1X-specific setup, comes at the thumb paddle.
This J-shaped paddle is called Lever 3 and has been designed to make shifting easier from the drops. Apart from this new lever shape, you'll find Campagnolo's familiar 3-gear up-shift for those times when you rapidly need to dump some gears.
Chain
“Despite being our narrowest ever chain it’s also strong, light, durable and amazingly effective.”
That’s what Campagnolo are saying about the new Ekar chain. Only a good amount of testing will tell if such a narrow chain can stand up to the abuse of gravel riding, but Campagnolo syays that the Nickel-Teflon treated C13 chain “is designed specifically to work efficiently and securely” so we’re hoping for hassle-free riding.
Brakes
The Ekar brakes, Campagnolo says, take the technology of their existing hydraulic brakes to give “trusted modulation and progressive feel.” It seems that little has changed, bar some aesthetic alterations, from the brand’s road hydraulic brakes and the callipers can still be used with either 140mm or 160mm rotors.
We already have the Ekar groupset out in the wild for testing. Matt Page will have a full written review soon, but for now, you can read his initial thoughts here.
Latest Comments
- mark1a 2 hours 29 min ago
I understand what you're saying, but I think when you get north of £10k, for the average amateur road.cc reader who maybe in the market for a so...
- brooksby 5 hours 37 min ago
They haven't been seen for ages- did they get banned?
- eburtthebike 5 hours 43 min ago
They prefer their alternative facts to real ones. They believe something, therefore it must be true.
- Spangly Shiny 6 hours 55 min ago
Sorry, no idea what you are on about.
- ktache 6 hours 58 min ago
For double that you can' get a Pedro's vise whip Ii. Or half, the reportedly excellent decathlon thingy. And Sigma has the Silca for only £150.
- KDee 7 hours 4 min ago
I'm no detective, but the "NOAHFAST" decal vertically stickered on the headtube is a little bit of a clue.
- Spangly Shiny 7 hours 24 min ago
I remember my driving test examiner, straight after congratulating me for having passed the test said, "Don't be a twat and have that as your best...
- Bigfoz 9 hours 32 min ago
Did they think it was a drive thru?
- Rendel Harris 9 hours 42 min ago
As a teacher's husband, I'm allowed to watch up to 50km out (unless it's a big mountain stage when I can only watch up to the start of the first HC...
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39 comments
More choice is never a bad thing, though I don't see myself switching from Force 1 mechanical in a hurry. My main regret -for my riding and not to be extrapolated- is not the range but the spacing. I'd gladly ditch both the 10 and the 42 T cogs and switch'em out for closer spacing in the middle. Even with the spacing that's a bit off at times, the simplicity of a 1X setup still holds an edge over a double. But my apreciation is not a universal truth.
...and I actually like the solid 'clank' that reverbates through the frame when switching to a higher gear.
When did you people lose the love of the bicycle? Shouting at the world you're right and it's so wrong? What do I care about your hobby horse. If new-fangled bicycles are stressing you out so much perhaps it's time to take up gardening instead? Bicycles are a wonder and a joy. 2x13 (when it comes), 1x13, even 1x1 for god's sake. Chapeau to Campagnolo for a nicely designed groupset, for giving us the choice.
Campagnolo never misses a chance to miss an opportunity. Totally late to this market by two years at least. Campy is like a lighting company trying to make a splash with fluorescent lights when the world has moved to LEDs. It's a shame but campy isn't worth the wait.
@Austex.
What a load of cobblers. If Campy are late to the party why are bike packing forums full of people moaning that there is no force mechanical or that force axs wide isn't wide enough? Axs mullet only exists because SRam have misread the market and don't offer something near the range with force.
And don't get me started on GRX. 810 and 815 are decent stabs at the top end, but 600/400 are piecemeal inconsistent omnishambles.
Campy have got it all to play for - and let's be realistic- with your attitude you were never in the campy market anyway were you?
Maybe leave the commenting to those with more open minds?
They've not been in the ones I look, but that no indication of anything TBH - curious though, what do you mean by "force mechanical" ? SRAM Force 1x has been around for a while (i.e. mechanical, not electronic, disc brake groupset), ditto Rival and Apex, and I don't know of too many people that are moaning about a lack of rim brake alternatives.. am I just misunderstanding what you mean ?
I'd love to see that forum full of people moaning that there is no force mechanical; I've been riding force mechanical for years and it's right there on SRAM's website. Also, "SRAM 36T cassettes aren't big enough, and SRAM 52T cassettes don't count" doesn't exactly prove the superiority of Campag, who limited themselves to 29T for years, until this new 44T was announced.
Still, EKAR is a big step forward for Campagnolo. Also, getting into a growing segment where Shimano made their own mistakes could help Campag claw back some market share, which means they're more likely to stay in business.
And on a personal note I think the EKAR brake calipers look cool; almost cool enough to offset that wonky 3rd lever. That sleek EKAR chainset is going to appeal to a lot of gravel riders who can't afford a Torno.
So pointless, this is purely for the 1x fashion brigade. 1x may have a place, but the strive for 1x trying to have the range of 2x is pointless. I think the future is far more likely to be the electronic planetary hub gear along the lines of below, as this has the potential to reduce the overlap and extend the range hugely, just a shame it'd have to be electronic.
https://www.pinkbike.com/news/classified-wireless-geared-hub-first-look-...
Why do you think it's pointless ?
Because it a hiding to nowhere. Ever narrowing weaker chain or ever expanding freehub, not good engineering, chainline issues, extra capacity clanger cages, 9T rear cog, jeez even 11 is compromised. Hanging on to the conservative approach of a cassette in the name of progress? And as I've said, 2x however you do it has the potential to reuse all the cassette for another gear. It's truly fashion lead development. I may have to eat my hat if shimano do it. But I reckon they'll be pursuing a better 2x
It's a shame you weren't on hand to advise Campagnolo and the other manufacturers on their various poor design and engineering decisions.
People design what people want. I mean people wanted that clown at #10, now they got him.
You don't ride much off road then I take it ? Hub gears to replace front, good but potentially expensive.
Edit. Oh, you better start munching on that hat, 1x on Shimano has been out for years, and many months on road.
Yes, but not 13x. If you read I say '1x may have a place'. Everything starts expensive. Everything gets cheaper. And it's already in a Ridley.
You said "1x may have a place, but the strive for 1x trying to have the range of 2x is pointless". However if you spend time off the tarmac, you'll know that it's not pointless - there's actually some reasoning why you might want to go 1x and also have a good range. For that range, N + 1 speeds will help you reduce gaps in the cassette that N speed has, and N - 1 speed had even more of.
So, in that context, 13 speed and 1x make sense to some people - and potentially more so than 12 or 11 or 10 speed - most definitely not pointless to them. There are draw-backs, but that still doesn't make it pointless.
? No.
And don't forget the cost of replacing these huge cassettes when one or two of the sprockets let the chain slip.
The "Woah, cassettes are too expensive these days!" demographic are a segment of the market that Campag don't sell to, and won't be able to sell to any time soon.
But for most people who buy EKAR, there will be a cool new 1x14 option to upgrade to, before the cassette actually wears out per se.
SRAM AXS cassettes are well over 200 notes as well, and they're supposed to be the cheapest marque
Shimano already do it you lemon, they have a 1X groupset called GRX and they offer 10 tooth cassettes with the XTR mtb groupset, Campagnolo are just paving the way once again with this 13 speed, 9T gravel groupset. Would you like some ketchup for that hat?
I am well aware, and in fact toying with the idea for one application. My argument is the continual pursuit of more sprockets, when the solution of a 2x can be fulfilled with a greater range.
..but you're persistently missing the point of why it may be beneficial to have a single front ring, especially in a groupset targetted as this one is - and in a way that doesn't require extras such as planetary-gear hubs...
Edit - and while we're at it, if you're so aware of the existing Shimano 1x solutions what's with the "I may have to eat my hat if shimano do it" bollocks ?
13x !!! This is what I am refering to, read the comments, and this is what the article is about, since GRX 1x exists, as does SRAM options.
The benefits of 1x is simplicity and fashion. That may be fine when you don't need close ratio. I have said that. But 13x is trying to solve that, there already is a better solution 2x - and even moreso with a hub gear.
You actually don't understand, do you, or are just winging it.. I've mentioned the hub gear (and associated expense) which is fine, and i'm quite excited about it - but you simply don't seem to comprehend why a single front chainring up front can be very useful for the sort of audience this groupset is aimed at.
"simplicity and fashion" - for some ? Yeah, yeah - probably, almost certainly, like 2x over 3x.. but still, I get the impression you actually don't get why 1x up front works great for some uses despite some of the drawbacks. Think. If I used the word "retention" would that help ?
You're getting pretty unpleasant now.
My original post should have been longer and clearer I'd agree.
Basically it boils down to you thinking i was talking about 1x but I was talking about the constant pursuit of more sprockets. Though I did mention other aspects, and the prob doesn't helpt to try and make muliple points at the same time. Not sure why you'd think otherwise, 1x has been around for many years and the big news here is the 13. If you look at my 2nd post, you will see I have listed a bunch of issues, and they are all to do with large sprocket numbers not 1x. Anyways, sweet dreams dude.
Single chainrings make sense off road. Double chainsets make more sense on the road. Is that clear and concise enough
Unpleasantness not intended, frustration - yes.
You. Small gaps good. Lots of cogs pointless - have 2x.
Others. 2x not always make most sense (like Nick said). If 1x makes sense, and want smaller gaps, need more cogs.
So, no, not pointless - just you don't seem to accept why 1x might be more appropriate in some cases, e.g. cases this groupset might be good for..
Nearly forgot - Shimano already have 13 speed gearbox plans and patents, and spec'd out 14 speed cassettes over 20 years ago (read their motivation, it'll be interesting for you i'd have thought).
https://www.bikeradar.com/news/shimano-14-speed-has-been-hiding-in-plain...
To quote Organon in another thread: Unnecessary.
If you eschew fashion, why aren't you riding a triple chainset, like all the old crusties?
The wonderful thing about cycling is that there's something for everyone. Well, we lag behind on gender equality, and we're not welcoming enough to folk with disabilities, but at least we can tell ourselves that there's a hundred different cool drivetrain technologies that appeal to different people.
Rotor already did 13 speed. And the chain should be just as strong as the stregnth is in the thickness of the plates and pins not how wide the complete chain is and I doubt they made them thinner. I've done 8,660km on an 11 speed Campag chain including 6 Everestings and it's still fine, I can't get 3,500km out of a shimano or sram chain. Maybee the 9t cog will cost a few watts but if your using the 9t off road your probably going down a decent hill where it won't really matter.
Personally I'm not keen on the look of the upshift (j?) lever and have had bad experiences with Campags centaur 11 rear mechs top knucle wearing out very quickly (2 in 18 months) so am wary of trusting them again even though I love the ergonomic lever shape and my old Chorus 11 stuff is great.
Really not a fan of that thumb shifter, I guess it probably works well etc, but it definitely looks like a bit of an afterthought design wise.
With all the complaints from people about how much more resistance there is with a 10T cog, I can't imagine too many people loving a 9T, especially as this is going to be the one you use on the road, where you'll really feel it?
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