Bob Ross

You would think this is one of the easiest things to find on the 'net, but apparently my Google-Fu is weak, 'cuz I'm coming up empty:


Is there a simple, feature-for-feature comparison of the differences between Campagnolo's Record versus Super Record groupsets?


I can sort of extrapolate it by reading through the Campy website (and keeping a couple different tabs open in my browser) but I was hoping to find a basic, unequivocal, side-by-side list ...e.g.,

- Brakes:

Record - made from forged Unobtanium

Super Record - made from forged Unobtanium cold-pressed between the breasts of 16-year-old virgins


Or something like that. I'm indifferent to the weight differences (or rather, indifferent to the weight differences when listed without an explanation for how those differences were accomplished) and I'm not interested in the cost differences because hey, my Google-Fu isn't that weak, I know what this stuff sells for.


Just want to know the mechanical/structural/compositional differences.


A tip o' the hat to anyone who can point me towards a comprehensive list of differences. Thanks.

CafeVelo

From chorus up there's actually no real difference. The components are designed identically, and are interchangeable. The shifter internals are the same. The real difference is the amount of carbon used on structual pieces (derailer cages, calipers stay alloy and chorus only comes with carbon brake blades) and how much is drilled out (those nifty holes in the brake levers) none in chorus, two in record, three in super record. What you get at the top is a few hundred grams of weight savings and the knowledge you spent a pisston on components.

Trsnrtr

Calling @Campag4life. You're needed here.

fa63

@CafeVelo pretty much explained it perfectly.

Drew Eckhardt 

Campagnolo quit using ball bearings for thrust on the pivots in Chorus dual pivot brakes which makes them more fiddly to adjust for both low friction and zero play. Otherwise no real differences.

The higher groups also have more titanium. This can be negligible like the 7g titanium rear ratchets in the original design Super Record levers (Centaur Carbon, Chorus, and Record: 337g/pair. Super Record: 330g) or negative (more titanium cogs don't last as long).

You also get (or got) a cute carbon fiber sticker on the super record shift paddle.

bbattle

I think Bob Ross' description of Super Record is spot on. Record is where German engineers would stop; Super Record is where the Italians would take it.

Now, where's my $450 tire pump?

rideBjj

I built my bike up with Record and it's juth fabuloth.

Campag4life

No need for me here but thanks for the shout out.. CafeVelo nailed it. I will add, normally past the mid point in any product line there is diminishing return. 1 or 2 steps from the top past the mid point and generally hard to realize any difference. Same with frames, wheels, handlebars and groupsets and many products unrelated to bikes. All gravy for manufacturers banking on well heeled consumers who want the best for their ego mostly. One or two notches below is generally a much better value. Chorus is simply awesome and to me a much better value than Record and certainly SR. No shift quality difference and same ergonomics...handful of grams. Chorus is already jewelry.

Trsnrtr

I sprung for Record when the newest Record was coming out because it was being discounted. It's been stellar.

Campag4life

Funny you mention that. I sprang for 2014 Chorus I have in a box in my drawer when 2015 Campy came out. I admit being surprised the reviews of the new 2015 haven't been off the chart with the changes Campy has made. NOS 2013-14 Campy is an outstanding value. Why hasn't 2015 Campy pegged the chart with their front and rear derailleur changes and even better 4 arm Campy UT crank? IMO its because previous Campy is just so outstanding. My 2011 10s Campy groupset is so good, I have no need to take it off the bike and install my new Chorus 11s. I have no doubt 2015 Campy is better but even inspite of the shorter throw front derailleur which maybe a bit more fiddly to set up and increased chain wrap rear derailleur, the on the bike riding experience just isn't much improved. Campy already has the best shifter ergonomics that didn't change for 2015....a good thing.

Carbon Unit

There is a groupo upgrade in my future. I have a mix of 2001, 2003 and 2006 Record and Chorus triple. I plan on upgrading to a compact and will probably go with Chorus but had considered a Record crank. I read somewhere that the record cranks have hollow arms which gives biggest weight savings after the cassette. I would only buy a Chorus cassette because of durability.

However, I don't race so weight savings doesn't have much value to me. I will probably go with Chorus anyway.

Campag4life

To me, the hollow crank arms are fairy dust. As to cassettes, I personally prefer Shimano Ultegra 11s rear cassette with Campy 11s groupset. MUCH cheaper than Chorus and Shimano 11s wheelsets are more ubiquitous. Btw, I prefer Shimano Ultegra 6800 brakes to Campy as well. They work perfectly with Campy shifter brake lever pull ratio...best caliper brakes I have ever ridden. I don't mind a little mixing either. If a Campy UT crank wasn't so both so good, easy to service, reliable and beautiful, I would be perfectly happy with a DA crank (not as pretty) which I think is perhaps the best design on the market.

Leinster

Out of interest, have you compared the SRAM cassettes? Shimano's 11-28 does without the 16.

And there's always Miche if Chorus cassette prices are too spicey. Miche Primato 11 Speed Campagnolo Cassette All Sizes | eBay

Carbon Unit

Wow, thanks. I don't mind mixing manufacturers but my wheels are already dished for Campy. Can I still use a Shimano cassette with a Campy drive train?

Campag4life

I haven't. Believe prevailing wisdom is Shimano cassettes are preferred but honestly I think its probably close to a jump ball. Sram 11s cassettes are fine. Hard to beat Utegra 11s cassettes in value, i.e. cost/benefit for any 11s groupset. I am not a Miche fan but yes, they work as well.

Campag4life

If your wheels are dished for Campy, then a lot easier to stick with a Campy freehub and run a Campy cassette. Btw, many wheelsets are not dished differently...like Fulcrum wheels for example. Freehub length is compensated for in axle spacing and not dish. Same wheelset that will fit two different freehubs and cassette types.