This is a model of access to the range of 11 speeds, which, in fact, are focusing all our efforts to Campagnolo. Recall that the transition to the 11 speed has led to a complete review of the different groups, with particular regard to the exchange and the derailleur, which have become more rigid to allow greater precision and changed to better sync with the levers. This was necessary because decreasing the free space between each pinion old components would not have ensured a good precision and stability of change over time adjustments. Among the various defects reported, especially in the professional teams, groups Campagnolo 11 speed seem to suffer from early wear of the chain, compared with 10 speeds, and greater difficulty in development of the change. It does not seem at the moment that the other Companies, Shimano, Sram, will follow the path taken by Campagnolo, regarded by many as an unnecessary complication, dictated by marketing rather than actual technical requirements. Anyway the new groups have been welcomed by the public and Campagnolo continues, even with this group Athena, to implement the new range.
The Athena Group 11 speed
The Athena Group is part of the 11s range in 2010 and will be available as standard or as option crank with carbon fiber. The commands are of type Ultra-Shift, with the new ergonomic levers that allow a more comfortable when you take your hands resting on the commands and, above all, to challenge the best brake levers when both hands are placed at the top of the stem is on the bottom. The brake lever is carbon fiber with aluminium inner soul. Reviewed, then the internal controls of new materials with low friction to reduce the effort drive lever. Just the rubber cover support a variable according to the different areas. The new controls have a weight of 360 grams. The derailleur has a new steel fork with anti wear and geometry Ultra Shift 11s that allows an improvement of stress and derailed, thanks to a "tunnel" in the stowed position allows the most extreme chain crossing without annoying friction. Its weight is 92 grams. The new rear derailleur has aluminium front Ultra-Shift, which ensures greater rigidity of the whole, increases the speed and accuracy of change reduces the games, lengthens the life span and is resistant to corrosion. The Ultra-Shift parallelogram always increases the stiffness and hence the speed and accuracy of the change. The stated weight is 218 grams. The cassette sprockets is borrowed by the Group Chorus, with steel pinions with nickel chrome surface treatment that increases durability. The combinations available are 11-23, 11-25, 12-25, 12-27. The minimum weight is 236 g. The chain has been borrowed by the group chorus and has a weight of 256 grams. The standard crank is aluminium and equipped with the new gear 11s that were designed to have 2 areas of expertise in the ascent of the chain and 2 for the descent, so it can derail a lot more quickly and without hesitation. The length of the cranks can be 170, 172.5 and 175 mm, and is the standard 39/53 and 34/50 compact. It is also expected to crank version of carbon fiber. The weight is 869 g (aluminium version). The brakes are the classic Skeleton differentiated double pivot for the front brake and a single pin for the rear. The screws are in Ergal, while the weight is 322 grams. The full team has a weight of 2352 grams, with the crank aluminium and weighs 2239 with a carbon crank.
Road test
Like other groups including the new Athena is well constructed and studied in every detail. Compared to the old tune Centaur brake levers are no longer completely in carbon and especially the crank aluminium. From now you appreciate the ergonomics of the new controls, which will be especially welcome to those who have large hands. However, the new brake levers and controls ensure a more solid use at the top and it is easier pedalling out saddle with a solid take command. The new ergonomics allow a safer braking when you have your hands on the top. The power of the brakes, however, remains unchanged, with a powerful front brake and adjustable rear and a less powerful but still flexible. The most exacting can see that competition can produce a more powerful rear brake, but also adaptable. The front brake hand, power is the level of the best. Not there is a reduction in braking effort promised by new recruits, however, the force required is modest and likely to put at ease even the girls. The controls and exchange derailleur is operating smoothly and has compared the 10 models have a speed excursion just below and lower should be an effort to operate it (but it is a very small difference). Positive, as always, that you can increase or climb more marches simultaneously with one motion. The passages of the report are accurate, fast and quiet enough. Compared to the 10 speed is gained in speed and smoothness of the change. At least in our tests we found a significant accuracy. The derailleur has appeared fast (most of the old 10-speed), accurate and silent, in steps of relationship. The biggest difference, compared with 10 speeds, you look up or when you change the chain with strong shooting, where the steps of relationship (whether that exchange derailleur) are accurate, fast and silent. A performance better than the old Campagnolo groups. The aluminium crank, weight aside, seemed stiff and smooth. The choice of relations is very good and wide, although it is difficult to appreciate where the speed can be 11 winners compared to 10, certainly not in the configuration we tested (53/39 and 11/25), perhaps with a 34/50 and a 12/27 you can have a good metric development in the plains and down, a short duration for the mountains, but without spaces between the eye and the other report. It is, however, to find the "the hair in the egg."
Conclusions
The new group Athena, at least in the model we tested, well-developed and effective. Although not clearly departed from the old 10-speed models and overall better for the ergonomics of the controls, but especially for the speed and accuracy that changed more than silence. Not the deepest differences and is definitely worth the effort to throw a good group at 10 speed, but those who were in need of having to change your group can apply to this product favorably. Remains the question of a wear of the chain more and more difficult development. Moreover, the weight of the group is not its content and so far the other models at 11-speed had a list price higher than the competition, issues to be considered by virtue of the fact that a gear is no longer necessary to go in strong bike , as already demonstrated by the many professionals who do not take this group.
Positive aspects
Construction quality
Accuracy changed
Speed and smoothness of change
Choosing Reports
Negative aspects
Heavier than a similar group of 10 speed
Length of chain
Difficulties in developing
Price
Still do not know the retail price, up to date with the other groups were given 11-speed high prices in comparison to the weight and competition.
Is suitable for
Athlete: there are groups that weigh less and cost less, but the functionality is excellent
GF cyclist tourist: is a group that is aimed at a lover who wants the 11 speed, but does not need less weight.
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