Campagnolo: The story of a carbon wheel giant and its technical innovations

If you are a cyclist passionate about the components that combine history, performance and elegance, this article about Campagnolo is for you. This legendary Italian brand has marked cycling with its carbon wheels and revolutionary innovations. We will trace its course since 1933, analyze its technological advances and explore its current range.

The history of Campagnolo: a legacy of passion and innovation

1933 : The Beginnings of a Visionary in Vicenza

It all started in 1933 in a small workshop in Vicence, Italy, when Tullio Campagnolo, former cyclist, founded the company that will bear his name. Frustrated by the laborious wheel change systems of the time – notably during a snow race in the Dolomites in 1927 – he invented the quick release mechanism. Patented in 1930 and marketed in 1933, this system will transform for almost a century the way cyclists will handle their wheels, laying the foundations of a brand dedicated to innovation.

During this decade, Campagnolo focuses on simple but efficient mechanical components. Tullio, with his practical spirit and his love of cycling, is shaping a company that will become synonymous with Italian precision. These early years are modest, but they plant the seeds of a technological revolution.

The 40s and 50s: The rise of derailments and first victories

The Second World War slowed progress, but by 1940 Campagnolo rebounded with the « Cambio Corsa », an innovative stem derailleur. Although complex to use – it required pedaling back while manipulating levers – it marks a step towards smoother speed changes. In 1949, the trade mark introduced the « Gran Sport », its first parallelogram derailleur, a major step forward that simplifies transitions and seduces riders.

In the 1950s, Campagnolo opened up to other sectors, such as magnesium rims for Ferrari or Maserati, but cycling remained his heart. The « Record », launched in 1962, becomes a reference for competitors, thanks to its lightness and reliability. The victories are continuing, notably with Fausto Coppi, strengthening Campagnolo's reputation as a supplier of the champions.

The 1960s and 1970s: The Golden Age of the Super Record

The 1960s pushed Campagnolo to the top. In 1966, « Nuovo Record » perfects the rear derailleur with light alloys, becoming a standard in the pro peloton for nearly 20 years. Eddy Merckx, an absolute legend, adopts these components for his multiple victories at the Tour de France. In 1973, « Super Record » is born, incorporating titanium parts and a refined design. This group embodies the ultimate technology of the time and remains an icon for purists.

At that time, Campagnolo also supplied wheels for Ferrari Formula 1 and chassis for NASA satellites, proving its versatility. Yet it is on bicycles that the brand shines, equipping the biggest names and dominating the major races of the 1970s.

The 1980s and 1990s: challenges and renewal

The 1980s marked a turning point. While SunTour invents the indexed speed change and Shimano launches its built-in STI levers, Campagnolo struggles to follow. A failed incursion into the MTB with groups like « Euclid » (too heavy against competition) weakens the brand. Tullio's death in 1983 added to these challenges, but his son Valentino took over the reins and revived the momentum.

In 1992, the levers « ErgoPower » combining brake and gear change bring Campagnolo back into the race. Shamal's pre-assembled wheels, launched in 1991, revolutionize the market with their aerodynamics and carbon design. The 1990s also saw the rise of carbon and titanium in groups, giving Campagnolo its pioneering status.

2000 to present: modernity and prestige

In 2004, Campagnolo launched Fulcrum, a sub-brand of wheels compatible with Shimano and SRAM, expanding its audience. The same year, the pedal boat « Ultra-Torque » with external bearings improves rigidity and ease of maintenance. In 2008, the shift to 11 speeds with Super Record, Record and Chorus modernized the groups, followed in 2011 by the electronic EPS system.

Since 2018, Campagnolo has accelerated: the 12 speeds come with Super Record and Record, and the Ekar engraver (13 speeds) is born in 2020. The legendary Bora carbon wheels dominate the pro platoons. Despite the competition between SRAM and Shimano, Campagnolo remains a benchmark, equipping teams like UAE Team Emirates until 2022, and maintaining a unique aura thanks to its legacy and Italian design. After equipping Movistar, AG2R or Lotto, Campa signed his return to the World Tour in 2025 thanks to a technical partnership with the Cofidis team.

Campagnolo innovations: a cutting-edge technology

Let's move on to the technical advances that make Campagnolo a leader. These are the pillars of his expertise.

Carbon and Bora wheels: aerodynamics and lightness

The Bora carbon wheels, introduced in the 1990s and refined with versions like the Bora WTO, embody Campagnolo excellence. Made of high-module carbon fibres, they offer a perfect balance between lightness, stiffness and aerodynamics. Their design, tested in windmills, reduces drag, while the system G3 (asymmetric grouping of rays) improves stability. These wheels are a preferred choice of pros for their high pressure performance.

The Ultra-Torca: a revolution in pedals

Launched in 2004, the Ultra-Torque system uses a two-part axis with a Hirth joint, connecting the cranks via external bearings. Result: increased rigidity, reduced weight and simplified maintenance. This innovation has redefined pedal standards, offering optimal power transmission.

EPS and multiple speeds: electronic accuracy

With the Electronic Power Shift (EPS) in 2011, Campagnolo entered the electronic era, competing with Shimano's Di2. This system guarantees precise and fast speed changes, even under load. The switch to 12 and then 13 speeds (Ekar) expands the range options, adapted to the gravel and the modern road.

Why Choose Campagnolo?

Opting for carbon wheels or Campagnolo components is a 90-year legacy, an exceptional Italian manufacturing and proven technology in the race. Despite a high cost and a lower presence against Shimano or SRAM, the brand seduces with its aesthetics and reliability. Whether you're a runner or an amateur of beautiful equipment, Campagnolo remains a sure value.

More information on the Campagnolo official website