Oh Campy, my old flame, how I loved thee through my teens, how incredible looked in your Golden Hour adorning my pearl white ‘Stephen Roche’ Battaglin back in 1989, with your almost useless brakes nevertheless so beautifully designed that it didn’t really matter if they worked or not. Yet as we all know, the shine and lustre of Campy has been on a very steep descent for a very long time – but maybe this new Record set can get back a slice of the market share.

I sold this beauty to a mate in 1991 when I stopped cycling and still regret it… my lost love.

The brakes from the Delta groupset – now going for $1500 on eBay in the US!

The new Record 13 is Campy’s answer to Shimano Ultegra and SRAM Force, and it’s a strong one. Starting at €2,129 for a full wireless 1×13 groupset, it undercuts the flagship Super Record by over €1,000 while sharing the same geometry, architecture, shifting speed, and — crucially — full component compatibility.

The only real differences are finish and materials, with a weight penalty of just 208–342g depending on spec. You get the same Ergopower shifters, same battery with 750km range, USB-C charging, and your choice of five configurations spanning road, all-road, and gravel. All manufactured in-house in Italy.

After a rough few years of pricing missteps, Campagnolo might have found its footing again. If it works, I’ll be keen.