Campagnolo have launched an electronic Athena EPS 11-speed groupset, with the Italian componentry manufacturer hoping the more affordable group will go head-to-head with Shimano Ultegra Di2.
Athena EPS is said to use the same technology as the Record and Super Record EPS groupsets unveiled seven months ago, but with a weight penalty; Athena EPS weighs a claimed 2,452g, compared to 2,184g for Record EPS and 2,098 for Super Record EPS.
The extra weight comes as a consequence of the material used in the manufacturing process. Some of the carbon fibre from its older siblings is stripped out, with the Athena EPS front derailleur cage made from steel, while the outer plate and jockey wheel cage on the rear derailleur are aluminium, as are the brake and shift lever blades.
The new groupsets also features Campagnolo’s Multi-Dome Tech, which looks to mirror the shifting sensation felt when using a mechanical groupset, while, as with Record and Super Record EPS, Multi-Shift allows the rider to shift up or down the entire cassette in one shift.
That’s all the information we have at the moment. Prices will be confirmed at the Eurobike trade show in August, when we’ll bring you a thorough look at Athena EPS.
