We've been getting a lot of calls in the past few days in regards to the arrival time of the new 11 Speed
Campagnolo groups. Well, here are a few shots of one of the first
Campagnolo Record groups to arrive in the states. We installed it on the shops
Parlee Z1 and here is what we think so far...
11 cogs, new rear derailleur. But you all knew that already. These are not ceramic BEARINGS in the jockey wheels, but ceramic (man, I have no clue what these parts are called!) spacers and internals, like the old
Dura-Ace rear derailleurs had. Very smooth, though not nearly as cool and trick as what will come on the Super Record. But then, that's one reason the Super Record will cost almost $600 more... Installation of the rear derailleur and cassette is the same as the old parts...
New
chainring and bottom bracket finish. This is said to increase durability and decrease friction. No matter what it does, it looks the part... again, no ceramic on the record bottom bracket bearings, but a little decal does state, "Super Smooth Bearings" on the crank arms. Well, thank goodness for that! Cranks are the same, and they and the front derailleur went on the same way as the old parts... This is NOT the 11
spd chain. Yes, I have the Record group, no, I do not have the chain tool yet. I'll be one of the first to let you know how the 10
spd chain works with the 11
spd group. I'm guessing not well, as it's 4mm narrower and I can already tell from the bike in the stand that It's not going to happen.
The lever. Kind of different shape for sure, not a huge fan at first of the looks, but oh yeah, it feels good! I'm going to like this very, very much on the road. You will too. Good job
Campagnolo! Levers are for sure closer to the bars as well. In fact, I may use the adapters to make the reach longer. I have
Deda Deep Drop bars on this bike and they tend to put your hands a little closer to the levers in the first place.
The cable routing on the new levers is much improved over the 10 speed version. The rider should not feel the cables at all when on the hoods. Also, the cables feel so much smoother...
The Front end of the bike...
No, these quick release levers don't come with 11
spd. I wish they did. Still the best levers out there!
So, yes, there are a few groups out there, but this one is not for sale. When will we have some for sale? Good question. There will be a few Super Record and Chorus groups available in a few weeks, but with limited parts selection. Give us a call if you want to reserve one...
Jim opted for the Fulcrum Racing 1 wheels and full campy Record (making the big switch from Shimano, which he's been using for years). The WR seatpost is one of very few options that do not require a shim in Pegoretti's seat tubes.
Some shots from yesterday's inaugural ride... please join us next week! Every Tuesday meet us in front of Above Category to head out for a 2-hour loop leaving at 5:15pm. From Mill Valley, our route climbs over Pantoll to Stinson, then heads north to Bo-Fax road. We regroup at the bottom and then hit the climb full gas in preparation for the Hill Climb. Then regroup at the cattle guard up top and from there it’s a mellow ride over the seven sisters and back to Mill Valley. All welcome; pace is brisk. Bring a red flashing light in case a mishap causes delay.
But what's this?? That mint green chamoix looks familiar...
Yes, in his pursuit for ultimate riding comfort, Jeff cannibalized a pair of Assos F.I. Mille bibs and installed the Assos S5 chamoix into his AC team kit. Now that is style you can feel.
If it's good enough for Jeff, it must be good enough for the pro's.
Chad fine-tunes the cockpit as Craig performs some final calculations and Brad looks on eagerly.
Brad and his new Pinarello outside Above Category. Enjoy!
One of the great highlights of my time in Italy was my visit to Dario Pegoretti's workshop in Caldonazzo. I have been riding and racing my Pegoretti 8:30am since December, and have developed quite an attachment to it. Going to its "birthplace" and meeting the builder himself was a beautiful experience.
Yes, that is a mature layer of dust settled on the top-tubes. No, I don't know when they will be ready.
The oft-discussed Pegoretti Time Trial frame hangs here in two iterations. "Custom only," said Dario when I asked if he still built any.
Some examples of Pegorettis through the ages hang from hooks in the entry-way.
Here Dario is repairing a busted Luigino frame. The top-tube was dented and bent, so he simply cut it out and is putting a new one in. Aside from Calfee's patch-jobs, I've never heard of such a thing happening with Carbon Fiber. [addendum: our friends at Parlee have reminded us that they can completely replace any of the tubes on their Z1, Z2, or Z3, without patches and the result will be flawless, like-new condition. Just another reason why we love handmade. Thanks Tom!].
Pietro, or "Perro," helps out with the welding. Perro prefers listening to Dire Straits, and the cacophony of the soaring rock ballads mixed with syncopated minimalist classical symphonies coming from the other room made for a rather unique audio experience.
Somebody left this note over the kitchen doorway. I couldn't agree more.
Dario and Pietro met up with the crew from Gita for dinner. Dario has been in need of a new computer for all the graphics work he's been getting in to. Giorgio from Gita arranged a custom laptop for him from Utah, and brought it to hand over to Dario. The computer was a monster. 600 GB of storage space, extra fans, special processors... needless to say it weighed a LOT. When Giorgio passed it across the table Dario took it and let the weight of the machine yank his arm down hard. "What have you brought for me..." Dario asked, "...a Pinarello frame?!"
These are the foam pads about to become chamoix. The pads are uniformly heated and then cut in a special oven. Many manufacturers use a hot plate to form the pads, which leaves tough edges and differing foam densities. Giordana's method creates a soft and even pad without seams.
Fresh chamoix, hot off the press.
This ink will be mixed to create every possible color for team kit designs.
A kit design is printed on the giant ink jet, ready for transferring.
Screens are made for each color, and then the screens are used to layer one color at a time onto the jersey fabric. 
Giorgio holds up an almost completed AC skinsuit. For all of you who've asked when we're getting new kits in, the answer is: soon!
Now that Mr. Armstrong has switched to jogging, these can probably get pitched.