quarta-feira, dezembro 08, 2004
WE OFFER A FIRST LOOK
By Andrew Juskaitis - VeloNews technical editor
This report filed December 18, 2002
Watch your head, because the component war continues to wage at full-fury. First, with Shimano's intentional/accidental shot over the bow with its posterboy Armstrong showing up all big and beautiful in the latest Sports Illustrated sporting next-gen Dura-Ace. And now with Campagnolo granting VeloNews the first detailed images of its much-rumored electronic grouppo.
Our visit to Campagnolo world headquarters in Vicenza, Italy last week (look for a full report in two weeks) certainly helped smooth-out the tight-lipped policy that Campagnolo has so far held about any official comment about the grouppo.
Our Campagnolo contact Joseba Arizaga explained to us that the grouppo has already undergone the first stage of prototype testing which included arduous lab testing, primary road testing by Campagnolo employees and field testing by a semi-pro road squad in Italy. He also was clear to point out that the version we see here will probabally differ greatly from the finished product (possible due in 2005 as Electronic Record).
He explained to us that the, "chief goals of this new grouppo will be high attention to weight (comparable to current Record), durability, comfort and, most importantly, faster, crisper shifts." Furthermore he added that, "A light touch of the shifting lever (similar to current ErgoPower) will facilitate complete or intermittent changes in gear selection."
Unlike other manufacturers attempts at electronic shifting, Campagnolo's system will offer both front and rear on-demand automated shifting. And while the rear derailleur has been difficult to perfect, the front derailleur has proven to be the real challenge. Arizaga explained that, "To generate enough power to move the chain from the inner ring to the big ring requires a tremendous amount of force--which in turn consumes a great deal of battery power. Increasing the efficiency of the electronic front derailleur is our biggest problem right now."
This report filed December 18, 2002
Watch your head, because the component war continues to wage at full-fury. First, with Shimano's intentional/accidental shot over the bow with its posterboy Armstrong showing up all big and beautiful in the latest Sports Illustrated sporting next-gen Dura-Ace. And now with Campagnolo granting VeloNews the first detailed images of its much-rumored electronic grouppo.
Our visit to Campagnolo world headquarters in Vicenza, Italy last week (look for a full report in two weeks) certainly helped smooth-out the tight-lipped policy that Campagnolo has so far held about any official comment about the grouppo.
Our Campagnolo contact Joseba Arizaga explained to us that the grouppo has already undergone the first stage of prototype testing which included arduous lab testing, primary road testing by Campagnolo employees and field testing by a semi-pro road squad in Italy. He also was clear to point out that the version we see here will probabally differ greatly from the finished product (possible due in 2005 as Electronic Record).
He explained to us that the, "chief goals of this new grouppo will be high attention to weight (comparable to current Record), durability, comfort and, most importantly, faster, crisper shifts." Furthermore he added that, "A light touch of the shifting lever (similar to current ErgoPower) will facilitate complete or intermittent changes in gear selection."
Unlike other manufacturers attempts at electronic shifting, Campagnolo's system will offer both front and rear on-demand automated shifting. And while the rear derailleur has been difficult to perfect, the front derailleur has proven to be the real challenge. Arizaga explained that, "To generate enough power to move the chain from the inner ring to the big ring requires a tremendous amount of force--which in turn consumes a great deal of battery power. Increasing the efficiency of the electronic front derailleur is our biggest problem right now."
# posted by Anônimo : 8:01 PM
