Tech

Campagnolo unveil Ekar 1×13 lightweight gravel drivetrain

Press release - Supplied by Campagnolo / Cycling J&J

· By Press Office · 95 comments

Campagnolo have revealed all the details of their new 1×13 gravel-specific groupset named Ekar. It aims to meet the demands of gravel riding with a wide gear range, the simplicity of 1x and reliability without a weight penalty.

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Press Release

Ekar is the world’s lightest gravel groupset: reliable, durable & fast – it’s designed from the ground up to give you the very best performance, riding experience and reliability for gravel, all-road and endurance riding on the toughest terrain where you want to challenge yourself

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Just as Campagnolo’s ground-breaking first quick release lever can trace its origins to the Passo Croce D’Aune climb, the innovative new gravel-focused Ekar groupset was born on another cima local to today’s Campagnolo headquarters: Ekar.

With its asphalt giving way to tracks and trails, Ekar epitomises the special challenges of Italian gravel. But Mt Ekar’s influence goes beyond physicality; it represents the spirit of riding gravel, of adventure, and of freedom.

Thanks to a 9T sprocket, Ekar’s unique and innovative gravel-specific 1×13 drivetrain delivers a full range of gear ratios with smooth, natural gear progressions for the perfect cadence, whatever your speed, and whatever your style of gravel riding.

With four chainring options – 38, 40, 42 and 44T – and a choice of three cassettes – 9-36T, 9-42T and 10-44T – Ekar is ready for however you ride and wherever your adventures take you!

Ekar Cassette

The precise 13-speed Ekar is available in three gearing variants, reflecting the different specialisms within the diverse gravel scene, and each providing the smoothest gearing progression and the optimum delivery of range. On all three options, single-tooth steps across the six smaller sprockets provide the most consistent cadence progression with smooth, efficient changes. Gradually increasing wider spacing features on the larger half of the sprockets. This delivers a natural riding experience and helps you get the best from your performance on testing trails and tough terrain.

Each cassette is built on two blocks, split 4- and 9-sprockets for the configurations featuring a 9-tooth, and 3-/10-sprockets for the range starting with a 10-tooth. For enhanced mechanical resistance, heat-treated carbon steel is used for the core of both blocks, and benefit from a nickel-chrome-satin surface treatment which reduces wear and friction, delivering the optimum durability for gravel riding.

ccs-2-0-85989000-1601052578.jpgGravel Race 9-42T : 9-10-11-12-13-14-16-18-21-25-30-36-42 (390g)
ccs-2-0-43365600-1601052925.jpgEndurance 9-36T : 9-10-11-12-13-14-16-18-20-23-27-31-36 (340g)
ccs-2-0-49165100-1601052564.jpgGravel Adventure 10-44T : 10-11-12-13-14-15-17-19-22-26-32-39-44 (410g)

It sits on a new freehub driver body – called N3W – that features on the lightweight carbon Campagnolo Shamal wheelset, with a wide range of compatible wheelsets to follow. N3W is highly versatile, featuring the same groove profiles as the classic Campagnolo body, but 4.4mm shorter and lighter.

With appropriate lockrings and adaptors, N3W is also compatible with all current and forthcoming Campagnolo 12-, 11- and 10-speed systems, with retro-fit kits available. As all current disc brake Campagnolo HH12 wheelsets are N3W-compatible you can easily update your wheels ready to run them with Ekar – switching wheelsets is easy and quick!

Ekar Derailleur

While the Ekar derailleur shares a heritage and research route with our Super Record and other systems, this all-new design has been created specifically for gravel, the dedicated 1x system and the 13-speed route that makes it so effective – underpinned by the use of a 9-tooth sprocket, enabling a full gearing range with short, evenly-spaced shifts and well maintained cadence levels.

Features:

  • New design for 1×13-speed system – gravel-orientated performance & build
  • 2D parallelogram trajectory – precise mechanical movement for 13 sprockets
  • High grade polymer pulley wheels (12T upper, 14T lower) – smooth chain running & secure retention
  • Carbon fiber-reinforced polyamide & anodised 7075 and 6082 alloys – for light weight, strength & durability
  • Stainless steel bolts – for strength & long-term resilience on gravel
  • Clutch lock – for easy wheel removal
  • One derailleur fits all three cassette options – easy to switch for gearing changes

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Ekar Crankset

The crankset is the heart of the new 1x Ekar system, with its optimised gearing ratios, sensitively spaced across a wide range. Of course, the single chainring is simple to use – no front mech, significantly reduced weight, fewer moving parts to collect dirt or clog, and providing high chain security, with no wasteful gearing overlap – perfect for gravel riding and racing.

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Features:

  • Lightweight, efficient, secure 1x Ekar system – perfect for gravel riding and racing
  • 2-piece cranks: ultra-torque 630 steel axle & UD carbon arms – strong and lightweight
  • 4 ring options – Adventure (38T); Pure Gravel (40T), Fast Gravel (42T), Gravel Race (44T)
  • Narrow-wide tooth design – efficient drive & maximum chain security
  • ProTech™ strong, efficient, self-aligning Hirth joint semi-axles
  • Easy access to external crank bearings
  • Easily interchangeable alloy rings – no need to disassemble crank
  • 4 crank arm lengths – 165, 170, 172.5 and 175mm
  • Narrow Q-factor – 145.5mm

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Ekar Ergo Levers

For Ekar, we have made detailed gravel-orientated modifications to the popular and ergonomic Campagnolo Ergopowers control levers, and retained the inherent design of the system because of its renowned precision, and comfort with the Vari-Cushion™ hood. With differentiated levers you’ll never get a wrong shift – even in the tough environment of off-road riding and racing, Campagnolo’s tried and tested One-Lever-One-Action philosophy ensures no-confusion control.

Features:

  • Comfortable support – Vari-Cushion™ hood provides comfortable, safe grip in any riding position and any off-road conditions
  • Precise, quick shifting – One-Lever-One-Action and positive engagement with the efficient 1×13-speed Ekar drivetrain means a perfect change every time
  • New Lever 3 design – easy to activate from the tops
  • Enhanced grip – additional laser-cut texture on lever blades and controls is sweat- and wear-resistant
  • Multiple action – up-shift 3 gears with Ultra-Shift™
  • Ergonomic adjustable reach – to suit any hand or finger size

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Ekar Calipers

As with Ekar’s Ergopower controls, the other elements of its disc braking system are developments of proven Campagnolo designs – faithful to our philosophy of continuous improvement, high performance and Italian style. The Ekar brake system’s internal hydraulics are shared with other Campagnolo high-performing calipers, using mineral oil and delivering the advanced modulation and distinctive feedback feel that works so well on the road… and works even better when you take to the gravel!

Features:

  • Hydraulic system’s internals are shared with Campagnolo’s high-performance ranges – for proven performance
  • Trusted modulation and progressive feel – perfect for all-road control
  • DB310 pads unique organic compound – high braking performance & improved wear resistance in wet or dry conditions
  • Strong, durable & light

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Ekar Rotors

Ekar’s rotors are strong 1.85mm thick stainless tempered steel – staying straight and true long-term even under heavy and sustained braking. A choice of 140 and 160mm diameter rotors are available, to suit your riding style, and offering an additional weight saving potential. With the same caliper and pads, the larger rotor produces greater stopping power thanks to increased heat dissipation over its larger surface area.

Features:

  • Hydraulic system’s internals are shared with Campagnolo’s high-performance ranges – for proven performance
  • Trusted modulation and progressive feel – perfect for all-road control
  • Tempered stainless steel rotors – strong, light & resistant to corrosion
  • 140 and 160mm rotors – to suit your riding style and bike

ccs-2-0-04900900-1601054801.jpg140mm rotor
ccs-2-0-05782200-1601054823.jpg160mm rotor

Ekar C13 Chain

The new C13 chain is a vital element of the Ekar mechanical groupset; along with providing an efficient drive, in gravel riding a chain must work perfectly to contribute to the derailleur smooth, quick gear shifts, and always remain secure. It must also be strong and durable – and the Ekar C13 chain delivers impressively on all fronts. At just 4.9mm wide the C13 chain is 0.25mm narrower than the highly efficient Campagnolo 12-speed chain but delivers exactly the same high performance and durability that Campagnolo chains are renowned for.

Features:

  • New C13 chain – developed specifically for Ekar 1×13-speed gravel system
  • Wide-narrow teeth design – for efficient drive, smooth shifts & high security
  • Narrow profile – light weight, strong & efficient
  • Strong, durable, links – with different grades of steel & coatings for strength and to withstand wear
  • Unique ultrasound bath lubrication impregnation system – for long-life efficiency
  • Classic Pin and C-Link™ options – options for every kind of gravel rider

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Ekar bottom bracket

The new Ekar bottom bracket is designed specifically for the rigors of all-road and gravel riding and racing.
It features the robust double-protection of Pro-Tech™ – a patented external sealing ring design protecting a strong, resilient fiberglass-charged polyamide central tube from the harmful ingress of water, mud and grit.

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Features:

  • Designed specifically for gravel riding and racing – protected from harmful ingress of water, mud & grit
  • ProTech™ – a patented external sealing ring & strong fiberglass-polyamide tube
  • Large, protected external stainless steel bearings attach directly to crank arms – for smooth, fluid performance and easy maintenance
  • Full compatibility – all threaded and Pressfit standards

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Local availability & pricing

Local Campagnolo distributor, Cycling J&J, have confirmed that Ekar should be available mid October 2020 with an expected retail price of R 33,000.

Visit the Campagolo website for further information about Ekar.

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Comments

DieselnDust

Sep 25, 2020, 7:28 PM

damnit just go MTB already will ya!

Wayne pudding Mol

Sep 26, 2020, 4:19 AM

Not one to criticize Campy but no 50 ?!I need my granny gears

But I’m clueless with ratios so I’m guessing with the 9 the too end is sorted and with a smaller chainring it would still get my fat@arse up mountains

Tim Brink

Sep 26, 2020, 5:43 AM

damnit just go MTB already will ya!

Remember the last time they tried that?

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Kom

Sep 26, 2020, 7:30 AM

I dont even know where to start with my criticisms of this ...

 

Setting aside that the pricing will probably be astronomical and that the proprietary nature of campy in general will make this a really exclusive product. These are givens so ill try be realistic with my mockery:

1 - Honestly, a non direct mount crankset? The integrated spider looks horrible! (and probably a 91.2bcd to ensure no existing chainrings fit, and ill bet they reverse thread it or something silly to make it non-economical for 3rd parties to support it)

2 - 13 chainrings - wow! they got here first but, only a 44t big chain ring? Who needs 13 ratios to gravel grind, this is not road racing.

3 - The Cassette is Built on two blocks - SRAM mastered eagle with a single block cassette, meaning a far more solid construction (literally) no creeks. 

 

There is no doubt that this launch is targeted at the gravel crowd who are emerging from the exotic road crowd who want their exotic frames to be donned with exotic jewellery - i totally get it, for them SRAM or Shimano is just a non starter.

DieselnDust

Sep 26, 2020, 8:54 AM

I dont even know where to start with my criticisms of this ...

 

Setting aside that the pricing will probably be astronomical and that the proprietary nature of campy in general will make this a really exclusive product. These are givens so ill try be realistic with my mockery:

1 - Honestly, a non direct mount crankset? The integrated spider looks horrible! (and probably a 91.2bcd to ensure no existing chainrings fit, and ill bet they reverse thread it or something silly to make it non-economical for 3rd parties to support it)

2 - 13 chainrings - wow! they got here first but, only a 44t big chain ring? Who needs 13 ratios to gravel grind, this is not road racing.

3 - The Cassette is Built on two blocks - SRAM mastered eagle with a single block cassette, meaning a far more solid construction (literally) no creeks. 

 

There is no doubt that this launch is targeted at the gravel crowd who are emerging from the exotic road crowd who want their exotic frames to be donned with exotic jewellery - i totally get it, for them SRAM or Shimano is just a non starter.

 

 

 

True, but like ferrari in F1 the cycling word needs Campy to be relevant in all market segments

DieselnDust

Sep 26, 2020, 8:55 AM

Remember the last time they tried that?

 

 

 

ya well that was a dismal failure, not so much due to function,..........ok a lot as down to function, but its also twice the price of XTR and 10x more fragile

MrJacques

Sep 26, 2020, 10:08 AM

I'll wait for 14 speed :P

ChrisF

Sep 26, 2020, 10:18 AM

Okayyyyy, was I the only expecting a "600%" ratio from "13 gears" ..... 

 

 

Functionally this offers absolutely nothing that you cant get off the shelf now .... except super small gear ratios, for road use ....

 

 

 

But has been said above .... it is the "Farrari" of the cycling world, so sure there is already a long list of back orders.

Skylark

Sep 26, 2020, 4:35 PM

Anyone want to take a guess how much it will cost?

What does an equivalent existing Campy groupset cost?

BaGearA

Sep 26, 2020, 6:55 PM

Anyone want to take a guess how much it will cost?

What does an equivalent existing Campy groupset cost?

too much + R5000

CAAD4

Sep 26, 2020, 7:06 PM

Looking at the ratios, they understand that it's for roadies riding their bikes on undulating dirt roads, who know that they should use their mountain bikes for the very steep stuff... Erm Rad? Hat, coat, door...

Wayne pudding Mol

Sep 27, 2020, 4:59 AM

It’s a gravel gruppo, it’s apparently going to be priced similarly to GXR and sram equivalent, it’s not going to have all the usual proprietary normal campy issues but of course there will be some as with many brands - it’s called protecting the brand comrades

 

Remember it’s rivals only offer 11 gears for gravel on their mechanic gruppos

 

Ffs guys do some homework before slamming the best gruppo company in the known universe

 

Ok that may have been a bit much but unless you’ve had Campagnolo then perhaps reserve judgement

It’s a bit like a gold XX1 chain - seems expensive till 10 000kms down the line

CAAD4

Sep 27, 2020, 5:46 AM

It wears in....

Christie

Sep 27, 2020, 6:30 AM

Anyone want to take a guess how much it will cost?

 

1700€ for the full group.
Kom

Sep 27, 2020, 10:19 AM

It’s a gravel gruppo, it’s apparently going to be priced similarly to GXR and sram equivalent, it’s not going to have all the usual proprietary normal campy issues but of course there will be some as with many brands - it’s called protecting the brand comrades

 

Remember it’s rivals only offer 11 gears for gravel on their mechanic gruppos

 

Ffs guys do some homework before slamming the best gruppo company in the known universe

 

Ok that may have been a bit much but unless you’ve had Campagnolo then perhaps reserve judgement

It’s a bit like a gold XX1 chain - seems expensive till 10 000kms down the line

Yoh dude it’s Sunday, no waging keyboard wars like that allowed!

 

Anyway it’s not like the exotics are dominating the Tour, o wait ...

Mongoose!

Sep 27, 2020, 10:50 AM

Lets wait for all the 'reviews" on Youtube"

as in PAID reviews...

GCN ; David Arther ; Bikeradar and many more

NotSoBigBen

Sep 27, 2020, 4:03 PM

Looking at the ratios, they understand that it's for roadies riding their bikes on undulating dirt roads, who know that they should use their mountain bikes for the very steep stuff... Erm Rad? Hat, coat, door...

It's because of this confusion that there'll be 'gravel bikes' with front and rear suspension, suspension seatposts and stems, 9-51 dinner plate cassettes and 700*50 tyres.... Then ridden on good gravel roads, skud maar net my kop
Wayne pudding Mol

Sep 27, 2020, 4:13 PM

It's because of this confusion that there'll be 'gravel bikes' with front and rear suspension, suspension seatposts and stems, 9-51 dinner plate cassettes and 700*50 tyres.... Then ridden on good gravel roads, skud maar net my kop

I like the sound of this bike ????

ChrisF

Sep 27, 2020, 4:36 PM

It's because of this confusion that there'll be 'gravel bikes' with front and rear suspension, suspension seatposts and stems, 9-51 dinner plate cassettes and 700*50 tyres.... Then ridden on good gravel roads, skud maar net my kop

This stunning bike just needs an 860mm straight handlebar to be theee perfect hardcore gravel grinder, for those really bad gravel roads....

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NotSoBigBen

Sep 27, 2020, 4:37 PM

Maybe add a 'motor' [emoji12]

ChrisF

Sep 27, 2020, 4:39 PM

Maybe add a 'motor' [emoji12]

AND a spare battery for extra reach ....

ChrisF

Sep 27, 2020, 4:42 PM

Such a hardcore bike could even be used for serious water crossings ....

 

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Jewbacca

Sep 27, 2020, 6:19 PM

I don't understand why people are 'outraged' by new products.

 

It's a new product from a drive train specialist company. If you don't want it, don't buy it?

 

But being outraged is a seriously weird reaction. Some people need to ask themselves some serious questions

eddy

Sep 27, 2020, 7:26 PM

I don't understand why people are 'outraged' by new products.

 

It's a new product from a drive train specialist company. If you don't want it, don't buy it?

 

But being outraged is a seriously weird reaction. Some people need to ask themselves some serious questions

 

I am outraged by people being rational about things like this....

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