Lever hoods wear out faster than most other components on your bike because they're constantly exposed to UV, sweat, road grime, and the friction of your hands moving position hundreds of times per ride. The rubber compound loses its grip, the texture smooths out, and eventually the material starts to tear or crack. When that happens, you're not just dealing with cosmetic issues—worn hoods affect your control over the bike, especially when you're braking hard or sprinting out of the saddle.

The EC-SR600 hoods are Campagnolo's replacement for 2015-and-later Ultra-Shift Ergopower controls across Super Record, Record, and Chorus groupsets. They use Vari-Cushion technology, which means the rubber has different densities in different zones. The palm rest area is softer to reduce pressure during long rides, while the finger contact zones are firmer for secure grip when you're shifting or braking. The surface has a textured pattern that works in wet conditions without feeling sticky or grabbing bar tape when you slide your hands.

The rubber compound includes UV protection, which keeps the material from degrading in sunlight and prevents the hoods from fading or becoming brittle. This matters if you're parking your bike outside or doing a lot of summer riding. The material is non-allergenic, so it won't cause skin reactions even if you're spending hours with your hands on the hoods. Installation requires stretching the hoods over the lever bodies—a few drops of rubbing alcohol helps them slide into position, and they'll stay put once the alcohol evaporates.