Adding a twelfth cog to a cassette sounds straightforward until you consider the engineering challenge of maintaining the same physical dimensions as the 11-speed version. Campagnolo achieved exactly that with the Super Record 12-speed cassette, fitting twelve cogs into the same freehub space without requiring new wheels or compatibility adapters. The cassette works on any Campagnolo 11-speed freehub, which means you can upgrade your drivetrain without changing your wheelset. The dimensional equivalence extends to frame clearance and chain wrap, so the conversion requires only the cassette, chain, and drivetrain components.

The engineering solution involved thinner cog profiles and tighter spacing between gears. The first seven cogs progress by single-tooth increments, which eliminates the awkward jumps you sometimes encounter when searching for the right cadence. This linear progression means you're more likely to find the exact gear you need rather than settling for something close. The closer spacing delivers smoother gear changes across varied terrain without sacrificing durability or shift quality. Surface treatment on the teeth improves wear resistance while the special tooth profiles ensure clean chain engagement during shifts.

The six larger cogs split into two monolithic steel triplets machined as single units. This construction method removes the energy losses that occur when individual cogs flex under load, and the added stiffness improves shift precision when you're putting power through the pedals. An aluminum spider connects these larger cogs, adding structural rigidity without excessive weight. The triplet construction also contributes to the cassette's durability because the integrated design reduces stress concentration points. The six smaller cogs use traditional steel construction with the same durability standards you expect from Super Record components.... Read More