Fitting 13 speeds into a cassette width designed for 12 required Campagnolo to rethink every component that interfaces with those sprockets, and the chain demanded the most attention. The Super Record 13 Chain measures just 4.9mm wide—narrower than any previous Campagnolo road chain—achieved through reduced link spacing and hollowed pins that sit perfectly flush with the outer plates. That slimmer profile allows the chain to navigate the tighter gaps between 13-speed sprockets without binding or hesitation, which is essential when the spacing tolerances are measured in fractions of a millimeter.

The engineering here builds directly on Campagnolo's experience with the Ekar 13-speed gravel groupset. They proved the 13-speed chain concept in the demanding conditions of off-road riding—mud, grit, power spikes during technical climbing—before bringing it to the road platform. If it can handle that abuse and still shift cleanly, smooth pavement isn't going to present any surprises. The chain maintains reliable performance under high power transfer, which matters when you're stomping on the pedals during a sprint or grinding up a steep pitch out of the saddle.

Hollow pin construction contributes to the 219-gram weight at 114 links. Each pin is drilled out to remove material without compromising the structural integrity that keeps the chain together under load. The pins sit flush with the outer plates rather than protruding, which reduces friction as the chain wraps around chainrings and sprockets. Less friction means quieter operation and marginally improved efficiency—small gains that accumulate over thousands of kilometers.... Read More