The new, made-for-gravel 13-speed Campagnolo Ekar uses a 9-tooth cassette cog to match the range of a 2x drivetrain. Campagnolo positions it as “the world’s lightest gravel groupset.” Find the launch video alongside prices and weights tables here…
Although not the first company to release a 13-speed drivetrain (that was Rotor), Campagnolo just announced its 13-speed Ekar, a gravel-specific 1×13 mechanical drivetrain featuring three different cassettes with some pretty decent ranges. Watch the launch video below, then scroll down for basic specs on each component, and find price and weight tables at the bottom of the post…
Campagnolo EKAR REAR DERAILLEUR
The Campagnolo Ekar drivetrain features a single rear derailleur design with mid-length cage. It’s compatible with the varying sprocket sizes on all three cassette gearing options, from 9-36 to 10-44. Specs from Campagnolo below.
- New 1×13-specific design
- 2D parallelogram trajectory for 13 sprockets
- Smooth chain running & high security
- Locking clutch for easy wheel removal
- Carbon fiber-reinforced polyamide & anodised alloys – for light weight, strength & durability
Campagnolo EKAR 13-SPEED Cassettes
The Ekar cassettes come in three configurations, 9-36t (400% range), 9-42t (467%), and 10-44t (440%). Each cassette is built from two CNC-machined steel clusters, split up into 4- and 9-sprockets for the configurations featuring a 9-tooth, and 3- and 10-sprockets for the range starting with a 10-tooth. The cassettes fit onto the Campagnalo N3W freehub driver body, featuring the same groove profiles as the classic Campagnolo body, but 4.4mm shorter. 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.
- Endurance: 9-36T (9-10-11-12-13-14-16-18-20-23-27-31-36)
- Gravel Race: 9-42T (9-10-11-12-13-14-16-18-21-25-30-36-42)
- Gravel Adventure: 10-44T (10-11-12-13-14-15-17-19-22-26-32-39-44)
- Weights: 340 grams (9-36T) / 390 grams (9-42T) / 415 grams (10-44T)
- Closer high gear spacing
- Wider low gear spacing
- 9-tooth smallest sprocket on two options
- New lighter N3W driver standard for wide compatibility
Campagnolo EKAR CRANKSET
The Campagnolo EKAR carbon crankset features a “ProTech” spindle which joins the two half-axles inside the bottom bracket with a single, oversized bolt that connects the two. The crankset comes with it’s own proprietary chainrings in four different configurations: Adventure has 38 teeth; Pure Gravel has 40T, Fast Gravel has 42T, and eGravel has 44T. While Campagnolo hasn’t published the tire clearance allowed with this drivetrain, note that they retained a very narrow Q-factor of 145.5, which is about 5mm narrower than Shimano GRX cranks.
- 2-piece cranks: steel axle and UD carbon arms
- 4 ring options: 38T, 40T, 42T, 44T
- Easy-change alloy rings; no crank disassembly
- Four-bolt spider with a proprietary 123mm BCD
- Length options: 165, 170, 172.5, 175mm
- Q-factor: 145.5mm
Campagnolo EKAR C13 CHAIN
At just 4.9mm wide the new Ekar C13 chain is 0.25mm narrower than the Campagnolo 12-speed chain but Campagnolo claims that it meets the same level of durability standards.
- C13 gravel chain; new for Ekar 1×13
- Efficient and secure wide-narrow teeth
- Ultrasound lubrication system
- Classic and C-Link™ options
Campagnolo EKAR ERGOPOWER CONTROLS
The Ergopower levers feature the thumb lever, similar to other Campy shifters. The internal shift mechanism enables up-shifts by up to three sprockets in a single movement and single downshifts.
- Comfortable support; Vari-Cushion™
- New Lever 3 design for tops/hoods riding focus
- Enhanced grip
- Multiple action; Ultra-Shift™ up-shifts
- Advanced ergonomics and reach adjustment
Campagnolo EKAR Brake CALIPER
The Ekar brake system’s internal hydraulics are relatively the same to other Campagnolo calipers, using mineral oil and DB310 pads. They’re also compatible with other Campagnolo disc brakes. The Ekar caliper is available in flat-mount only.
- High braking performance
- Progressive modulation and feel
- Long life organic pads
Campagnolo EKAR ROTOR
- High braking performance
- Progressive modulation and feel
- 140 and 160mm steel rotors
Campagnolo EKAR PRO-TECH™ BOTTOM BRACKET
- Designed and built specifically for gravel
- ProTech patented sealing system and fiberglass-polyamide tube
- Compatible with all current standards
Campagnolo Ekar Pricing
- Cranks: $360
- Cassettes: $274
- Derailleur: $256
- Levr/Shifter/Brake (R/R): $395
- Lever/Brake (L/F): $316
- Rotor (F): $41
- Rotor (R): $41
- Chain: $46
- Total: $1,729 USD
Campagnolo Ekar Weights
- Cranks: 615 grams (172.5mm, 38T)
- Cassettes: 415 grams (10-44T)
- Derailleur: 275 grams
- Levers: 420 grams (pair)
- Caliper (F): 110 grams
- Caliper (R): 95 grams
- Rotor (F): 157 grams (160mm)
- Rotor (R): 157 grams (160mm)
- Chain: 242 grams (118 links / Pin)
- Total: 2,486 grams
Find more details on Campagnolo Ekar 13-speed drivetrain over at Campagnolo.com.
Please keep the conversation civil, constructive, and inclusive, or your comment will be removed.