Watch your head, because the component war continues to wage at full-fury. First, with Shimano's intentional/accidental shot over the bow with its posterboy Armstrong showing up all big and beautiful in the latest Sports Illustrated sporting next-gen Dura-Ace. And now with Campagnolo granting VeloNews the first detailed images of its much-rumored electronic gruppo.

Some of the power for the system will be supplied by batteries stored in ErgoPower lever

Photo: Courtesy Campagnolo.

Our visit to Campagnolo world headquarters in Vicenza, Italy last week (look for a full report in two weeks) certainly helped smooth-out the tight-lipped policy that Campagnolo has so far held about any official comment about the gruppo.

Our Campagnolo contact Joseba Arizaga explained to us that the group has already undergone the first stage of prototype testing which included arduous lab testing, primary road testing by Campagnolo employees and field testing by a semi-pro road squad in Italy. He also was clear to point out that the version we see here will probabally differ greatly from the finished product (possible due in 2005 as Electronic Record).

A highly modified ErgoBrain will be the control center of the new system

Photo: Courtesy Campagnolo.

He explained to us that the, "chief goals of this new gruppo will be high attention to weight (comparable to current Record), durability, comfort and, most importantly, faster, crisper shifts." Furthermore he added that, "A light touch of the shifting lever (similar to current ErgoPower) will facilitate complete or intermittent changes in gear selection."

Unlike other manufacturers attempts at electronic shifting, Campagnolo's system will offer both front and rear on-demand automated shifting. And while the rear derailleur has been difficult to perfect, the front derailleur has proven to be the real challenge. Arizaga explained that, "To generate enough power to move the chain from the inner ring to the big ring requires a tremendous amount of force--which in turn consumes a great deal of battery power. Increasing the efficiency of the electronic front derailleur is our biggest problem right now."

A wider view

Photo: Courtesy Campagnolo.

Look for further details in Juskaitis’s continuing "Italian Connection" diaries right here on VeloNews.com