Hi! Do you have any tips for tuning the Ekar derailleur? I built up a bike with Ekar but can't get the shifting to work properly. For example, it gets stuck trying to go from the biggest sprocket to the 2nd biggest. I tried adjusting the B screw as well as the tension (which also messes up the smaller sprockets). Any advice would be appreciated, thank you!
@@khoipham118 I had the guys at Meteor Bikes here in Austin set it up and I have had zero trouble. You might try giving them a buzz and asking. It seems like they are setting up about 1 bike a week with it. They are super nice folks and have 2 Campagnolo certified mechanics working there.
@@khoipham118 I had the same problem with the shift from the largest sprocket (lowest gear) to the next. My Pinarello Gravel was originally built-up with SRAM which I did not like. Had all the SRAM removed and replaced with the Campagnolo Ekar which, once sorted, now works beautifully. Campagnolo supplied the Shifters and rear derailleur cable with only two short sections of derailleur cable housing. As the cable was routed inside the carbon frame, my mechanic reused the original SRAM housing. The problem arises from you clicking the thumb lever to shift which lengthens the cable at the the lever, but internal friction between the cable and housing impeding the cable from lengthening correctly at the derailleur to cleanly shift from the largest sprocket. You should be aware that the Ultra-Shift derailleur cable for 10 & 11 speeds has been superseded by "The Maximum Smoothness" derailleur cable and housing for 12 & 13 speeds. Same 1.2 mm diameter cable, but much finer strands to the wire. You can feel a big difference in the smoothness of the cable with your fingers. Campagnolo have full length (i.e.over two meters) "Maximum Smoothness" derailleur cable housing available (at an exorbitant price) in their supply chain to Authorized Distributers. The problem is not in the adjustment of the derailleur, but in the ease of movement of the cable inside the housing.
I’ve been looking at this groupset for sometime. Based on my research, for my use, I was looking at the 10-44 cassette with the 38T chain ring so this is a very helpful review. Thanks for another spot on review.
You are welcome, I hope you enjoy the Ekar groupset once you take delivery. I hope to return to Texas sooner rather than later. The surface has only been scratched!
Thanks for the review JOM. One by.... well... I was fascinated by the simplicity of the ‘one by’ system and used SRAM Force 1 for almost two years, now back to Ultegra Di2, I realize what I missed. Also I realize most of my rides are on tarmac, really don’t need the clutch mechanism. Thanks anyway, someday maybe I will try the 1x13 system on some future bike, who knows!!
As a xmas present to myself/lockdown project o built a bike with camper ekar along with the Shamal carbon wheels. Very pleased with it, using it as a winter trainer/bike packing rig where bike is happy both on & off the road. I was aprehensive re 1x setup and potential lack of gear ratios but happy to report the 13 speed is working fine for me. I am also thankful how good the Shamal wheels are on cross winds. I was expecting to be blown around like a sailing boat in cross winds but pleasantly surprised how little cross winds attest them when riding at 30kph. Only regret was I never purchased a t-labs x3 for the build ..... maybe another build to get my teeth into :)
@@GravelCyclist 38 front, 9-42 at the rear which suites me in the UK & the area I live in. May change rear cassette for 10-44 when full bike packing season starts and I go to an area that warrants it.
@@christopherhood9241 For giggles, I may reinstall the 9-42 shortly, some roadie-centric 700c x 32 tubeless tyres, and see if I can hang on a roadie group ride with that combo a little later. As you know, 38 x 9 is a very big gear. I'm very impressed at how smooth it runs.
Thanks! Thinking of throwing the 9x42 onto the bike with some roadie-centric 700c x 32mm slicks, and trying to hang with a fast roadie group ride, assuming vaccinations are in place, etc.
@@GravelCyclist I think that would be an awesome idea! I like the idea of 10-44 for gravel like you said. With the smaller tires for road, you'll definitely want the taller range of the 9t.
I've been running the Ekar on my Ritchey Outback and have found it to be a great gravel/all-around gruppo. With a 9-42 cassette for my 700c gravel wheels and the 10-44 for my 650B wheelset. Precise, quiet, and Campy sexy.
Beaut review mate! First time on the channel and immediately recognised a fellow Aussie with your 'Gday!' greeting! Thanks for sharing your thoughts and insight to the EKAR 1X13 groupie - certainly has opened my eyes to its simplicity and functionality. Currently running SRAM AXS 2X12 Force but thinking of building a mullet with this gruppo. Got yourself a new sub right her cobber!! Cheers!
I’ve been unsure of cassette and chainring combo , but your recommendation of the 38T chainring with the 10 x 44T cassette makes good sense, I think that’s what I’ll go for? I’m awaiting a new build Ti gravel bike. Thanks for a concise and informative review. From Wales.
I absolutely love this groupset - although to be fair, Rotor had a mechanical (i.e. non-electronic) 1 x 13 groupo out about 18 months before it, so probably not the world's first.
Hi Tim, you are correct about the Rotor groupset which I know all about, but to draw upon a technicality, that groupset is hydraulically actuated, even though we both know there's plenty of mechanical bits moving about :)
As always, excellent review! I just got a Otso Waheela C with 2x GRX but after seeing this Ekar review, you're making me question my choices! 1x13 is certainly a drivetrain worth considering. Thanks for the review and stay safe!
I subscribe to your channel which I enjoy very much, so thank you for what are doing. I must say though that I cringe every time someone says "Camp-ag-nolo"! The 'g' is silent, "Camp-a-nolo"...cheers!
Here's an "eat your heart out": Mr. Valentino Campagnolo is the most humble, kind-hearted person you will ever meet. He took my small group out to diner in Rome and I enjoyed talking business with him after riding the Gran Fondo Roma in October 2013 in connection with the 80th Anniversary of the company. Our group of eight enthusiasts then road from Rome to Vincenza with professional support, and had an inside tour of the factory. I do not recall how Mr. Campagnolo pronounced his own name; just that he was a wonderful person to meet and talk with. Ted Burke
Good review. I didn't like 1x11 drivetrains either but I have Sram 1x12 on my MTB which has been a game changer for me. I would like to see Campy include a 36 tooth chainring to that groupset.
@@GravelCyclist It proberbly doesn't, campagnolo picked the same BCD as big chainring on 11-speed and Record/SR 12-speed. Not the BCD of big chainring on Chorus 12-speed which i do see as a flaw. 44t-9t is identical to 55t-11t, i can only see a market for TT and TRI bikes for that option. 3rd party 13-speed 36t and 34t chainrings for 3rd party cranksets will probably come to market in 2022. Reviews of Ekar are stellar, if Campagnolo can keep up to demands they will be able sell a lot. I'd buy it if i hadn't picked up a Chorus H11 groupset on sale in 2020
@@mortenreippuertknudsen3576 Thanks for your input. I sincerely hope Campy gets some market share back, I absolutely love the 12-speed version of Chorus, and Ekar takes 1x to the next level.
Do you feel these 12 and 13 speed mechanical drive trains are best installed as externally-routed cable systems (in order to reduce the number of sharp bends going through the headtube and stem) or does it not really matter?
Less sharp bends is always better. In the case of the Ekar group in this review, it was installed on Ridley's Kanzo fast, everything internalized. I did not build the bike, but I assume there may be a tight bend or two. Shifting was absolutely flawless. I have a review posting aboard a Basso bike soon of Ekar GT... again, everything internalized. Shifting has once again been very good. Two more to mention, I reviewed 12 Speed Chorus Mechanical, it was a fully external configuration... shifting, perfect. Another flavor of Chorus, this time in a 1x configuration with the Classified Powershift on a Niner MCR 9 RDO. All of these videos are on the channel.
@@GravelCyclist Thanks for the detailed info. Ben Delaney rode a Basso Diamante with internal routing and Ekar 13 and said that the shifting wasn't so great. So that's why I was wondering about internal routing. I ride an old school steel with external routing and Campy Veloce 10S. Shifting is excellent -- even after years on the same cable and housing.
@@bengt_axle His reviews are not long term; did he even check cable tension and hanger alignment? Shifting demo I conducted here - instagram.com/reel/C9zxZ8exByo/?igsh=YmJvMW03Zm0yOTcw
Agree with with your view that this is the first 1x to considering leaving 2x behind. Is there a power crank option, or do after market power cranks offer suitable chain rings?
Thinking of getting a Lauf True Grit and stuck on whether to go Ekar or SRAM force AXS XPLR for the same price. More versatility with SRAM (kickr use, power meter, cassette swaps, etc) but I’m reluctant to go full 1x without so many 1 tooth jumps and I’m reluctant to deal with batteries. Which would you choose?
Yo! Great Video! I was an early adopter of Ekar and have it on my Canyon Grail. Been riding and loving it for the past 6 months in the PNW. My experiences are just as good as yours. Great groupset that is dependable, stylish, and a pleasure to ride. Was curious how others felt, hah. Quick question, noticed the chain whip you used when removing the cassette around 9:04. Is that a custom made whip with a section of the 13spd chain? Or are you using a standard 11spd chain whip? Additionally, I think its worth mentioning that the torque spec for that cassette lock ring is pretty high. Something like 55n-m, right? My mechanic told me that was very important for this groupset because of the N3W freehub and cassette design. I noticed you just did it by hand, have any issues with that? My lockring rattled loose at one point because it wasn't torqued down enough, but that was purely my fault. Let me know if you see this! I have been wondering if I need to alter my chainwhip or buy a special one in addition to the 10/11spd one I have for my other bikes! Thanks for the vid and happy riding!
Hi there! I was wondering if you have any tips for tuning the Ekar derailleur? I built up a bike with Ekar but can't get the shifting to work properly. For example, it gets stuck trying to go from the biggest sprocket to the 2nd biggest. I tried adjusting the B screw as well as the tension (which also messes up the smaller sprockets). Any advice would be appreciated, thank you!
@@GravelCyclist thank you for replying! Apparently the B screw was set wrong and the derailleur had to be much closer to the cassette. Now shifts like a charm 😁
Hi, I have Ekar on my Roval CL50 wheels that have DT Swiss 350 hubs. I just had to buy a new freehub that was compatible from DT Swiss for £50 and all is good. This was about 3 months ago 👍🏽.
Great review! Very informative. I'm looking at purchasing an Open Upper with the Ekar 1X. I'm curious if now that a year has passed, is there anything good or bad that you'd add or amend your review with? Thanks for all the great info.
@@GravelCyclist Jayson: I do recall you referencing returning the groupset now that you mention it. I'm curious to know what your current take is for the 1X vs 2X setup. We live in northern part of New England, up along the seacoast north of Boston. For the most part, here along the coast our roads are relatively flat to rolling hills. But I do partake in a couple of big adventure tours every year and these tend to take me into some mixed roads, dirt, gravel type of roadways. These are 3-5 thousand mile tours. And in some cases, we face some pretty serious elevation days where we're riding 4 - 7K vertical feet in a day. I love the clean look of the Ekar 1X setup. I'm just a bit nervous about the range when we're in serious hills. And I'm wondering if I'll be frustrated with the top end of the Ekar setup when cruising along some of our area roads with my roadie friends?
@@brianmccloskey6451 Brian, 38T is the only ring I would consider, just as in my review, and likewise, the 10-44 cassette. 38 x 10 is a decent gear, you can easily roll 30mph / 50km/hr on it. 38 x 44, pretty low as well. I love the 10-11-12-13-14 straight jumps on this cassette. Ekar, still my fave 1x setup without question. With all of this said, I still prefer a 2x setup, I prefer the tighter gaps on those sorts of drivetrains. Good luck with your decision, I'm confident you will be happy with Ekar if you choose it.
@@GravelCyclist Jayson: thanks for the added insight and preference. I've been using an older Ultegra 6800 2X setup on my current gravel /shoulder season bike. I'm thinking that a 2X setup is more my cup of tea. But I do love the look of the 1X setup and the Ekar groupset seems pretty bullet proof and reliable as you point out in your review. I also see that you have reviewed and own a T-Labs X3.22 gravel bike. It's a great looking bike! I love the overall look of it and you seem to love the performance. I've been looking at two carbon products: Allied ( super expensive!) and Open Up ( pricey but looks like a great gravel/all around touring bike as well). But I've owned titanium (seven) bikes in the past and loved both the ride and the durability. Are you planning on doing a more current review of the T-labs X3?
Can it be installed on a pure road bike? Any issues with this idea? I ride only on pretty flat tarmac roads and virtually never use small chainring, therefore aesthetically I don't like 2x.
Hi, yes, there is nothing proprietary that prevents this groupset from being installed on a road bike. Chainline may the only thing to pay attention to, so do your research there before buying. Good luck!
JOM, we chatted briefly in Mammoth while on the pre-ride and was I wondering if you’d still recommend the Campy 38T chainring for the conditions we encountered at TUFF. TUFF was my first gravel group ride and I learned I need to upgrade to a better equipped (and lighter!) bike. As far as mechanicals go, I am split between SRAM rival AXS and the Campy Ekar even after watching your insightful reviews. Cheers from Reno.
Hi there, 38T with the 10-44 is my recommendation for Campy Ekar. I found it to be perfect for everything, including flatter roads. 38x10 is a big gear, and 38x44, nice and low.
Hi Jom! Keep up the good work! Thanks for the review. One thing I never see talked about is hand position, comfort and the ergonomics of the lever hoods. I have small hands and I love the hoods of the shimano Di2 groupsets. Is this similar o more substantial, like sram?
Smaller hands will be happy with this groupset. I feel its comfy factor is #1 for mechanical hoods, whereas Shimano GRX Di2 is still the overall #1 for comfort. Just my opinion of course.
Hello there, almost wrapped up with a year long review period on the Garmin XC200 pedals (my fave for sure), and later, the single sided variant of 4iiii's power meter.
I think pedal or hub PMs are about your only option, unless Stages does something? Hope I can review the Shamal wheels shortly... the Ridley Kanzo Fast frame / fork is next!
@@GravelCyclist I contacted Stages; the Ekar crank is different from the Record crank (Stages has a mod for this) so until there is more demand, Stages won't do a mod for the Ekar crank.
Someone talked about that earlier, maybe we'll see a third party crankset modified to work with Campy's BCD that is smaller, or a third party crankset. I suspect the latter won't be a huge drama, but it all depends on demand.
I did order this groupeset at first of february and still wait for that. Hope it will come soon. But i do not see any news from distributors. P.S. I did order it in norway. Is it really so hard to get it here?
Thanks for this review. Do you feel there's any loss of gears (i.e. jumps in spacing) for cases where you are riding around 25-35km/hr, or is it just as good as a 2X system? (BTW: the "g" in Campagnolo is silent. Pronounce "Campa-nyo-low").
Hello there, I still prefer a good 2x system, especially with its tighter cassette gaps, but I feel the 10-44 13-speed cassette, especially with the 38T ring, closed the gap a little to 2x. Campy Ekar is still my favorite 1x specific drivetrain. You could probably waste copious time running all of these options through a gearing calculator, a 40T may work better for you, depending on where you reside.
It is high time to invent a triple chainring transmission: chain in alignment, less need for sprockets on the cassette, wider chain that wears less quickly than ... tires!
Give it a few years, I am sure we will see the triple make a triumphant return! Of interest, Shimano did originally offer XTR Di2 with a triple specific front and rear derailleur... and crank.
@@GravelCyclist it was too small platters, like the micro-drive, it wears out extremely quickly, less perhaps than the single-deck. What would be good is 30-39-50 or with 12-34.
I just got my bike built up with this groupset. I highly recommend it. The shifting is absolutely incredible. They really got it right.
I hear SRAM has a 14-speed Bluetooth group set in the works.
Hi! Do you have any tips for tuning the Ekar derailleur? I built up a bike with Ekar but can't get the shifting to work properly. For example, it gets stuck trying to go from the biggest sprocket to the 2nd biggest. I tried adjusting the B screw as well as the tension (which also messes up the smaller sprockets). Any advice would be appreciated, thank you!
@@khoipham118 I had the guys at Meteor Bikes here in Austin set it up and I have had zero trouble. You might try giving them a buzz and asking. It seems like they are setting up about 1 bike a week with it. They are super nice folks and have 2 Campagnolo certified mechanics working there.
@@tommahnke thank you for your suggestion!
@@khoipham118 I had the same problem with the shift from the largest sprocket (lowest gear) to the next. My Pinarello Gravel was originally built-up with SRAM which I did not like. Had all the SRAM removed and replaced with the Campagnolo Ekar which, once sorted, now works beautifully. Campagnolo supplied the Shifters and rear derailleur cable with only two short sections of derailleur cable housing. As the cable was routed inside the carbon frame, my mechanic reused the original SRAM housing. The problem arises from you clicking the thumb lever to shift which lengthens the cable at the the lever, but internal friction between the cable and housing impeding the cable from lengthening correctly at the derailleur to cleanly shift from the largest sprocket. You should be aware that the Ultra-Shift derailleur cable for 10 & 11 speeds has been superseded by "The Maximum Smoothness" derailleur cable and housing for 12 & 13 speeds. Same 1.2 mm diameter cable, but much finer strands to the wire. You can feel a big difference in the smoothness of the cable with your fingers. Campagnolo have full length (i.e.over two meters) "Maximum Smoothness" derailleur cable housing available (at an exorbitant price) in their supply chain to Authorized Distributers. The problem is not in the adjustment of the derailleur, but in the ease of movement of the cable inside the housing.
Best Campagnolo Ekar 1x13 review, congrats
I’ve been looking at this groupset for sometime. Based on my research, for my use, I was looking at the 10-44 cassette with the 38T chain ring so this is a very helpful review. Thanks for another spot on review.
Jsut a unique and fantastic groupset in so many ways. Its for real bike enthusiasts. 38t-10-44 is spot on. Amazing review
Thanks for the review. I have a 38T combined with a 11x48T 10-speed Advent X cassette. Couldn't be happier.
Nice one!
Best video so far I’ve watched about campa Ekar 13 👍🏼 thanks so much for sharing, because I thought I was an idiot to change my back wheel 😂👌🏼
Thanks Man...love your no bs style
Thank you for the review. Ordering mine in the next month or so. Hope you enjoyed your visit to Texas.
You are welcome, I hope you enjoy the Ekar groupset once you take delivery. I hope to return to Texas sooner rather than later. The surface has only been scratched!
Great review. Very nice explenation of how to remove and install the rear wheel 👍.
Great groupset.
thanks for the great review, that really helped me with gearing selection and my order is now placed :)
Thanks for the review JOM. One by.... well... I was fascinated by the simplicity of the ‘one by’ system and used SRAM Force 1 for almost two years, now back to Ultegra Di2, I realize what I missed. Also I realize most of my rides are on tarmac, really don’t need the clutch mechanism. Thanks anyway, someday maybe I will try the 1x13 system on some future bike, who knows!!
As a xmas present to myself/lockdown project o built a bike with camper ekar along with the Shamal carbon wheels.
Very pleased with it, using it as a winter trainer/bike packing rig where bike is happy both on & off the road. I was aprehensive re 1x setup and potential lack of gear ratios but happy to report the 13 speed is working fine for me. I am also thankful how good the Shamal wheels are on cross winds. I was expecting to be blown around like a sailing boat in cross winds but pleasantly surprised how little cross winds attest them when riding at 30kph.
Only regret was I never purchased a t-labs x3 for the build ..... maybe another build to get my teeth into :)
Nice one, Christopher. What chainring / cassette ratio did you end up choosing?
@@GravelCyclist 38 front, 9-42 at the rear which suites me in the UK & the area I live in.
May change rear cassette for 10-44 when full bike packing season starts and I go to an area that warrants it.
@@christopherhood9241 For giggles, I may reinstall the 9-42 shortly, some roadie-centric 700c x 32 tubeless tyres, and see if I can hang on a roadie group ride with that combo a little later. As you know, 38 x 9 is a very big gear. I'm very impressed at how smooth it runs.
I too are impressed on how smooth it is and how easy on the fingers the levers are.
@@GravelCyclist 38t-9t is identical to 50t-12t so you can probably hang on without issues.
Great review JOM! Love those close gear ratios at the small end of the cassette.
Thanks! Thinking of throwing the 9x42 onto the bike with some roadie-centric 700c x 32mm slicks, and trying to hang with a fast roadie group ride, assuming vaccinations are in place, etc.
@@GravelCyclist I think that would be an awesome idea! I like the idea of 10-44 for gravel like you said. With the smaller tires for road, you'll definitely want the taller range of the 9t.
Go you good thing...great review by the benchmark...thank you.
Thank you Steven!
Been waiting for that review good one I knew it would be on the money👍😊
Thanks!
I've been running the Ekar on my Ritchey Outback and have found it to be a great gravel/all-around gruppo. With a 9-42 cassette for my 700c gravel wheels and the 10-44 for my 650B wheelset. Precise, quiet, and Campy sexy.
Nice one Bill. I firmly believe it is the best 1x option currently available. Out of curiosity, what size chainring are you using?
@@GravelCyclist I've got the 40T chainring and found it's just right and I've had no issues keeping up w/ my compatriots riding their 2x setups.
Beaut review mate! First time on the channel and immediately recognised a fellow Aussie with your 'Gday!' greeting! Thanks for sharing your thoughts and insight to the EKAR 1X13 groupie - certainly has opened my eyes to its simplicity and functionality. Currently running SRAM AXS 2X12 Force but thinking of building a mullet with this gruppo. Got yourself a new sub right her cobber!! Cheers!
Good onya! Crow eater here, left the Oz homeland way back in 1998!
I’ve been unsure of cassette and chainring combo , but your recommendation of the 38T chainring with the 10 x 44T cassette makes good sense, I think that’s what I’ll go for? I’m awaiting a new build Ti gravel bike. Thanks for a concise and informative review. From Wales.
Still not use which one to choose in the front for gravel, road and bikepacking.
Great review, thank you.
Glad it was helpful!
Great review, as always.
Thank you!
I absolutely love this groupset - although to be fair, Rotor had a mechanical (i.e. non-electronic) 1 x 13 groupo out about 18 months before it, so probably not the world's first.
Hi Tim, you are correct about the Rotor groupset which I know all about, but to draw upon a technicality, that groupset is hydraulically actuated, even though we both know there's plenty of mechanical bits moving about :)
@@GravelCyclist Oh aye, it's hydraulic - but as an old part-engineer i'd call that mechanical :) Nice rig btw.
Greetings from Poland no bulls*it indeed keep up ;-)
Any comments on chain durability? Also FYI if you didn't know, brakes are made in collaboration with Magura
As always, excellent review! I just got a Otso Waheela C with 2x GRX but after seeing this Ekar review, you're making me question my choices! 1x13 is certainly a drivetrain worth considering. Thanks for the review and stay safe!
2x GRX is a very very fine choice. You will be very happy either way.
Очень полезное видео, спасибо.
Пожалуйста! (You are welcome).
I thought I should go with the 10-44 cassette, thank you for your information!
Best cassette going, IMHO, with the 38T chainring.
Great review thank you so much
My pleasure!
Another great, in-depth review Jom! Ekar on my Elite E5 Diverge? Why not? Maybe... Someday... 😂👍
Bill, if it makes you happy, do it! Later may be better, Ekar like everything else cycling related is difficult to obtain. Think Hen's teeth 😀
"420 Grams, some people might like that for some reason"
+1 for content
:)
✌️
I subscribe to your channel which I enjoy very much, so thank you for what are doing. I must say though that I cringe every time someone says "Camp-ag-nolo"! The 'g' is silent, "Camp-a-nolo"...cheers!
Noted, appreciate the Campy insight! I should know better, Campy mechanical 9 & 10-speed is what I run on most of my older road bikes.
Here's an "eat your heart out": Mr. Valentino Campagnolo is the most humble, kind-hearted person you will ever meet. He took my small group out to diner in Rome and I enjoyed talking business with him after riding the Gran Fondo Roma in October 2013 in connection with the 80th Anniversary of the company. Our group of eight enthusiasts then road from Rome to Vincenza with professional support, and had an inside tour of the factory. I do not recall how Mr. Campagnolo pronounced his own name; just that he was a wonderful person to meet and talk with. Ted Burke
oops: RODE, not road.
Good review. I didn't like 1x11 drivetrains either but I have Sram 1x12 on my MTB which has been a game changer for me. I would like to see Campy include a 36 tooth chainring to that groupset.
I'm wondering if Campy's chainring BCD on that crankset goes down to 36T? I agree with you.
@@GravelCyclist It proberbly doesn't, campagnolo picked the same BCD as big chainring on 11-speed and Record/SR 12-speed. Not the BCD of big chainring on Chorus 12-speed which i do see as a flaw.
44t-9t is identical to 55t-11t, i can only see a market for TT and TRI bikes for that option.
3rd party 13-speed 36t and 34t chainrings for 3rd party cranksets will probably come to market in 2022.
Reviews of Ekar are stellar, if Campagnolo can keep up to demands they will be able sell a lot.
I'd buy it if i hadn't picked up a Chorus H11 groupset on sale in 2020
@@mortenreippuertknudsen3576 Thanks for your input. I sincerely hope Campy gets some market share back, I absolutely love the 12-speed version of Chorus, and Ekar takes 1x to the next level.
@@GravelCyclist The Ekar's crankset has a bolt center diameter of 123 mm, so the 38 tooth ring is the smallest that will fit.
Thanks for the review! I am going to buy Ekar, can’t obtain anything sram.
Yasssss!!! Speak cycle to me! Siiiiiii!!! Parlami ciclo! 🤓🔥
😀😊
Do you feel these 12 and 13 speed mechanical drive trains are best installed as externally-routed cable systems (in order to reduce the number of sharp bends going through the headtube and stem) or does it not really matter?
Less sharp bends is always better. In the case of the Ekar group in this review, it was installed on Ridley's Kanzo fast, everything internalized. I did not build the bike, but I assume there may be a tight bend or two. Shifting was absolutely flawless. I have a review posting aboard a Basso bike soon of Ekar GT... again, everything internalized. Shifting has once again been very good. Two more to mention, I reviewed 12 Speed Chorus Mechanical, it was a fully external configuration... shifting, perfect. Another flavor of Chorus, this time in a 1x configuration with the Classified Powershift on a Niner MCR 9 RDO. All of these videos are on the channel.
@@GravelCyclist Thanks for the detailed info. Ben Delaney rode a Basso Diamante with internal routing and Ekar 13 and said that the shifting wasn't so great. So that's why I was wondering about internal routing. I ride an old school steel with external routing and Campy Veloce 10S. Shifting is excellent -- even after years on the same cable and housing.
@@bengt_axle His reviews are not long term; did he even check cable tension and hanger alignment? Shifting demo I conducted here - instagram.com/reel/C9zxZ8exByo/?igsh=YmJvMW03Zm0yOTcw
Do you think the Ekar rear derailleur could be used with their road 11-12 speed mechanical groups?
Would you still find this group set ideal for 5 - 10 days tours? For example a ride through spain or from München to budapest.
Certainly. Like any mechanical system, I would take along a spare shifter cable just in case... oh and a spare derailleur hanger.
Agree with with your view that this is the first 1x to considering leaving 2x behind. Is there a power crank option, or do after market power cranks offer suitable chain rings?
I don't believe there's a power crank option at this time, maybe later, or Stages will offer a retrofit? I expect we'll see aftermarket options soon.
8:18 is it bad that i absolutely love descending at 25mph+ no handed? Its just so fun and it makes me feel like I’m surfing.
Haha, you crazy guy!
Gonna end in tears but carry on regardless 😂
Will you review the Campagnolo Shamal carbon disc wheelset? The specs and price point look pretty desirable.
If I get to keep the bike hanging around for a bit longer, affirmative. The Ridley Kanzo Fast itself would be next.
Yea the wheels look beautiful and specs look great for just straight road or gravel use..and price point isn't bad either. I've been eyeing up a set
Thinking of getting a Lauf True Grit and stuck on whether to go Ekar or SRAM force AXS XPLR for the same price. More versatility with SRAM (kickr use, power meter, cassette swaps, etc) but I’m reluctant to go full 1x without so many 1 tooth jumps and I’m reluctant to deal with batteries. Which would you choose?
How does the brake and ergonomics perform and or feel compared to the holy grail of GRX?
Holy grail of grx? Campagnolo disc brakes are head and shoulders above Shimano.
Yo! Great Video!
I was an early adopter of Ekar and have it on my Canyon Grail. Been riding and loving it for the past 6 months in the PNW. My experiences are just as good as yours. Great groupset that is dependable, stylish, and a pleasure to ride. Was curious how others felt, hah.
Quick question, noticed the chain whip you used when removing the cassette around 9:04. Is that a custom made whip with a section of the 13spd chain? Or are you using a standard 11spd chain whip?
Additionally, I think its worth mentioning that the torque spec for that cassette lock ring is pretty high. Something like 55n-m, right? My mechanic told me that was very important for this groupset because of the N3W freehub and cassette design. I noticed you just did it by hand, have any issues with that? My lockring rattled loose at one point because it wasn't torqued down enough, but that was purely my fault.
Let me know if you see this! I have been wondering if I need to alter my chainwhip or buy a special one in addition to the 10/11spd one I have for my other bikes! Thanks for the vid and happy riding!
I can't answer for the other questions but I use a regular 11s chain whip with my Ekar
I also use the same one as for a Shimano 11 speed cassette.
Hi there! I was wondering if you have any tips for tuning the Ekar derailleur? I built up a bike with Ekar but can't get the shifting to work properly. For example, it gets stuck trying to go from the biggest sprocket to the 2nd biggest. I tried adjusting the B screw as well as the tension (which also messes up the smaller sprockets). Any advice would be appreciated, thank you!
Have you checked the alignment of your derailleur hanger? That is a common cause of shifting issues.
@@GravelCyclist thank you for replying! Apparently the B screw was set wrong and the derailleur had to be much closer to the cassette. Now shifts like a charm 😁
@@khoipham118 Nice, glad to hear it was an easy fix :)
How do you think it compares to GRX di2 2by ?
So the pertinent question is does the 13 speed cassette fit on aCampagnolo free hub DT Swiss 240/180/350?
Steven, DT is meant to be releasing a compatible cassette body for these hubs that can be retrofitted.
Hi, I have Ekar on my Roval CL50 wheels that have DT Swiss 350 hubs. I just had to buy a new freehub that was compatible from DT Swiss for £50 and all is good. This was about 3 months ago 👍🏽.
@@leonisno1 Thanks for chiming in! :)
Great review! How did you like the Shamal wheels? Thx!
Great review! Very informative. I'm looking at purchasing an Open Upper with the Ekar 1X. I'm curious if now that a year has passed, is there anything good or bad that you'd add or amend your review with? Thanks for all the great info.
Hi Brian, I returned the bike / groupset to Campagnolo not long after this video was posted.
@@GravelCyclist Jayson: I do recall you referencing returning the groupset now that you mention it. I'm curious to know what your current take is for the 1X vs 2X setup. We live in northern part of New England, up along the seacoast north of Boston. For the most part, here along the coast our roads are relatively flat to rolling hills. But I do partake in a couple of big adventure tours every year and these tend to take me into some mixed roads, dirt, gravel type of roadways. These are 3-5 thousand mile tours. And in some cases, we face some pretty serious elevation days where we're riding 4 - 7K vertical feet in a day. I love the clean look of the Ekar 1X setup. I'm just a bit nervous about the range when we're in serious hills. And I'm wondering if I'll be frustrated with the top end of the Ekar setup when cruising along some of our area roads with my roadie friends?
@@brianmccloskey6451 Brian, 38T is the only ring I would consider, just as in my review, and likewise, the 10-44 cassette. 38 x 10 is a decent gear, you can easily roll 30mph / 50km/hr on it. 38 x 44, pretty low as well. I love the 10-11-12-13-14 straight jumps on this cassette. Ekar, still my fave 1x setup without question. With all of this said, I still prefer a 2x setup, I prefer the tighter gaps on those sorts of drivetrains. Good luck with your decision, I'm confident you will be happy with Ekar if you choose it.
@@GravelCyclist Jayson: thanks for the added insight and preference. I've been using an older Ultegra 6800 2X setup on my current gravel /shoulder season bike. I'm thinking that a 2X setup is more my cup of tea. But I do love the look of the 1X setup and the Ekar groupset seems pretty bullet proof and reliable as you point out in your review. I also see that you have reviewed and own a T-Labs X3.22 gravel bike. It's a great looking bike! I love the overall look of it and you seem to love the performance. I've been looking at two carbon products: Allied ( super expensive!) and Open Up ( pricey but looks like a great gravel/all around touring bike as well). But I've owned titanium (seven) bikes in the past and loved both the ride and the durability. Are you planning on doing a more current review of the T-labs X3?
Hello can I use ekar rear derailleur with super record crankset ?
Super Record is 2x, not 1x.
Can it be installed on a pure road bike? Any issues with this idea? I ride only on pretty flat tarmac roads and virtually never use small chainring, therefore aesthetically I don't like 2x.
Hi, yes, there is nothing proprietary that prevents this groupset from being installed on a road bike. Chainline may the only thing to pay attention to, so do your research there before buying. Good luck!
I use Ekar on my gravel bike but put 32 slicks on it for road riding, ie. very little dirt roads. It's fantastic.
JOM, we chatted briefly in Mammoth while on the pre-ride and was I wondering if you’d still recommend the Campy 38T chainring for the conditions we encountered at TUFF. TUFF was my first gravel group ride and I learned I need to upgrade to a better equipped (and lighter!) bike. As far as mechanicals go, I am split between SRAM rival AXS and the Campy Ekar even after watching your insightful reviews. Cheers from Reno.
Hi there, 38T with the 10-44 is my recommendation for Campy Ekar. I found it to be perfect for everything, including flatter roads. 38x10 is a big gear, and 38x44, nice and low.
Thanks Jom
Great review........wonder how long it will take to get to Aus
Hasn't arrived yet?
Those brake calipers resemble Magura, whaddya think?
Maybe...
Hi Jom! Keep up the good work! Thanks for the review. One thing I never see talked about is hand position, comfort and the ergonomics of the lever hoods. I have small hands and I love the hoods of the shimano Di2 groupsets. Is this similar o more substantial, like sram?
Smaller hands will be happy with this groupset. I feel its comfy factor is #1 for mechanical hoods, whereas Shimano GRX Di2 is still the overall #1 for comfort. Just my opinion of course.
What kind of power meter can you use ?
Hello there, almost wrapped up with a year long review period on the Garmin XC200 pedals (my fave for sure), and later, the single sided variant of 4iiii's power meter.
@@GravelCyclist Does 4iiii offer powermeters for Ekar ? I couldn't find it on their website.
Great review! I plan to get the Ekar for my gravel build but for power meter, are pedal PMs the only solution? By the way, how are the Shamal wheels?
I think pedal or hub PMs are about your only option, unless Stages does something? Hope I can review the Shamal wheels shortly... the Ridley Kanzo Fast frame / fork is next!
@@GravelCyclist would definitely like a shamal review/comparison. Not much out there and trust your opinion and experience with wheelsets.
@@GravelCyclist I contacted Stages; the Ekar crank is different from the Record crank (Stages has a mod for this) so until there is more demand, Stages won't do a mod for the Ekar crank.
Great review, i have allways been a campagnolo man on the road, but please pronounce it Campaniolo!
You're about the fourth person to correct me, noted :)
@@GravelCyclist but go on with your really good reviews.Greetings from Germany!
What cassette Would you recommend for cyclocross?
10-44, no question about it. You'll likely never use a 9T cog in CX. 38T ring with a 10-44 could be a really nice setup.
@@GravelCyclist what about 40T instead of 38T with the 11-44 for a bit more road ?
Looks interesting. Gears aren't low enough for me though
Someone talked about that earlier, maybe we'll see a third party crankset modified to work with Campy's BCD that is smaller, or a third party crankset. I suspect the latter won't be a huge drama, but it all depends on demand.
campagnolo - pronounced campanyolo. great review mate
The Ekar shift is not unlike Xenon shifter. But Xenon has a much smaller thumb lever.
Does it shift to smaller cogs on the thumb press or the release?
I did order this groupeset at first of february and still wait for that. Hope it will come soon. But i do not see any news from distributors. P.S. I did order it in norway. Is it really so hard to get it here?
The cycling seson started already and I still did not finish my bike!
Campagnlo pleeeeese give memy groupset ((((((
Nice.
Just checking, you switched from 9-42 to 10-44 without lengthening the chain by 2 links? This didn't cause you any problems?
I didn't change a thing. Sure, adding two links is probably optimal, but you saw it in the video, completely unchanged.
That's very nice to hear.
Thanks for this review. Do you feel there's any loss of gears (i.e. jumps in spacing) for cases where you are riding around 25-35km/hr, or is it just as good as a 2X system?
(BTW: the "g" in Campagnolo is silent. Pronounce "Campa-nyo-low").
Hello there, I still prefer a good 2x system, especially with its tighter cassette gaps, but I feel the 10-44 13-speed cassette, especially with the 38T ring, closed the gap a little to 2x. Campy Ekar is still my favorite 1x specific drivetrain. You could probably waste copious time running all of these options through a gearing calculator, a 40T may work better for you, depending on where you reside.
only 1 upshift at a time? Might as well be shimaNo. Thanks for the review.
I hope they change the upshift to be multiple, like Chorus, etc.
¡ CAM--PA--ÑÓ--LO ! 😀
Or Campa G nolo as this Aussie pronounces it.
@@GravelCyclist Barbarian English pronuntiation. Sorry ! It's bad !
Focus on the review 😄👌
Of course I've just replaced my XC bike group with SRAM 1x11. That's what was available for drops....
Hearing Campagnolo mispronounced that many times broke me. Great video though :)
It is high time to invent a triple chainring transmission: chain in alignment, less need for sprockets on the cassette, wider chain that wears less quickly than ... tires!
Give it a few years, I am sure we will see the triple make a triumphant return! Of interest, Shimano did originally offer XTR Di2 with a triple specific front and rear derailleur... and crank.
@@GravelCyclist it was too small platters, like the micro-drive, it wears out extremely quickly, less perhaps than the single-deck. What would be good is 30-39-50 or with 12-34.
9:45 👌🏻🌳💨
Haha, surprised it took someone this long to comment about the weight... and other reference.
Ha, well that’s me! Thanks for the video and your other content
how is it up or downhill? would you recommend it in favour of a 2x drivetrain?
I use Ekar: 9-42 and it works very well on a road, ie. the gear range is as good as my 2x.
Rotor had a 1x13 before this groupset
If you paid attention, I said Ekar is the world's first 13-speed mechanical groupset. Rotor was earlier but is hydraulic, check your facts.
420 grams. Some people may like the number for some funny reason... and I would be one of them!
✌️
Hard to come by these groupsets these days.
Very, good luck!
Great review - thank you ✌️