We have some information from the Campagnolo launch of the new groupset called Potenza, it is a mid-range 11-speed road group designed to compete head to head with Shimano’s Ultegra
In Campagnolo’s line-up, Potenza sits below Super Record, Record, and Chorus. Those three groups are offered in both EPS electronic shift, or mechanical shift: Potenza, for now, is only offered in mechanical.
Potenza’s root features and technologies are trickled down from the company’s more expensive groupsets. Potenza incorporates the latest updates to Campagnolo’s high-end groupsets and the Potenza is fully cross-compatible with them as well.
As far as its mission to compete against Shimano’s Ultegra, Potenza bests Ultegra on weight by about 87 grams
New Group?
Though Campagnolo had an existing mid-range 11-speed group, Athena, the decision was made to create a new group, rather than redesign an existing one.
My interpretation is that the company wants to try to get in on the action in the OE market and take some share away from Shimano and SRAM—a daunting task.
Also, the company is trying to convince cyclists that it is more than just a very high-end drivetrain manufacturer; that it can make a competitive mid-range group that you will want on your next bike—also a daunting task. This represents a significant new push from Campagnolo; one that they feel means something more than a redesign of an existing group. Potenza has similarities to Athena, so it may be semantics, but Campagnolo seems to believe Potenza is the start of something new.
Potenza Tech
Though there are similarities to Athena, Potenza inherits the updated features from Campagnolo’s higher-end groups like a four-arm crank and derailleurs. Two colours will be offered: black, and polished.
Potenza is offered in all black, or polished with black accents.PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF CAMPAGNOLO
The only real functional difference between Potenza and Super Record is the rear shifting.
Campagnolo uses upshift and downshift differently: They mean literally up and down. So a rear derailleur up-shift in Campag-speak is smaller cog to larger cog; a front derailleur upshift in Campag-speak is from smaller ring to bigger ring. Downshifts are larger to smaller.
Potenza’s rear shifting allows multi-downshifts (up to three gears); but only single upshifts. That differs from Super Record/Record/Chorus rear shifting which can multi-shift in both directions: up to three downshifts and five upshifts.
Potenza’s ErgoPower levers use an aluminum brake lever with reinforced polymer shift levers and hoods. The brake levers, and shift paddles directly behind, are the same shape as Super Record, etc. The thumb triggers, however, drop lower (a design influenced by EPS), making them easier to reach from the drops. Inside is a new and more durable PowerShift mechanism.
The hood shape is an updated version of the tall-peak design that debuted with Super Record 11-speed. Potenza’s peaks are more rounded, and Campagnolo expects riders will grip them for an additional riding position. The shape of the bar interface has been updated for improved fit with compact drop bars. The hood covers are revised to improve water drainage, says Riddle.
The brake calipers use Campagnolo’s familiar Skeleton design. The only real news here is a new pad compound. This is a huge upgrade—improved feel, more power, better modulation. Hopefully, the compound will be moved up the line to the higher-end groups.
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Potenza brings with it a new line of less-expensive cassettes. Offered in 12-27, 11-25, 11-27, 11-29, and 11-32, the top three cogs are grouped on a spider, while the remaining seven are loose. The 11-29 may be used with a short cage Potenza derailleur, but the 11-32 requires the mid-cage option.