What makes Ekar different?
It is the lightest and it is 13-speed. Campagnolo are not the first to develop a 13-speed groupset. Rotor launched the 1x13 groupset in the spring of 2019. However, Rotor UNO is road specific and although was well reviewed it didn't make it into the mainstream.
13-speed is a bold step for Campagnolo that has been road only component maker for almost three decades, having previously only dabbled in mountain bike componentry, particularly because they are only providing a 1x13 drivetrain with no option to run a front derailleur.
Ekar (pronounced ECK-ar), features 1x gearing only and cassettes that starts with a tiny 9-tooth cog and has a 13-speed cassette. Campagnolo Ekar aims to match the 2x drivetrains of Shimano “without compromise” using carbon components and lightweight alloys. Lighter than gravel groupset available from Shimano and SRAM. The groupset weighs 2,385g.
It sits as a direct competitor to Shimano GRX 800 mechanical and SRAM's Force 1 or Force 1 AXS groupsets.
Whereas some groupsets (notably the 1x 12-speed Shimano GRX RX820) require a different derailleur cage depending on the range of the cassette fitted, Ekar GT lets you fit the entire range of cassettes using the same derailleur, which also makes it easier to alter your gearing.
The chain is kept in check by an all-new clutched rear derailleur, while cassettes starting with a tiny 9-tooth sprocket supply the necessary range. The 13-speed cassette provides two additional gears over SRAM and Shimano's 1x groupsets.
Campagnolo says the Ekar chains are manufactured at the brand’s Vicenza facility, and are dipped in an ultrasound lubricant bath that coats every part of the chain completely. Their aim is to increase durability of the new ultra-thin chain so it can withstand off-road riding for longer.
What is an Ekar?
Ekar is named after the Cima Ekar, a former ski resort, home to an observatory. The mountain, located not far from Campagnolo's Italian headquarters, is a gravel riding heaven.
Ekar GT 13-speed Groupset
Ekar GT uses components made from alloy rather than carbon, and offers a wider ratio cassette for more varied terrain. Using alloy makes Ekar GT cheaper than Ekar. Whilst both are 13-speed, Ekar GT has the option of a 10-48T cassette in addition to the 9-36T, 9-42T and 10-44T Ekar cassette ratios.
The Ekar GT groupset has an alloy crankset rather than carbon. This introduction of metal instead of carbon means the groupset weighs 2,700g, which is about 400g heavier than Ekar. The design of the Ekar GT shifters is slightly different to Ekar to provide better grip, control, comfort and lever reach adjustment, making them a better fit for a range of hand sizes. They have a similar profile to the latest Super Record Wireless [link to groupset collection] shifters. but with a thumb shifter to change gear.
Ekar and Ekar GT share the same rotors — Campagnolo’s steel rotor for maximum strength under heavy and sustained braking.
The “GT” stands for Gran Turismo, the Italian for Grand Tour, and Campagnolo suggest this groupset is for long-distance riding and bike-packing, which is why it has a wider range of gears to make climbing easier when your bike is loaded up. However, it isn’t exclusively for touring, and if you want to spend less but ride a performance range of gears with Campagnolo’s proven gravel technology, Ekar GT is an ideal option.
What is the compatibility between Ekar, Ekar GT and other Campagnolo groupsets?
Ekar and Ekar GT share the same rotors, disc brake callipers, bottom bracket cups and chain. The Ekar GT rear derailleur, chainset and cassette can be used with the original Ekar. However, carbon Ekar components, such as the shifters and chainset, cannot be used with Ekar GT components. The carbon Ekar rear derailleur cannot be used with the wider Ekar GT 10-48T cassette.
Campagnolo Zonda GT and Levante gravel specific wheelsets are compatible along with any wheels with 'N3W' freehub. N3W hubs are also backwards compatible with existing 10-, 11- and 12-speed Campagnolo cassettes with the addition of an adaptor that effectively lengthens the freehub body, but in its native state it accepts Ekar's new 13-speed cassettes.
Ekar is hydraulic disc only — no V-brake option available. The brake callipers are flat mount only, too. There are no conversion kits available for framesets that are I.S. or Post mount. The internal lever widgets and gubbins are shared with the technology used in their road hydraulic levers.
There is a bottom bracket that is designed specifically for the carbon Ekar chainset, similar to existing Ultra-Torque units, but with ProTech, which Campagnolo describe as "a patented sealing ring and strong fibreglass-polyamide tube".
It’s designed to withstand the rigours of gravel riding in wet and muddy conditions, and will be available in "all threaded and press-fit standards", including BSA, ITA, BB86, BB30, BB30A, BB386, PF30, BBRight, and T47.
What we think?
As a long-standing Campagnolo retailer with Pro Shop status, we welcome their bold step off the tarmac and onto the dirt. Committing to a 1x drivetrain is also a move that may put some riders off, but Campagnolo offer three cassettes including a 10-44T ratio so every gradient is covered.
The technical details of the new Ekar groupset are impressive, particularly compared with SRAM, whose non-electronic groupsets are still 11-speed. The aesthetics and ergonomics are classically Campagnolo, and we are excited to test out the groupset on our Bivio adventure frames. More competition in the world of gravel can only be a good thing from a rider's perspective.
Campagnolo Gravel Wheelsets - Levante & Zonda GT
The best gravel wheels are light, stiff and durable. They’re built to withstand the rough and tumble of riding on mixed surfaces in all weathers, and they’re designed to work with gravel tyres, which are wider than conventional road tyres, but skinnier than mainstream mountain bike rubber. There are two gravel wheelset options from Campagnolo. Campagnolo Levante a carbon wheelset and Zonda GT and aluminium wheelset.
Campagnolo Levante Gravel Wheelset
The wheelset utilises Campagnolo’s tried-and-tested technology, such as its ultra-light carbon technology and smoother inner rims, so you don’t need rim tape to run the wheels tubeless. On trails and byways, the Levante delivers a smooth ride and a floaty quality, which helps retain your chosen line over tricky terrain.
Weighing 1,513g the wheelset is more than light enough for a gravel wheelset, and the 30mm rim depth and low spoke count should give a small aero boost over shallower rim designs. The internal rim width is 24.5mm.
Campagnolo Zonda GT Wheelset
The Zonda GT is an all alloy wheelset with an internal rim diameter of 23mm. Aimed at riders who are not looking for a performance wheelset and would like to take things slower or do more heavy duty exploring. The wheelset weighs in at 1,690g. You can expect similar technology and found on the Levante wheel with a matt finish and steel or alloy materials.
Shop Ekar and Ekar GT
Campagnolo Ekar 13-Speed Gravel Groupset
Campagnolo Ekar GT 13-Speed Gravel Groupset
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Campagnolo Ekar 13-Speed Chain
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Campagnolo EKAR Bottle Cage