It is being reported from several sources that Campagnolo is going to introduce an 11 speed gruppo. That’s right folks, an eleven speed cassette. The new name of this rumored gruppo is “Super Record”, which is a storied name in road cycling circles. I wonder what sort of story will be written after the possible introduction of such a group.

It’s been secretly wondered about by bicycle afficiandos for years. “Will there ever be an eleven speed group?” Most of the time, the unspoken response is, “Well, I hope that never happens.” It’s silly as it is, and one more gear in the cassette is what? Just another reason to quote Spinal Tap? It seems to me that this is the reality of the situation.

Without getting all “retro-grouchy“, (which I could easily do here) I would just like to ask this simple question: “Why? Why eleven speeds?” I sure hope it’s a better answer than I expect to get, which I’m thinking will be a finely crafted bit of marketing speak.

The thing is, this will pave the way for more madness in the form of ten speed mountain bike gearing. The thought of which makes me cringe. We’re halfway there already what with the flat bar controls used for road bikes. How much longer before “they” develope a mountain bike version of ten speed cogs and derailluers? Parts which more than likely will not be compatible with any current hardware. Uggh!

All in the name of turning out more technologically driven sales for no other reason than “it’s the next logical step”. Whatever.