Campagnolo launches Ekar GT gravel groupset to appeal to a wider range of riders

Italian groupset manufacturer Campagnolo has released a new take on its popular Ekar groupset with wider gearing and a revised derailleur. Joining the updated groupset is the Zonda GT gravel wheelset.

Campagnolo is currently the only one of the big three groupset manufacturers with a 13-speed groupset in its arsenal. The Ekar groupset has been around for a few years now as the Italian brand’s group of choice for when the tarmac ends and the gravel begins.

Now, it is joined by a second line, the Ekar GT, which is a more affordable option that itself contains multiple options, as Campagnolo looks to appeal to a wider range of riders.

• Read more: Complete guide to road bike groupsets 2024

Gearing for every rider

Maximising on the potential that a 13-speed groupset provides, Campagnolo has opened up the cassette range of the Ekar GT groupset with the intention of creating an ‘easier to pedal’ groupset.

There are four cassette options available:

• The ‘Newcomers’ cassette, with a wider 10-48 tooth spread
• The ‘Amateur’ 10-44 tooth cassette
• The ‘Expert’ which utilises a 9-tooth smallest sprocket paired with a 40-tooth largest sprocket
• The ‘Pro’ which has the closest ratio of all the cassettes on offer with a 9-36 tooth spread

© Campagnolo

The new Ekar GT group has a wide spread of cassette and chainring combinations

Cementing the tunability of the groupset, the cassettes can be matched to one of five chain ring sizes from 36-tooth up to 44-tooth in increments of two teeth. The aim is to allow the rider complete freedom to tailor their groupset to the demands of the terrain they ride.

• Read more: Can easier gears actually help you ride faster?

Fresh ergonomics and revised components

Part of the criteria for the new groupset was to "enhance product lifecycle". This has been tackled with fresh ergonomics at the levers as well as some revisions to the rear derailleur and a new crankset.

The palm area of the shifter has been redesigned to provide better grip and control with Campagnolo aiming to "create a better product experience, from the first touch". With this in mind, the levers have also been fitted with a reach adjuster to ensure a comfortable riding position for riders of all sizes.

© Campagnolo

The touch points of the levers have been redesigned to increase comfort whilst reach adjustment ensures correct fit for all riders

Part of the reason behind this update is to broaden the appeal of Campagnolo as a groupset manufacturer, making it an option for both newcomers as well as seasoned veterans.

Along with the more beginner-friendly gearing, the rear derailleur has received some changes that make it easier to set up and adjust.

• Read more: Why will Campagnolo be absent from WorldTour level in 2024? GCN Tech Show

There is a single derailleur cage size across all cassette ranges in the groupset, increasing versatility whilst a locking mechanism makes removing and reinstalling the rear wheel easier. The pulley wheels have also seen some improvement with larger holes to allow for better clearance of mud or debris.

© Campagnolo

A single rear derailleur cage length accommodates all the cassette and chain ring ranges making it very easy to live with

To help reduce the overall cost of Ekar GT, Campagnolo has replaced the carbon crankset from the standard Ekar group with an aluminium one. The design allows for chainrings to be removed and swapped out without the need for the cranks themselves to be removed from the bike.

Campagnolo Ekar GT is available immediately and will retail for $1,599 / €1,490.

Zonda GT wheelset

© Campagnolo

New Zonda wheels feature an up to date 23mm internal rim width with Campagnolo's easily recognisable G3 spoke lacing

Joining the Ekar GT release is a new Zonda wheelset from the same collection. The gravel-specific wheels make use of Campagnolo’s iconic G3 spoke lacing pattern and feature a 23mm internal rim width and a 29mm depth. S

ticking to what they believe in, the Zonda GT wheels use cup and cone hubs as opposed to the more common cartridge-bearing systems of other brands.

• Read more: What’s the difference between cheap and expensive wheels?

The aluminium wheels set comes in at 1,690 grams for a pair and will retail for $749 / €690.

What do you think of this new groupset from Campagnolo, does the wider range of gears and 13-speed cassette have you interested? Let us know in the comments below.

Campagnolo

Campagnolo is one of the world’s leading components manufacturers. The company specialises in groupsets, both mechanical and electrical, as well as wheels for road, gravel, triathlon and track bikes.