The long-awaited Campagnolo power meter is finally here. They patented their first crank-based power meter back in 2020, and we've been eagerly awaiting its discovery ever since. Patent drawings aside, the Campagnolo HPPM crankset was unveiled for the first time on Dutchman Ryan Kamp's bike at the UCI Off-Road World Championship earlier this year.
The power meter has always been a significant differentiator for Campagnolo and its two direct competitors, Shimano and SRAM, which was the first to release its built-in integrated power meter, the SRAM RED Quarq, in 2014 after acquiring Quarq in 2011. Shimano then introduced the Shimano FC-R9100-P power meter in 2016, which was integrated into the Dura-Ace R9100 series crankset. Campagnolo's users can only rely on third-party options such as SRM or Stages for power data.
Last year, Campagnolo released the all-new 12-speed Campagnolo Super Record wireless shifting kit, and even though it's the most expensive road kit ever, it still doesn't have a power meter. To this day, Campagnolo has also targeted the market with the launch of the HPPM (High Precision Power Measurement) power meter, which is part of the brand's Super Record range and costs up to $2,449 / €2,240.
Campagnolo said that the design of the power meter requires extensive research and analysis, and the power meter being launched today is not only to complete the brand's product lineup, but also to provide extremely accurate data to enhance rider training and competition.
Campagnolo's HPPM has 16 sensors to detect torque values with high accuracy. The power data is obtained by detecting the torque value in real time and intersecting the angular velocity provided by the integrated gyroscope. These 16 strain gauges produce multiple readings, which, combined by specific algorithms, guarantee a very high accuracy with an error of only +/- 1%. This is also due to high-frequency data sampling, where angular velocity and torque signals are measured literally every five milliseconds. The 200 Hz frequency provides the clearest possible data readings.
HPPM connects to your phone or computer via Bluetooth and ANT+, and uses the same magnetic charging cable as other Campagnolo wireless components. When fully charged, it is said to last for more than a month and can be recharged in four hours.
HPPM cranksets are available in 2x12 configurations with crank sizes of 170mm, 172.5mm or 175mm and are available in three platter sizes: 45-29, 48-32 and 50-34T.
Campagnolo's latest mobile app, My Campy 3.0, will receive software updates to track battery status and calibrate the system.
The Campagnolo Super Record wireless kit with a new power meter crank, priced at $6890/€6290, is a significant drop above the prices of its two direct competitors. Of course, for a more expensive price you can get a more striking design, and the exposed carbon aesthetic on the curved arms is truly stunning.
The crankset also weighs only 656 grams (172.5mm, 45x29T), which is also quite light. It's about 100 grams lighter than the Dura Ace power meter version, but the SRAM Red AXS power meter crankset is lighter, weighing only 630 grams (170mm, 50/37T).
Editor: Yao