Campagnolo: Italian excellence in bicycle wheel manufacturing

Campagnolo is an Italian company that is a worldwide symbol of innovation, technology and passion for cycling. Founded in 1933 in Vicenza by inventor Tullio Campagnolo, it has become an absolute benchmark in the design and production of high-end bicycle components. Let's explore Campagnolo's history, products, and secrets of success, with a specific focus on the exceptional wheels that bear this brand name.

The origins and intuition of Tullio Campagnolo

The history of Campagnolo began in 1926, when then 20-year-old Tullio Campagnolo, an avid cyclist, devised a system for quickly changing the ratio on a bicycle without having to disassemble the rear wheel. It was the first idea of the rapido, forerunner of the modern gearbox.

In 1933 Tullio founded the workshop that bears his name in Vicenza, Italy, where he began production of the first patented handlebar-mounted gearbox. It was a revolutionary product, inspired by Tullio's firsthand experience as a racer. Thus was born Campagnolo, destined to mark the history of cycling components.

From early mechanical gearboxes to integrated units

In the following years Campagnolo continued to innovate by creating new components such as the rear derailleur, quick release hub, and aluminum grips. In 1950 he made the Gran Sport frame gear, a precursor to modern groupsets.

In the 1960s and 1970s came integrated groupsets with aluminum derailleur, shift levers, cranks and spoke wheels. Among the most significant innovations was the Super Record system of 1975, a forerunner of gear transmissions designed by Colnago and considered a milestone in the history of the road bike.

The era of composite materials and "made in Italy"

Starting in the 1980s, Campagnolo took full advantage of new composite materials such as carbon and titanium to lighten components and improve stiffness and responsiveness.

In 1983 he introduced the Record carbon groupset, lighter and stiffer than steel. In the 1990s came titanium groupsets, while today carbon fiber prevails. Campagnolo interpreted the concept of "made in Italy" by producing every single component in-house in Italian factories, with unique craftsmanship know-how.

International expansion and the most advanced groups

From the 1990s Campagnolo began a process of worldwide commercial and production expansion. Production sites were opened in Tunisia, Romania and Asia as well as in Italy to meet growing global demand.

Constant commitment to research and development has led to the launch of increasingly advanced groupsets such as the famous Record of the 2000s, up to the latest technological frontiers of the Super Record EPS and Campagnolo 12 Speed, electronic groupsets with 12 gears that represent the top of innovation available today.

Wheel production: a Campagnolo excellence

Since the 1990s Campagnolo has expanded production to high-performance bicycle wheels, becoming a benchmark in this field.

In 1994 he launched the legendary Bora wheel, which is still produced today, while in the 2000s came other iconic models such as the Shamal, Eurus and Bullet that equip the bikes of top professionals.

The secrets of success are the use of cutting-edge materials such as carbon and nylon fiber, combined with innovative proprietary technologies that have revolutionized the world of racing bike wheels.

Corporate culture: passion and the pursuit of excellence

Underlying Campagnolo's success are some key elements that characterize the culture of this Italian industrial entity:

• Passion for cycling as a reason for being, guiding every choice. Campagnolo was born "by cyclists for cyclists."
• The continuous pursuit of technological excellence, with heavy investment in R&D. Each product must set new quality and performance standards.
• Pioneering spirit and attention to cyclists' needs, resulting in useful and effective innovations.
• The meticulous craftsmanship and obsessive attention to detail typical of made in Italy.
• A deep connection to the land and community in which Campagnolo has been rooted for nearly 100 years.

The future: technology and eco-sustainability

Campagnolo looks to the future by focusing on digital innovation, electronics and cutting-edge composite materials. The goal is to create the most advanced products for cycling enthusiasts.

But the future is also about sustainability: Campagnolo has initiated projects to make the production cycle carbon neutral and use recycled materials without compromising quality and performance. A challenge that combines cutting-edge technology and respect for the environment.

In nearly 100 years of history, Campagnolo has written legendary pages of cycling history, keeping intact the passion of its origins and the innovative spirit of Tullio Campagnolo. Today it still leads the evolution of cycling toward the challenges of the future.

Tomorrow Frequent:

D: Who founded Campagnolo and when?

A: Campagnolo was founded in 1933 in Vicenza by inventor and cyclist Tullio Campagnolo.

D: What was Tullio Campagnolo's original insight?

A: In 1927 Campagnolo devised a system to quickly change the ratio on the bike without having to remove the rear wheel, the first idea of the modern gearbox.

D: What have been Campagnolo's main innovations in cycling?

A: Campagnolo has revolutionized cycling with inventions such as the handlebar gear, the rear derailleur, integrated groupsets, and more recently electronic systems.

D: When did Campagnolo start producing bicycle wheels?

A: Production of high-performance wheels began in the 1990s with iconic models such as the Bora in 1994.

D: What materials does Campagnolo use to make its wheels?

A: Campagnolo uses cutting-edge materials such as carbon fiber, nylon fiber and special resins. The wheels combine craftsmanship and technology.

D: What are the most popular Campagnolo wheel models?

A: The iconic models are the Bora, Shamal, Eurus and Bullet, equipped by top professionals.

D: Where are Campagnolo wheels manufactured?

A: Production takes place in Campagnolo plants in Italy and other sites around the world, according to the quality standards of the parent company.

D: What are the values and philosophy behind Campagnolo's success?

A: Passion for cycling, pursuit of excellence, innovation, craftsmanship and connection to the land.

D: What does the future of Campagnolo look like?

A: Campagnolo focuses on innovation, electronics, advanced materials and sustainability to create the products of the future.