Ergonomic Return: Campagnolo 13-speed Wireless Thumb Shifter at the 2025 Giro d’Italia
Ergonomic Return: Campagnolo 13-speed Wireless Thumb Shifter at the 2025 Giro d’Italia
Milan, Italy – May 29, 2025 – During the Giro d’Italia stages, the paddock has been buzzing with significant sightings that hint at the future of cycling drivetrains. New details have emerged about a prototype Campagnolo 13-speed wireless groupset, revealing a long-awaited ergonomic feature: the return of the iconic thumb shifter. This signature Campagnolo interface element absent from recent 12-speed wireless iterations has been spotted on professional team bikes, suggesting a strategic direction for the Vicenza-based company in its approach to user interface.
Campagnolo Ergonomics: The Return of the Thumb Shifter
With the introduction of the 12-speed Super Record Wireless groupset, Campagnolo adopted a new control layout, featuring two recessed buttons positioned behind the carbon brake lever. This configuration, while aimed at a broader audience, had changed the experience for many long-time Campagnolo users who were fond of the single, precise action of the thumb shifter for downshifting.
Recent observations at the 2025 Giro d'Italia have highlighted a revamped lever design, seen on two different professional team bikes with distinct drivetrain configurations. This new lever features a single shift paddle recessed behind the brake lever, while the downshift direction (shifting down a gear) is now managed by the thumb shifter, positioned inboard.
The new thumb shifter appears more compact than previous versions (both mechanical and electronic). Additional features on the lever are also notable: the potential presence of buttons on the front, which could act as mode controls or LED indicators, similar to the current 12-speed wireless versions or the previous 12-speed EPS. An additional button on the inside top of the lever hints at customizable functions, a growing trend in the industry, which could allow for cycle computer control or gear changes, adding to the ergonomic versatility.
The profile of the thumb control has been revised, featuring a defined protrusion and rearward extension, differentiating it from previous versions and the Ekar groupset. The levers themselves appear with a flatter top section and more rounded, compact tips, aesthetically harking back to designs that predate the rim brake era.
Implementation in the Professional Circuit: A Field Test
Integrating these new technologies into the context of professional racing is a significant test. Team Cofidis, for example, has used the new Campagnolo Super Record Wireless levers on some Look 795 Blade RS aero road bikes, while retaining the full Campagnolo Super Record Wireless 12-speed groupset. This choice indicates a possible rider preference for the “one command, one action” ergonomics that the return of the thumb shifter offers, even in the absence of a full switch to the 13-speed system.
In contrast, the VF Group–Bardiani–CSF–Faizanè team adopted the Campagnolo Super Record Wireless 13-speed prototype groupset entirely on their DeRosa 70 bikes. This setup included prototype carbon front and rear derailleurs, the new single-paddle levers and thumb shifter, a new R13 chain with hollow pins, and presumably new chainrings. A field validation of the entire system.
Technical Details: The 13-Speed Rear Derailleur
A closer look at the 13-speed rear derailleur, which has been partially observed in other races before, reveals engineering details. The derailleur body appears to be predominantly carbon, while the outer link of the parallelogram features a black gloss finish that suggests aluminum or titanium.
The pulleys in particular feature two noteworthy innovations:
Narrow-Wide Teeth: The pulleys feature specific narrow-wide tooth shapes for each, with longer teeth on the upper pulley, to optimize chain retention.
Oversized pulleys: There are 14 teeth on both the upper and lower pulleys, as opposed to the 12/12 combination on current Campagnolo road derailleurs and 12 upper/14 lower on the Ekar GT gravel groupset. More teeth on the pulleys is generally associated with reduced friction in the drivetrain, a crucial factor for efficiency.
From the rear, the full carbon construction of the pulley cages is clearly visible. It is also confirmed the flexibility of battery charging, either directly on the bike or, by removal, externally.
These observations at the Giro d'Italia outline an intriguing future for Campagnolo. The return of the thumb command and the introduction of a wireless 13-speed system, with its implications in terms of ergonomics, efficiency and customization, reaffirm the constant search for innovation by the Vicenza-based company. We now wait for the official Campagnolo press release for all the details and market availability.
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