That method gave way to fully electronic systems with servo motors in each derailleur.

The eight-speed Campy electric rear derailleur had both an electrical wire connected to a servo motor, and a shift cable.Īt the time, Mavic was up and running with its electric rear derailleur, and Campagnolo’s system started as an electro-mechanical one, relying both on cable pull and electric impulse. Giuseppe Dal Pra, the manager for groupsets, has worked on the Campagnolo electronic-shift project for 20 years - since 1992. Short history of Campagnolo electronic shift Shimano, too, could greatly shorten up that wing behind the shift lever. All that is needed would be the single, small thumb button. On the Campagnolo system, for instance, the entire lever behind the brake lever could be eliminated, saving considerable weight and expense. I think both companies should adopt this (and SRAM, if you’re listening and working on electronic shift), especially when Shimano and Campagnolo are on a pursuit of saving both weight and cost on the electronic systems to make them more competitive with cable systems in both arenas. There is only need for a single button, as there is always only a single choice of which chainring to shift to on the front on a double system. It seems silly to me to match the old mechanical layout, and until there’s a triple version, there’s just no need. Worse, it allows mis-shifts by pressing the wrong button.

Having ridden Di2 for two years, I have only one issue: There should only be one front ring shift button to “go to the other chainring.” A second button is an unnecessary complication. If Shimano went with just one button for its front shifter, it could save some weight and cost. Don't miss a moment from Paris-Roubaix and Unbound Gravel, to the Giro d’Italia, Tour de France, Vuelta a España, and everything in between when you

Campagnolo derailleurs history