Finally seen in person, the rumored Athena 11 Speed groupset is real. RoadBikeReview forum member Kwantani snapped a few pictures of the newest 11 speed groupset in the wild tonight. Looks like the levers get the carbon treatment, while the rest of the kit is silver alloy. We’re assuming Athena will be the “entry” level into 11 speed for the upcoming season, though this has not been confirmed. Neither has a release date. But stay tuned… we’ll find out. Confirmed now for release in Fall of ’09. Athena will in fact be the entry level into Campy 11 for 2010. We’re also told that the levers are basically alloy Centaur levers wrapped in thin carbon. If that’s so, we’re hoping there will be an option of carbon or silver for the levers.
What do you think of the new groupset, let us know by leaving a comment. Questions for Campagnolo? Ask in the comments, and we’ll see what we can get answered.
pictures courtesy of Kwantani
I hope there is a no – carbon option. Still prefer alloy over that fake weave/wrap for appearance sake. I’ll buy carbon if I want it.
What is the projected price range of the Athena gruppo?
I wonder if it’s safe to assume that would be slotted between chorus and centaur pricewise or if it would actually replace centaur… Either way it’s money.
while I was snapping the pics, overheard the campy rep mentioned something like $1200 range.
Fantastic! My classic tastes (Waterford and Cinelli) have been waiting for a high quality polished replacement for the 1996 Record I now run. The carbon stuff just looks silly next to polished lugs, and I didn’t want to go too low in the line either. SOLD!
Looks nice and I’d also go for a non-carbon lever option if it were available.
Given the rate at which the group under Chorus has was renamed (Athena to Daytona to Centaur) I would hazard a guess that this will be the new Centaur group. Looks good!
Glory Be…
I agree about the alloy levers. I hope Campy will offer a carbon or alloy option. Carbon on a lugged steel bike looks out of place. Good to see the Athena name resurrected.
I have the last one produced in 1999 or 2000. This is the best news I’ve heard in a while!!!!
I’d prefer alloy levers… MUCH better-looking than the carbon weave.
Other than that, very nice.
I’ve seem the carbon one
looks nice too
looks great but where are the record class polished hubs ???
??? TO CAMPY. WHEN ARE YOU GOING TO HAVE A 11 X 27/28 COGSET? MY FIRST BIKE HAD AN ATHENA GRUPPO BOUGHT 9/89 AND A VERY GOOD VALUE. MY GRANDPARENTS ARE FROM VICENZA SO I AM PARTIAL TO CAMPY WITH A TOTAL OF 3. I AM CONSIDERING A CHANGE IN 2 YEARS.
Campagnolo You NEED Polished Hubs!!!! perhaps Vento 2011 or 2012?