Campagnolo road chain (Centaur, Chorus, Record): guide

When it comes to chains, Campagnolo takes a different approach from Shimano and SRAM. The Italian brand designs its chains exclusively for its own drivetrains, making the choice straightforward (one chain for each groupset) but leaving little room if you're looking for aftermarket alternatives. Whether you ride Centaur, Chorus, Record or Super Record, here's how to choose the right Campagnolo chain and what you should know before mixing Campagnolo components with another brand.

For general advice on choosing a road bike chain (weight, coatings, durability and maintenance), check out our complete road bike chain guide.

1. A chain designed exclusively for Campagnolo

Unlike Shimano, whose Hyperglide standard is widely adopted, or SRAM, whose mechanical 11-speed chains remain compatible with several brands, Campagnolo develops its chains exclusively for its own cassettes and derailleurs. The chain profile, link dimensions and connecting system are specific to each drivetrain generation: a Campagnolo chain is not designed to work with Shimano or SRAM cassettes, and vice versa.

This exclusive approach has one clear advantage: you don't have to worry about compatibility standards such as HG, HG+ or Flattop. Simply identify the number of speeds on your Campagnolo groupset to select the correct chain.

Key takeaway: with Campagnolo, the only compatibility factor that really matters is the number of speeds (from 9 to 13 depending on the generation). There are no additional standards like Shimano HG+ or SRAM Flattop to consider.

2. Which Campagnolo chain fits which groupset ?

Campagnolo's road range includes several groupset levels, from entry-level models to professional race equipment. Each groupset uses a dedicated chain matched to its number of speeds.

Groupset	Speeds	Positioning	Chain characteristics
Mirage / Veloce	9-speed / 10-speed	Entry level	Standard chain without premium surface treatments
Centaur	10-speed / 11-speed	Affordable mid-range	Excellent balance between weight, durability and value
Chorus	11-speed / 12-speed	Upper mid-range	Enhanced anti-wear surface treatment
Record / Super Record	11-speed / 12-speed (Mechanical & EPS)	Premium / Racing	Nickel-plated finish, lightweight construction and premium machining

The number of speeds is the deciding factor: an 11-speed chain is not compatible with a 12-speed groupset, regardless of the groupset level.

Entry-level groupsets: Mirage, Veloce and Centaur

Mirage and Veloce represent Campagnolo's entry-level road groupsets, available in 9- and 10-speed versions depending on the generation. Centaur, introduced later, is available in both 10- and 11-speed configurations and remains an excellent choice for regular riders who want dependable performance without paying for race-level equipment. Its dedicated chain offers a strong balance of weight, longevity and affordability, although it lacks the advanced surface treatments found on higher-end models.

Chorus: the high-performance mid-range option

Positioned just below Record, Chorus features a chain with improved anti-wear treatment compared with Centaur. Available in both 11- and 12-speed versions depending on the generation, Chorus is a popular choice among experienced cyclists who value durability and smooth shifting while remaining loyal to the Italian brand.

Record and Super Record: premium performance

Record and Super Record sit at the top of Campagnolo's road lineup and are available in both mechanical and EPS electronic versions. The Super Record chain features a nickel-plated finish and exceptionally refined manufacturing, helping maximize drivetrain efficiency while delivering the crisp, precise shifting that has become a hallmark of Campagnolo's flagship groupsets. The 12-speed EPS version remains a niche product, but it follows the same dedicated chain philosophy based solely on speed count.

Ekar: the 13-speed 1x drivetrain

Ekar is Campagnolo's latest drivetrain platform, built around a dedicated 1x13-speed system. Designed primarily for gravel riding rather than traditional road cycling, it uses a unique 13-speed chain that is not interchangeable with any other Campagnolo road groupset. If you're using Ekar on a road bike, keep in mind that your replacement chain options are limited to this dedicated model.

Shop all Campagnolo road bike chains →

3. Campagnolo compared with other brands

Campagnolo Centaur vs Shimano 105: how do they compare?

Both groupsets occupy a similar position within their respective ranges: affordable, reliable, and designed for regular riding rather than pure competition. The main difference lies more in brand philosophy than in outright performance. Shimano 105 benefits from a much wider ecosystem (spare parts availability, compatibility with other brands), while Centaur appeals to cyclists who value Campagnolo's identity and the precise shifting feel that has made the Italian brand famous.

Can a Campagnolo chain be used with a Shimano or SRAM drivetrain?

No, not reliably. The link profile and chain dimensions of Campagnolo chains are designed specifically for the brand's cassettes and derailleurs. A Campagnolo chain installed on a Shimano or SRAM cassette may result in inaccurate shifting performance or even gear skipping. This is one of the main differences between Campagnolo and its two major competitors, which offer more cross-brand compatibility options up to 11 speeds. For more details about Shimano and SRAM compatibility, check out our dedicated guides on Shimano road bike chains and SRAM road bike chains.

4. FAQ — Campagnolo road bike chains

Is a Campagnolo chain compatible with another Campagnolo groupset from a different generation?

Not always. The key factor remains the number of speeds: a chain designed for an 11-speed groupset will not be suitable for a 10-speed or 12-speed system, even within the Campagnolo range. Always check the exact number of speeds of your rear derailleur before ordering, regardless of the groupset name (Chorus, Record, Super Record).

Campagnolo Centaur or Shimano 105: which one should you choose?

Both groupsets offer a similar level of reliability and occupy comparable positions in their respective ranges. The choice mainly depends on your brand preferences and the components already installed on your bike. Shimano 105 benefits from broader compatibility with other brands, while Centaur follows Campagnolo's traditional philosophy, appreciated for its distinctive and precise shifting performance.

Can a Shimano or SRAM chain be installed on a Campagnolo drivetrain?

It is not recommended. Campagnolo chains are specifically designed for Campagnolo cassettes and derailleurs, with their own dedicated link profile. A chain from another brand may work mechanically in some situations, but it can result in less precise shifting and a higher risk of gear skipping compared with using the original Campagnolo reference.

Is Ekar really a road groupset?

Ekar is primarily designed for gravel riding, with its 1x13-speed single-chainring drivetrain. It can be used on a road bike, but its dedicated 13-speed chain is not interchangeable with the rest of the Campagnolo road range (Centaur, Chorus, Record, Super Record).

Campagnolo road chain: which reference for Centaur, Chorus, Record or Super Record?