Campagnolo EPS (Electronic Power Shift) is officially here! What's that, you say? You've heard of it already? Campy's entry into the electronic drivetrain market commenced back in November 2011?! Why, yes, you're indeed  correct. On November 7, 2011, Campagnolo held the world premiere press launch for its latest, battery-powered gruppo, and Road Bike Action was there. Not only that, Zap sat down to dinner with Mr. Valentino Campagnolo himself to discuss the development of the latest and greatest gizmo from the Italian marquee brand. Well, Campagnolo has just concluded another press launch, this time on North American soil. Members of the media and a handful of Campagnolo dealers met up at the Marriott Hotel in Marina Del Rey, California for another look at EPS (by no small coincidence, Murray Lowe, the general manager of this particular Marriot, is an incredibly passionate cycling enthusiast). For an in-depth look at Campagnolo's new EPS drivetrain, be sure to pick up the latest issue of Road Bike Action magazine. Until then, here's another sneak peek at the newest electronic group on the market.

Campagnolo has produced two different EPS groups, Record and Super Record, to coincide with their two highest-end, mechanical groups. Campagnolo decked out some stealthy Pinarello Dogmas with custom paintjobs and new EPS Super Record gruppos.

This is the "brain" of the EPS system, called the Power Unit. Campagnolo has decreed that the best place for the Power Unit on the bike is on top of the downtube near the bottom bracket junction. This Power Unit is not merely the battery, however, but contains the main computer of the system, as well as a plug-in port for re-charging the battery. The case itself is made of fireproof, thermoplastic. One of the most common questions when dealing with battery-powered electronics is, "How long does the battery last?" Well, the reality is that the answer is always dependent on the user. Campy North America reps laid down some general estimates, though: if you ride 500 kilometers a month, you'll get about 3 months worth of battery life before a re-charge is necessary. They also said that the Movistar professional team only charged their bikes 3 times over the course of the 2011 season.

Campagnolo's signature ErgoPower levers remain relatively the same as mechanical, highlighting one of the brand's key goals going into the EPS project: maintain "Campagnolo DNA." This includes ensuring a tangible click when shifting EPS, the ability to shift multiple gears, and having separate levers for separate functions.

One of the biggest differences between EPS levers and Campy's mechanical levers is found on each rendition's thumb-actuated "Lever 3." The EPS version (left) extends further down than its mechanical counterpart (right), making it easier to shift while in the drops. Unfortunately, Campy has no immediate plans to use this thumb-friendlier design on future mechanical levers because they say that such a lever will not withstand the torque necessary to actuate a shift in a mechanical setup. Also, note the new "waffle pattern" hood design on the EPS model. Campagnolo reps also mentioned that a TT/Triathlon EPS shifter setup is currently in development, as well as satellite shifters: "We're hoping to see those sometime around that Grand Tour in May begins," one noted.

Remember that one of Campagnolo's goals for the EPS system was to maintain the brand's DNA? And that included the ability to shift multiple gears? The mechanical Super Record, 11-speed drivetrain can down-shift 5 gears and up-shift 3 gears. Both EPS Record and Super Record can down-shift all 11 gears, and up-shift all 11 gears as well... in only 1.5 seconds. And all that by just holding the shift button. This is the so-called "crown jewel" of the Super Record EPS system: the rear derailleur.

Even though demo bikes weren't available (and no one in attendance was much up for a night ride, anyway, what with a smorgasbord of sliders, egg rolls and other appetizers on hand), there were a few indoor trainers set up so that attendees could try out the EPS system first-hand. While no one actually timed the full 11-speed down-shift to confirm the 1.5-second claim, the system definitely offers incredibly fast shifting.

The EPS Super Record front derailleur features a replaceable (though only by an authorized Campagnolo service center) cage comprised of a carbon fiber outer shell and aluminum inner cage. Campagnolo also supplies an aluminum "support plate" for carbon front derailleur mounts, because "the EPS front derailleur produces so much torque that it's been seen to bend carbon mounts as much as 15 millimeters."

Here's Dan Large (glasses), Campagnolo North America's Service Center Manager, giving a demostration of the EPS installation and adjustment process. Worthy of note is that the entire procedure can performed via "setup buttons" located on the insides of the EPS hoods.

As the sun sets on another look at Campy's latest flagship product, one question still looms: What do you think about Campagnolo's EPS electronic gruppos? We want to know your thoughts. So drop us a line at Letters@RoadBikeAction.com! For what it's worth, when I left the Marriott hotel, a young valet returned my car to me and, upon handing me the keys, promptly and excitedly asked, "So, how was it?" I assumed what he meant to ask was, "How was your experience at our hotel establishment?" But instead, he followed up with, "How's the electronic Campy group?! I really want to try it out!" It just goes to show you that you'll never know where or when you'll bump into another cyclist. And just like him, everyone should be getting excited about Campy EPS... it's something special.