Athena is the latest addition to Campagnolo's 11-speed group sets falling in line behind Chorus with a more affordable price point. Athena 11 also has the durability and classic look of aluminum. The only part where carbon is used is in the brake levers,
Strengths: Reasonably light and affordable, shifts effortlessly and accurately, very comfortable levers, low q-factor (cranks).
Weaknesses: As of 2011, only available with power shift (ultra shift only available from Chorus and upward).
Bottom Line:
I bought a "limited edition" group comprising 2012 Athena black brakes and derailleurs, with 2010 Athena carbon-coated ultra shift levers and ultra torque carbon crank (they didn't have any in my preferred length so I upgraded to Chorus for that). I looked at the online videos for installation tips, and bought all the correct tools, including the Campagnolo chain tool. Unlike Shimano you can't just slap this stuff together and "let the kinks work themselves out". The more you sweat the details (dead-square cable housing ends, follow the recommended torque settings, ensure all the cables are properly bedded in) the better it works.
I bought this group primarily to make over my gearing to a compact crank after years of hammering 53/39 up front. The 12 - 25 (chorus) cassette that came standard offers a wide yet closely spaced selection of gears with the smaller front chainrings, if I were still racing I might consider the 11-tooth cog. The ultra shift mechanism allows for 3 downshifts in one hard push, or closer shifts of one cog with a tap. This is sadly no longer built into the new post 2011 Athena shifters, although the range of upshifting options is still there. It's too bad that ultra shift has been phased out just when they came out with the polished alloy lever option, as I'd like to get that version of this group for rebuilding on a favourite old steel frame.
Very impressed with the solid (yet reasonably lightweight) build of the rear derailleur, which is a bit oversized compared to other road derailleurs I have used in the past. A few carbon bits (ie: Chorus, Record etc) down there shaves the grams but I can't see any real performance advantage. The oversize design allows it to handle up to a 12-29 rear cassette, there are roads steep enough where even the pros will need it.
As mentioned I can't really review the Athena crank having the Chorus version, but apart from the change in axle design they are basically the same, with a narrow q-factor and the same (very stiff) rings. The chain still seems shockingly narrow to me, but having assembled it with the correct tool it inspires more confidence. This is one smooth drivetrain.
Braking is as good as anything I ever raced with, and the new lever shape borrows the better aspects of Shimano's design. That little bit more finger contact on the lever, from on top of the hoods or down in the drops, adds an immediacy and reactivity to any force of braking pressure. I wasn't so sure about the mono-pivot rear brake, but it's as good as (or better than) any comparable brake I used to use, while less prone to grabbing the rear wheel. Even though I weigh an extra 20 kg (oh the shame) than I did back in my racing days!
That brings me to the bottom line, Athena is not the ultimate weight-weenies group (being no longer a lightweight myself...!), but it more than makes up for that in function. I had thought of the more affordable 10-speed option available in Centaur, but the interchangeability with Campagnolo's more exotic options also appeals. Athena is cheaper and lighter than Ultegra, more solidly constructed than the SRAM (Force) equivalent, and provides an outstanding gear selection. Some say 11 speed is fussy and prone to bad shifts, but so is any drivetrain if treated negligently. So far after a couple hundred km I've had no such complaint.
Bike Setup: EPX 303 Carbon frame, Campagnolo Zonda wheels (both 2005 and 2012 2way fit versions)
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Van Rider
a Road Racer
Date Reviewed: June 14, 2011
Strengths: Looks fantastic, feels great. Smooth and quiet shifting. No additional "play" in shifters like other brands. Reasonably priced when compared to equivalent competitors. 11 speeds.
Weaknesses: Really, none so far.
Bottom Line:
My other bike has a triple Shimano 105 groupset with Ultegra rear derailleur, from about 2006. It has been very reliable but I wanted a change for my new bike. Enter Campy Athena, which seems to be about Ultegra level for price/quality.
What a nice groupset this is. I opted for the chrome look on levers and the crank and the groupset as a whole looks sharp.
Shifting is much more positive than my previous Shimano group. Shimano seems to sort of chunk into place, and doesn't like being shifted much under a lot of power. The Athena group shifts nicely into place with less noise and does it precicesly too. It is easier with this group to shift while out of the saddle.
I do also like the change in the shifting ergonomics (separate shifters compared to integrated brake shifters in Shimano). Shifting up/down is a non-issue when riding in the drops too (I thought the little button would be awkward to reach, but it isn't).
The general feel of the hoods is very nice and refined - I like the shape. The upshift in the rear is nice; the lever can be pulled towards the bars, meaning that the "sweep" can take whatever path you like, resulting in a very natural feel.
Braking is very positive too - at least on par with Ultegra.
Front derailleur shifts are beautiful, much more efficient, particularly going to the big ring.
Unfortunately this group does not allow you to downshift (to smaller cogs in the rear) multiple like the Chorus gruppo does. This would be a worthwhile upgrade.
Having 11 speeds is a joy. Seems like you can always find just the right gear for your cadence.
Some might worry about making the jump from one shifting system to another; I didn't have any issues at all, it took less than one ride to get used to the different feel.
Strengths: -cheap, and durable.
-Good fit on many styles of road bike.
-Looks great
-The aluminum levers wraped in carbon fiber are durable and don't get really cold while riding in the winter.
Weaknesses: Breaks could be better.
Bottom Line:
I bought Athena about a year and 3 months ago. I was one of the first people to get it in the United States and one of the first to rice it 10,000 miles plus. One thing is wrong with it, the threads on the front derailleur striped; where the derailleur mounts to the bike. I think that this is a manufacturing problem. This shouldn't happen to quality equipment.
Strengths: -Appearance, especially with carbon crank arms.
-Quick, positive shifting.
-Great brakes
-Excellent ergonomics
-Assemblies can be repaired rather than replaced.
-11 speed flexibility is nice.
Weaknesses: -Chain master pin design. An expensive tool is required, and if the pin isn't peened properly, it will come apart. I experienced this firsthand. If properly installed, the chain is durable, but I still would like to be able to remove it for cleaning as is possible with SRAM chains.
Bottom Line:
This is the first decent road group I've owned. I've ridden mountain since 1989 and had a few hand me down road bikes previously, but this is my first good road bike/group.
Before I bought this group, I also rode current Ultegra, 105, Dura Ace, and 10 speed Chorus groups. I liked the hood design and overall ergonomics of this group, it looks great, and the price is very fair for the performance Athena provides. I would have bought this group because of the reasons above, but the fact it has 11 speeds was a bonus.
The price above is an approximation; the group was included in a complete build.
