DIY Guide: Optimizing Ekar WRL Rear Derailleur for Gravel Racing

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The Campagnolo Ekar WRL Rear Derailleur [paid link] is a high-performance component specifically designed for gravel racing. It offers precise shifting, rugged durability, and the versatility necessary for handling the demands of gravel and mixed-terrain riding. This guide will walk you through the key steps for installing, adjusting, maintaining, and optimizing the Ekar WRL rear derailleur to ensure you get the most out of it during your gravel races. Additionally, we’ll address common troubleshooting issues and explain how to customize the derailleur for enhanced performance.

Tools Required

  • 5mm Allen wrench
  • 3mm Allen wrench
  • Torque wrench
  • Chain checker tool
  • Phillips head screwdriver
  • Chain lubricant
  • Grease
  • Pliers
  • Cable cutters
  • Bicycle stand (optional)

Installation of Ekar WRL Rear Derailleur

Step 1: Prepare the Bike

Before installing the rear derailleur, ensure the bike is secure. Place the bike on a work stand if available, or use a stable surface. Remove the rear wheel for easier access to the derailleur hanger.

Step 2: Attach the Rear Derailleur to the Hanger

Start by installing the derailleur onto the derailleur hanger. Align the derailleur’s mounting hole with the hanger and secure it using a 5mm Allen wrench. Tighten it to the manufacturer-recommended torque, typically around 6-8 Nm. Ensure the derailleur is straight and properly aligned with the rear cassette.

Step 3: Install the Chain

Before attaching the derailleur to the chain, you must first install the chain onto the bike. Feed the chain through the front chainring and the derailleur cage, making sure it is correctly routed through the jockey wheels. Ensure that the chain length is correct—check for adequate tension when the bike is on the stand.

Step 4: Connect the Derailleur to the Chain

Once the chain is in place, use the 3mm Allen wrench to attach the derailleur to the chain. Be sure that the derailleur moves freely when shifting through the cogs, and check for any binding.

Step 5: Install the Shifter Cable

Feed the shifter cable through the cable housing and attach it to the derailleur. Tighten the bolt on the derailleur with a 3mm Allen wrench. Make sure there is enough slack in the cable for smooth shifting, but not too much that it causes the derailleur to lose tension.

Adjusting the Ekar WRL Rear Derailleur

Step 1: Set the Limit Screws

The first step in adjusting the Ekar WRL rear derailleur is to set the limit screws. These screws determine the range of motion for the derailleur, ensuring it doesn’t shift beyond the smallest or largest cog. Adjust the high (H) and low (L) limit screws by shifting to the smallest and largest cogs and turning the screws until the derailleur is perfectly aligned with each cog.

Step 2: Set Cable Tension

Adjust the cable tension for precise shifting. Shift to the middle cog and use the barrel adjuster to fine-tune the tension. If the derailleur is slow to respond or shifting inaccurately, increase the cable tension. Conversely, decrease the tension if shifting is too harsh or erratic. Ensure that the derailleur moves smoothly between the gears.

Step 3: Check B-Screw Adjustment

The B-screw controls the gap between the derailleur’s jockey wheels and the cassette. Proper adjustment is critical for smooth shifting and to prevent chain rub. Adjust the B-screw so that there is a slight gap between the upper jockey wheel and the largest cog. The correct gap will depend on the size of the cassette but should typically be around 6-8mm.

Step 4: Test Shifting Performance

Shift through all the gears while pedaling. Pay attention to any skipping, grinding, or delayed shifting. If necessary, tweak the cable tension or limit screw settings to ensure smooth and responsive shifting throughout the entire gear range.

Maintaining the Ekar WRL Rear Derailleur

Regular Cleaning

To ensure the long-lasting performance of the Ekar WRL rear derailleur, regular cleaning is crucial. Dirt and debris can accumulate in the derailleur’s moving parts, causing shifting issues. Use a soft brush to clean the derailleur after each ride, especially if you’ve been riding on muddy or gravelly terrain. Apply a degreaser to remove built-up grime and then lubricate the derailleur with a light oil or bike-specific lubricant.

Inspecting the Chain and Cogs

Gravel racing can put a lot of stress on the drivetrain, so regularly check the chain and cogs for wear. Use a chain checker tool to monitor chain stretch. Replace the chain as needed to avoid damaging the cassette or derailleur. Inspect the cogs for burrs or signs of excessive wear and replace them if necessary.

Tightening Bolts

The constant vibration from gravel roads can cause bolts to loosen over time. Periodically check the derailleur mounting bolts, limit screws, and cable tension bolt to ensure they are tight. Re-tighten them if necessary, using a torque wrench to ensure you don’t overtighten or under-tighten.

Troubleshooting Common Set-Up Issues

Skipping Gears

If you experience gear skipping, it could be due to improper cable tension or misalignment of the derailleur. First, check the cable tension and adjust it as needed. If the issue persists, inspect the derailleur hanger for any bends. A bent hanger can cause misalignment, leading to shifting problems.

Shifting Lag or Stiffness

Shifting lag or stiffness may occur if the derailleur is not properly lubricated or if the cable housing is kinked. Lubricate the derailleur pivot points and check the cable routing for any sharp bends that could cause resistance. If the cable housing is damaged, replace it to ensure smooth cable movement.

Chain Drops

Chain drops can happen when the derailleur does not maintain enough tension or when the chain is too loose. Check the chain length and ensure it is correctly sized. Additionally, verify that the derailleur is correctly aligned and the limit screws are set to prevent the derailleur from shifting too far inward or outward.

Customization and Optimization for Gravel Racing

Adjusting for Gear Ratios

The Campagnolo Ekar WRL rear derailleur is designed to work with a wide range of cassettes, providing versatility for gravel racing. Choose a cassette with the right gear ratios for your racing conditions. Opt for a 9-42t or 10-44t cassette for steep, challenging terrain, or a 10-36t for flatter courses. Fine-tune the derailleur to accommodate these cassettes for optimal shifting performance.

Customizing Shifter Reach

The Ekar shifter can be adjusted for better ergonomics. Adjust the reach of the shifter lever to suit your hand size and riding style. This adjustment allows you to maintain a comfortable grip while shifting, improving performance during long gravel races.

Optimizing Chainline

A straight chainline is crucial for smooth and efficient power transfer. Ensure that your Ekar WRL rear derailleur is properly aligned with the chainrings and cassette to maintain a straight chainline. Misalignment can lead to inefficient pedaling and premature wear of components.

Comparing Ekar WRL Rear Derailleur to Similar Models

The Campagnolo Ekar WRL rear derailleur stands out for its durability and smooth shifting, especially on gravel and mixed-terrain rides. When compared to other gravel-specific rear derailleurs like Shimano GRX or SRAM Apex, the Ekar WRL offers a higher level of precision in shifting performance due to its well-engineered design.

The Shimano GRX derailleur is known for its ruggedness and versatility, offering a smooth shifting experience but slightly less precision than the Ekar WRL. On the other hand, the SRAM Apex rear derailleur features a simpler design, but it may not offer the same level of durability or precision under extreme gravel racing conditions as the Ekar WRL.

Understanding Compatibility with Other Drivetrain Components

The Ekar WRL rear derailleur is designed to work seamlessly with Campagnolo’s Ekar 13-speed groupset, offering optimized performance. It is important to ensure compatibility with other drivetrain components, such as the shifters and cranks. The Ekar system is not directly compatible with Shimano or SRAM drivetrains due to differing cable pull ratios and indexing systems. Therefore, when building a gravel bike with the Ekar WRL rear derailleur, it is recommended to use Campagnolo’s full 13-speed Ekar groupset for the best performance and compatibility.