The Campagnolo Ekar 13 RD [paid link] rear derailleur is specifically designed for adventure and gravel riders seeking top-tier performance in challenging conditions. With its precision engineering and durability, it stands out as one of the best options for cyclists who prioritize speed, reliability, and versatility. This guide covers the key features of the Ekar 13 RD, including installation, adjustment, maintenance, troubleshooting, and optimization, as well as comparisons with similar models to help riders make informed decisions.

Key Features of the Ekar 13 RD Rear Derailleur

The Campagnolo Ekar 13 RD offers several unique features that make it an excellent choice for adventure cyclists:

• 13-Speed Compatibility: The Ekar 13 RD is part of the 13-speed Campagnolo Ekar drivetrain, which provides smooth and precise gear transitions. This wide gear range helps riders tackle varying terrain with ease, from steep ascents to fast descents.
• Wide-Range Gearing: The derailleur is designed to accommodate a broad cassette range, allowing for excellent cadence control and adaptability to both gravel and mountainous routes. With a large gear range, riders can achieve better torque and control when pedaling over tough, off-road terrain.
• Carbon Fiber Construction: Campagnolo has used high-quality carbon fiber for the cage and inner components of the derailleur. This material reduces the weight of the entire assembly, which is essential for reducing the bike’s overall weight without sacrificing durability.
• Optimized for Gravel and Adventure Bikes: The design of the Ekar 13 RD is tailored specifically for gravel and adventure bikes, ensuring durability and resistance to dirt, mud, and water. It can handle the roughest conditions, providing riders with a high-performing, low-maintenance option.
• Precision Shifting Technology: Featuring Campagnolo’s exclusive Ultra-Shift technology, the derailleur provides sharp, quick shifts, even under load. This technology improves overall shifting performance, ensuring a smooth ride across all terrains.

Installation of the Ekar 13 RD Rear Derailleur

Installing the Campagnolo Ekar 13 RD requires attention to detail to ensure smooth operation. Follow these steps for proper installation:

Tools Required:

• 5mm Allen wrench
• 2.5mm Allen wrench
• Torque wrench
• Phillips screwdriver
• 13-speed cassette
• Chain whip and lockring tool
• Bottom bracket tool (if installing a Campagnolo crankset)

Installation Steps:

1. Install the Rear Derailleur Hanger: Ensure that the rear derailleur hanger is aligned correctly. A misaligned hanger can lead to poor shifting and potential damage to the derailleur.
2. Attach the Rear Derailleur: Using the 5mm Allen wrench, attach the Ekar 13 RD to the derailleur hanger. Make sure the derailleur is securely fastened and oriented correctly for smooth shifting.
3. Install the Chain: Thread the chain through the derailleur, making sure the chain is placed correctly on the jockey wheels. If using a new chain, ensure it matches the 13-speed setup of the Ekar system.
4. Install the Cassette: Mount the 13-speed cassette onto the freehub body using the lockring tool. Use the torque wrench to tighten the lockring to the manufacturer’s recommended torque specification.
5. Set Chain Length: Measure and cut the chain to the correct length. It should be long enough to reach the largest cog but not too loose. This step is crucial for proper chain tension and efficient shifting.
6. Adjust the Limit Screws: Set the limit screws on the derailleur to ensure the derailleur doesn’t shift past the smallest or largest cogs. Adjusting the limit screws ensures safe and smooth shifting.
7. Test Shifting: Once everything is installed, perform a test ride to check for proper shifting. Fine-tune the indexing if necessary.

Adjustment and Fine-Tuning of the Ekar 13 RD Rear Derailleur

To achieve the best performance from the Campagnolo Ekar 13 RD, adjustment and fine-tuning are crucial. The derailleur may need slight adjustments over time due to wear or changes in cable tension.

Fine-Tuning Steps:

1. Indexing: If you notice that shifts are not crisp or you are experiencing skipping, adjust the barrel adjuster on the derailleur or shifter. Turning it clockwise will tighten the cable, while turning it counterclockwise will loosen it. Ensure smooth shifts across all cogs.
2. B-Screw Adjustment: The B-screw adjusts the distance between the derailleur and the cassette. If the derailleur is too far or too close to the cassette, it can cause poor shifting or excessive noise. Adjust the B-screw to achieve the optimal gap between the derailleur and the largest cog.
3. Fine-Tune Limit Screws: The high and low limit screws need to be adjusted to prevent the derailleur from overshooting the largest or smallest gears. These should be set carefully to avoid derailleur damage.
4. Cable Tension: Over time, cables can stretch, which may cause shifting issues. Use the barrel adjuster to increase or decrease cable tension and restore smooth, reliable shifting.

Troubleshooting Common Set-Up Issues

Even with precise installation, you might encounter some common issues. Here’s how to address them:

• Skipping or Hesitation: This is typically caused by incorrect indexing or insufficient cable tension. Double-check the indexing and adjust the cable tension accordingly. Ensure that the derailleur is not too close to the cassette by adjusting the B-screw.
• Shifter Not Engaging: If the shifter is not moving the derailleur properly, inspect the cable for kinks or fraying. You may need to replace the cable if it’s worn or damaged.
• Chain Dropping: If the chain falls off the cassette, it may indicate a misaligned derailleur hanger or improper limit screw settings. Verify that the derailleur hanger is straight, and adjust the limit screws as needed.
• Poor Shifting Under Load: If shifting under load is sluggish, this could be due to incorrect chain length or poor chain lubrication. Ensure the chain is at the correct length and that it’s properly lubricated.

Customization and Optimization for Better Performance

To get the most out of your Campagnolo Ekar 13 RD, consider the following optimizations:

• Chainring and Cassette Pairing: Pairing the Ekar 13 RD with the correct chainring and cassette sizes is critical for smooth and efficient shifting. Choose a setup that suits your typical terrain, whether that’s a larger cassette for steep climbs or a smaller one for faster gravel riding.
• Upgrading the Chain: Using a high-performance chain that matches the Campagnolo Ekar drivetrain ensures smoother operation and longer lifespan. A lightweight, durable chain can enhance shifting performance.
• Lubrication and Maintenance: Regularly clean and lubricate the derailleur and chain to maintain smooth shifting and prevent wear from dirt and grime. This is particularly important for adventure riders who frequently ride in challenging conditions.

Comparison with Similar Models

When comparing the Campagnolo Ekar 13 RD with other rear derailleurs, it stands out in several key areas. While Shimano and SRAM also offer gravel-specific drivetrains, the Ekar 13 RD excels in terms of its light weight and precision shifting technology. The Campagnolo system also provides a distinctive 13-speed range, which offers a greater variety of gear ratios for riders seeking more options in challenging terrain.

While Shimano’s GRX series and SRAM’s Force eTap AXS both offer solid gravel performance, they typically use 11-speed systems, limiting the available gear range compared to the Ekar 13 RD. The Campagnolo derailleur, therefore, offers a unique advantage in terms of both range and smoothness when shifting under load.

Compatibility with Other Drivetrain Components

The Campagnolo Ekar 13 RD is specifically designed to work with Campagnolo’s 13-speed cassette and shifters. It is not directly compatible with Shimano or SRAM drivetrains due to differences in cable pull ratios and shifting technology. Riders looking to upgrade their existing drivetrain may need to replace multiple components to ensure seamless compatibility. However, when paired with other Campagnolo components, the Ekar 13 RD offers exceptional performance and durability.

The rear derailleur is also compatible with both 135mm and 142mm quick-release or thru-axle dropouts, offering a versatile solution for various bike frames.