How to Install, Adjust, and Maintain the Ekar 13s Ergopower Shifters

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in Campagnolo, Ekar, Shifters

The Campagnolo Ekar 13s Ergopower [paid link] shifters offer a unique experience for road cyclists, providing efficient and smooth shifting performance for gravel and endurance bikes. Proper installation, adjustment, and maintenance are key to getting the most out of these shifters, ensuring that your bike performs at its peak.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the installation process, how to fine-tune your shifters for perfect gear changes, and share maintenance tips to extend the lifespan of your Ekar 13s Ergopower [paid link] shifters.

Tools Required

Before beginning the installation and maintenance process, make sure you have the following tools ready:

  • Allen wrenches [paid link] (5mm, 6mm)
  • Torx driver (T25)
  • Shimano cable cutters or any sharp wire cutters
  • Campagnolo torque wrench [paid link] (for precise settings)
  • Lubricant (suitable for drivetrain components)
  • Grease (for installation)
  • Ruler or tape measure (for accurate cable routing)
  • Soft cloth or rag (for cleaning)
  • Cable tension meter (optional, for fine-tuning)

Understanding the Campagnolo Ekar 13s Ergopower Shifters

The Campagnolo Ekar 13s Ergopower [paid link] shifters are a part of the Ekar 13-speed gravel-specific drivetrain system. These shifters are designed to provide precise control over gear shifts while ensuring comfort during long rides.

The primary features of the Ekar 13s [paid link] Ergopower include:

  • 13-speed indexing: Offering fine-tuned control over the wide gear range of the Ekar system.
  • Ergopower mechanism: Ensuring a comfortable, ergonomic design that reduces hand fatigue during extended rides.
  • Hydraulic disc brake compatibility: The Ekar shifters integrate seamlessly with Campagnolo’s hydraulic disc brakes for consistent braking performance.

Understanding these features helps guide proper installation, fine-tuning, and troubleshooting steps, ensuring the system performs optimally.

Step 1: Installing the Campagnolo Ekar 13s Ergopower Shifters

1.1 Attach the Shifters to the Handlebars

Begin by installing the Ekar 13s [paid link] Ergopower shifters onto the handlebars. Here’s how:

  • Position the shifters: Slide each shifter onto the handlebars, ensuring they are positioned according to your personal riding style (typically around the same area as the brake levers).
  • Align the shifters: The shifters should be aligned with the brake levers for easy access while riding. Use your torque wrench [paid link] to tighten the clamp bolts. Refer to Campagnolo’s specifications for the correct torque setting, generally around 5-6 Nm for proper installation.
  • Secure them properly: Double-check that both shifters are firmly in place, with no wobbling or movement when you apply force.

1.2 Install the Brake and Shift Cables

With the shifters installed, it’s time to install the brake and shift cables:

  • Brake cables: Install the hydraulic brake line following Campagnolo’s specific instructions. These brake lines should be routed neatly along the frame, ensuring no kinks or sharp bends.
  • Shift cables: Install the shift cables into the shifter mechanism and route them through the frame. Make sure there is no interference with other components. Use appropriate cable stops and guides as necessary to keep the cables taut but not too tight.

Step 2: Adjusting the Campagnolo Ekar 13s Ergopower Shifters

Proper adjustment of the Ekar 13s [paid link] Ergopower shifters ensures smooth, crisp shifting. Here’s how to adjust them correctly:

2.1 Adjusting the Front Derailleur (FD)

  • Align the front derailleur: Start by ensuring the front derailleur is positioned correctly. The derailleur cage should be parallel to the chainrings and about 1-2mm above the largest chainring.
  • Set limit screws: Use the small and large limit screws on the front derailleur to set the outer and inner limits of movement. The derailleur should be able to shift seamlessly without overshooting or dropping the chain.

2.2 Adjusting the Rear Derailleur (RD)

  • Set cable tension: Shift to the smallest cog and adjust the cable tension to ensure smooth shifting. You can use a cable tension meter for greater precision.
  • Limit screws: Adjust the high and low limit screws to prevent the derailleur from over-shifting or rubbing against the spokes or frame.
  • Test shifting: Shift through the gears to make sure each transition is clean and smooth. If you notice hesitation or overshooting, fine-tune the cable tension or derailleur alignment.

Step 3: Maintaining Your Ekar 13s Ergopower Shifters

Regular maintenance of the Campagnolo Ekar 13s Ergopower shifters is crucial to prolonging their lifespan and maintaining optimal performance. Here’s how to keep your shifters running like new:

3.1 Cleaning and Lubrication

  • Cleaning the shifters: Regularly clean your shifters to prevent grime buildup. Use a soft cloth and mild soap solution to wipe them down. Be careful not to get any water or debris inside the shifter mechanism.
  • Lubrication: Apply light lubricant to the cable housing and derailleur pivots. Avoid excessive lubrication that could attract dirt. Focus on areas that experience friction, such as the shift cables and pulley wheels.

3.2 Checking for Wear

  • Inspect cables: Regularly check the shift cables for signs of fraying or corrosion. Replace them if necessary.
  • Brake fluid: If you use the hydraulic brake functionality, make sure to monitor and top off brake fluid as needed, following the instructions in the Campagnolo Ekar manual.
  • General wear: Inspect the shifters for any loose components, cracks, or other signs of damage that could affect performance.

Step 4: Troubleshooting Common Issues with Ekar 13s Ergopower Shifters

4.1 Sluggish Shifting

If you notice sluggish shifting, it’s often due to improperly tensioned cables or dirt buildup. Here’s what you can do:

  • Recheck cable tension: Make sure your cable tension is set correctly using the methods outlined above.
  • Lubricate the system: Clean and lubricate the shift cables and derailleur components to ensure smooth operation.
  • Check the derailleur hanger: A misaligned derailleur hanger can affect shifting performance. Make sure it’s straight and properly aligned.

4.2 Not Shifting to the Largest Cog

If the shifter struggles to shift to the largest cog:

  • Adjust the high-limit screw: Ensure the high-limit screw on the rear derailleur is properly adjusted to allow the derailleur to shift fully to the largest cog.
  • Check the cable tension: If the tension is too tight, it can prevent the derailleur from reaching the largest cog. Loosen the tension slightly and test again.

Step 5: Optimizing Your Campagnolo Ekar 13s Ergopower Shifters

5.1 Upgrade Components for Enhanced Performance

  • Upgrade the derailleur pulleys: Consider upgrading to high-performance ceramic pulleys, which reduce friction and improve shifting precision.
  • Use a lighter cable housing: Lighter, low-friction cable housing can improve shifting speed and responsiveness.

5.2 Fine-Tuning for Comfort and Efficiency

  • Handlebar position: Fine-tune your handlebar position to ensure optimal comfort while shifting. This can reduce hand strain and improve your overall cycling experience.
  • Shifter reach: Some cyclists prefer to adjust the reach of the shifters for easier access while riding. If needed, make slight adjustments to the shifter position to fit your hand ergonomically.

Conclusion

Installing, adjusting, and maintaining your Campagnolo Ekar 13s Ergopower shifters properly is essential to ensure smooth, reliable shifting performance during every ride. By following the installation steps carefully, making necessary adjustments, and keeping up with routine maintenance, your shifters will continue to perform like new for years to come. Don’t forget to troubleshoot issues quickly and fine-tune your setup to maximize efficiency.