I am planning my first gravel bike (which I will have my LBS build up) and am learning about different options and components as I go.
I am looking at wheels currently. I’ve read very positive reviews about the Campagnolo Levante DB Wheelset (released in 2022, so many reviews are now quite old). It seems available at a significant discount compared to the initial price (listed in reviews) - so looks like a potentially quite attractive buy.
Three questions:
I noticed this wheelset is not listed on the Campy web site. Is it discontinued? If so, any idea why? Would this be a reason to abstain from buying this wheelset?
What is the current verdict on these wheels? (eg, based on long-term use, vs comparable alternatives available today at the similar [discounted] price point)
I can’t speak to the Levante, but my experience with Campagnolo (and sister wheel brand Fulcrum) is excellent. Servicing them is pretty easy. They stay true. No hookless shenanigans. Great hubs. Solid looks.
I had Levante wheels since they were released. Really no issues with them in use, just have to get used to service cup and cone bearings. Only “issue” that I have with them is that they are not officially approved for tires smaller than 38mm, (although being 25mm internal), so I can not use them with 35mm tires. I do not know about repair policy or why they are not any more on the website.
I’ve had experience with Campagnolo support for a broken Bora rim (nasty pothole at nearly 50 kph, the rim held in one piece, but it made sense that it broke, it was a real hard hit). They replaced the rim and rebuilt the wheel under warranty, no question asked. Top notch service (caveat maybe, I’m in France, so close to Italy).
I’ve had many Campa and Fulcrum wheels over the years, from entry level to top notch, all perfectly built, always remained true, never any issue. I have old Record hubs on my daily, and they’ve stayed outside in any kind of weather, I only replaced the freehub bearings once (steel freehub, it will outlive me).
I’ve been eyeing those Levante wheels for years, but I don’t ride enough gravel to justify spending that money on them…
TL;DR: Campagnolo wheels are rock solid, roll much better than what the sum of their parts would let you think (e.g. weight), service is great, and they look sexy as hell. Treat yourself
I have had the wheelsset for 3 years now, but I must admit that I haven’t ridden it a lot, because 99% percent of the time I am riding my road bike.
Anyway, it’s a beautiful wheelset and IMO the heart and eye should decide about buying a bike part (or a bike) rather than just data and facts . And it’s certainly a good wheelset (see james’ review).
No idea, why it’s discontinued. Maybe because they have the Bora X model replacing them and having their trademark G3 spoke pattern which fits better into the complete range of wheels. And no, this is not a reason not to buy them! Especially as Campa is known for providing spare parts for their stuff for many years (or even decades) after discontinuation. Just drop them an e-mail asking just about this. Usually they are very helpful with technical questions (I have been getting detailed technical answers for years from the same guy at their German headquarters).
I have never had any problems with them and would buy them again. I don’t think that Campa ever sold a product which was technically bad. I have been riding Campa wheels for almost 20 years and they are always top notch. And always engineered-and-built-to-last. My first set of Zonda wheels is now in the range of >50K kilometers and still no problems. Technically it’s all very thought through and easy to service.
First I have thought hat this (crash replacement) might be a concern when I have been thinking about buying them.. But then again it’s Campagnolo, so the stuff is rock solid and certainly you can talk to them about some form of help in the case of a crash.
Mine were great. Tyre compatibility was good, never needed a compressor. The ride quality is fairly smooth without them feeling vague or soft - power transfer is still good. The finish of the rims is lovely. If you like preventative maintenance, the hub design is clever - kind of a best of both worlds between cartridge and cup-and-cone bearings.
If you break a spoke, it’ll be a fun time to replace, but its unlikely to happen - mine took some abuse, and i’m not lightweight.
Campagnolo have a very old-school approach to warranty, but their products are generally very well put-together, so its unlikely to be an issue.
Campagnolo replied that the Levante wheelset was discontinued - but for economic, not technical, reasons (it has been one of their most robust wheelsets). And apparently availability of spare parts is not a problem; some parts are still used in other wheels and there is stock of spares (apart from hub bodies).
