I know that the missing thumb shifter started waves inside the Campagnolo fanbase, but what is the long term experience with the groupset?
Nowadays it can be sourced with huge discounts, close or even below Force prices and I really like its gearing options with the subcompact chainrings and cassettes starting with 11. I’m not racing at all, I prefer the close ratios and good climbing gears over the top speed that SRAM or Shimano groups would provide.
I think users are generally positive with it. Tommy Barse of Cutlass Velo in Maryland seems pretty positive about it - he put it on a new build for himself last year even knowing 13S was coming to market soon.
I’ve had it since it was originally released on the bike I ride most often and like it. Nothing is perfect and I too am not racing it, but it’s been good. A pleasure to use for the most part. Reliable. Attractive. Would prefer a little faster shifting, which I believe WRL13 is. I reprogrammed the shifter buttons so top button acts like thumb shifter would, which seems more intuitive to me. Campy app is fine, not great for updating firmware, etc. Seen here in big-tire winter setup on trails, but most miles are typical road use. I have 10-27, 11-29 (SR mechanical not WRL), & 11-32 cassettes to use with it.
