Icons of cycling: Campagnolo Super Record derailleur

Bike tech has never looked as classy as the Super Record when it first launched more than 40 years ago

It has been compared to a Breitling watch, and indeed if James Bond had used a bicycle to pursue his evil adversaries, there’s no doubt Q would have equipped it with a Campagnolo Super Record rear derailleur. And we hope Q would have impressed upon the insouciant secret agent that it was under no circumstances to be returned scuffed, let alone crushed or bullet-riddled.

Although the Campagnolo Super Record did not double up as a Geiger counter, it certainly did radiate class. It was said to be made from materials more exotic than had ever before been seen in cycling.

Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access

Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription

Join now for unlimited access

Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

Simon Smythe