Campag applies the same construction techniques to the Centaur as it does to its flagship series, minus the Ultra-Torque BB system. The full carbon Centaur cranks have a multi-directional carbon fibre core with uni-directional weave, bonded to a Power-Torque chromoly axle.
An oversized axle with a splined interface on the non-drive side interlocks on the left crank arm and is tightened with a bolt. It’s easy to fit, but removal requires a Campag spacer kit and an automotive crank pulley. The bonus is big weight loss because of the simple fitments, and a narrower q-factor (distance between the pedals) that, it’s said, offers more efficient pedalling.
The Centaur’s 644g weight makes it a market leader at this price. The chainrings are machined alloy, with plenty of excess material taken away. It offers a 94g saving from the alloy version.
The ring material quality makes for very little flex. Combine this with neatly ramped teeth and plenty of shift pins (eight on the big ring) aiding chain movement and the chainset shifts sweetly on 10-speed drivetrains. It works brilliantly with Campagnolo, as we’d expect, but handles SRAM and Shimano well too. It’s quite flex free but the finish is reasonably easy to mark.