Market: With the Shimano Ultegra R8000, the Japanese are presenting the next evolutionary stage of their successful group from the upper mid-range segment. The new Ultegra inherits some features from the Dura-Ace and also gets its new look. In addition, the weight drops considerably in some cases. The new disc brakes are also exciting.
After the top group had already been given a comprehensive update this spring with the Dura Ace R9100, the mid-range group par excellence is now following suit with the Shimano Ultegra. As usual with Shimano, it inherits some features of the established top group and is also slowly catching up in terms of weight.
Shimano Ultegra R8000 – facelift for cranks and co.
Sure, at first glance the updated look is particularly striking, which is strongly reminiscent of the recently introduced Dura Ace. The new crank arms are particularly striking with their distinctive, asymmetrical look and overall much more massive structure. All components are kept in a dark anthracite tone and therefore fit very well into the current Shimano portfolio.
When it comes to the design of the crank and its chainrings, almost the entire spectrum of fans of thick gears (53-39t) to crossers (46-36t) is happy again. With the classic Compact (50-34t) and Mid-Compact (52-36t) there are enough gradations in between. Let's stay with the translations for a moment: There is also a wide range of cassettes. Standard styles include 11-25T, 11-28T, 11-30T, 11-32T, 12-25T and 14-28T. In addition, with the CS-HG800 there is an option for fans of larger bandwidths with 11-34t. Thanks to the included spacer, this can be mounted on both road bike and MTB freewheels.
Shimano Ultegra R8000 – Dura Ace Features
In particular, the Di2 variant of the new Ultegra inherits numerous features from its "bigger brother" Dura Ace. In addition to the additional buttons under the hoods of the STIs, this also includes compatibility with the new synchro-shift modes, which were presented as part of the Shimano E-Tube at the beginning of the year. The semi-synchro shift, which automates counter-shifting on the cassette when changing the chainring, should certainly be interesting for some. The new Di2 battery BT-BN110 is mandatory for the new modes.
At the very other end of the drive, namely the rear derailleur, there is Dura Ace technology: the new Ultegra rear derailleur comes exclusively as a narrow Shadow RD variant. In this way, the rear derailleur often remains undamaged in the event of a fall or in the event of "contact with an enemy". As before, the Shimano Ultegra R8000 will have a short-cage model and a long-cage model, depending on the cassette used.
Shimano Ultegra R8000 – The brakes
Of course, disc brakes have now also arrived on racing bikes, so it is not surprising that the new Ultegra group also has its own disc brake. The BR-R8070 brake calipers will only be available in the now firmly established flat mount standard and the new discs, which are also reminiscent of the Dura Ace counterparts both visually and technically with their large cooling fins, in 140mm and 160mm.
Of course, Shimano didn't write off the rim brake either. The new brakes will be available here both as a dual pivot and as a direct mount. Both variants offer space for 28mm tires.
Shimano Ultegra R8000 – New wheels
There will also be two new wheelsets to match the new groupsets. While the WH-RS700 is aimed at rim brake riders, a disc brake wheel should of course not be missing. The latter is called WH-RS770 and is only available with E-Thru axles. The rim brake wheels with carbon laminate rims weigh 1568g, the WH-RS770 are a little heavier at 1639g.
Shimano Ultegra R8000 weights
An important issue - not only for potential customers - but also for Shimano itself is the weight. With the new Ultegra it was possible to make considerable savings compared to the predecessor. An overview of all weights of the new Shimano Ultegra R8000 here:
| Component | Mechanical / Rim | Mechanical / Disc | Di2 / rim | Di2 / disc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shifter | ||||
| ST-R8000 | 438g | |||
| ST-R8020 | 550g | |||
| ST-R8050 | 295g | |||
| ST-R8070 | 360g | |||
| Crank | ||||
| FC-R8000 (53-39t) | 690g | 690g | 690g | 690g |
| FC-R8000 (52-36t) | 681g | 681g | 681g | 681g |
| FC-R8000 (50-34t) | 674g | 674g | 674g | 674g |
| FC-R8000 (46-36t) | 668g | 668g | 668g | 668g |
| Cassettes | ||||
| CS-R8000 (11-25t) | 232g | 232g | 232g | 232g |
| CS-R8000 (11-28t) | 251g | 251g | 251g | 251g |
| CS-R8000 (11-30t) | 269g | 269g | 269g | 269g |
| CS-R8000 (12-25t) | 243g | 243g | 243g | 243g |
| CS-R8000 (14-28t) | 300g | 300g | 300g | 300g |
| CS-HG800 (11-32t) | 292g | 292g | 292g | 292g |
| Chain | ||||
| CN-HG701-11 | 257g | 257g | 257g | 257g |
| Front derailleur | ||||
| FD-R8000-B | 106g | 106g | ||
| FD-R8000-F | 92g | 92g | ||
| FD-R8050 | 132g | 132g | ||
| Derailleur | ||||
| RD-R8000 (Short) | 200g | 200g | ||
| RD-R8050-SS | 242g | 242g | ||
| Brakes | ||||
| BR-R8000 | 360g | 360g | ||
| BR-R8070 | 280g | 280g | ||
| SM-RT800 (140mm) | 106g | 106g | ||
| SM-RT800 (160mm) | 127g | 127g | ||
| Pedals | ||||
| PD-R8000 | 248g | 248g | 248g | 248g |
Shimano Ultegra R8000 availability
The completely mechanical versions of the Shimano Ultegra R8000 can already be expected in the course of June. The Di2 variant and the hydraulic disc brakes will follow in August. We don't have any information about the prices at the moment