Product news/test: With the slogan "For those who never compromise", Shimano is presenting its new Dura-Ace groupset and wants to point out the uncompromising performance of its latest high-end road bike gears. The biggest innovation is likely to catch your eye, because with a 12-speed cassette you can now increase the bandwidth significantly and also offer other interesting improvements and features. As a further highlight, a new, less expensive Ultegra groupset, also with 2×12 gears, is coming onto the market in the slipstream of the brand new Shimano Dura-Ace. We were able to test the two groups for you in advance and have an overview of all the details.
The Shimano Dura-Ace has been one of the front runners for years when it comes to gear groups and the successes of the pros who have been on the road with a Shimano Dura-Ace are unparalleled. In order to remain on top, Shimano is also introducing some new technologies with its latest road bike groupsets, which according to the manufacturer should herald a new era. But what exactly is the new Dura-Ace and Ultegra supposed to do so much better?
The new Shimano Dura-Ace at a glance
New brake shifters with appealing ergonomics
At first glance you can only see minimal differences to the predecessor, but if you take a closer look, it becomes clear that something has changed here. The first stop is the brake shifters, where you immediately notice that the entire shape has changed. The ergonomics of the grips have been significantly improved, especially through adjustments in the millimeter range, and they simply convinced us in the test from the first second to many hours. In detail, Shimano uses a raised grip head with a slight inward curve for better ergonomics and also offers an increased surface between the shifter and the handlebar. What sounds banal at first glance is in our opinion a real game changer, because here you not only get a more comfortable and safer index finger and thumb grip on the grip heads, but also bring the three fingers behind the brake lever completely between the shifter and handlebars, to ensure additional control with greater comfort. Another change is the increased offset between the Di2 buttons on the lever, allowing better distinction between the upshift and downshift button, especially with gloves or wet fingers. Despite the generous amount of space, the brake levers remain easily accessible and can be easily reached from all grip positions.
From a technical point of view, of course, there is also a significant change to the entire Dura-Ace and Ultegra platform, because since the new Shimano Dura-Ace (and also Ultegra) are wireless groupsets, there are no longer any cables for the control of the derailleur and rear derailleur must be routed through the frame. So the shifters work with a wireless connection. This allows for a quick and easy assembly process while providing a clean cockpit with an attractive look.
12 gears for high-quality driving pleasure and high-end performance
Of course, the new wireless shifters also need the corresponding counterpart in order to be able to receive and process the transmitted signal. The new Shimano Dura-Ace and Ultegra rear derailleurs play a crucial role here, because with the new platform they no longer only act as gear changers, but also play a central role in controlling the entire system. On the one hand, the rear derailleur is the point at which the new Dura-Ace and Ultegra are loaded, on the other hand it is also the receiver for the signal that comes from the shifters. Using its own protocol, Shimano guarantees reliable functionality and significantly minimizes the susceptibility of the wireless connection. In favor of reliability, Shimano also relies on controlling the signal transmission to the derailleur, which offers a 33% smaller frontal area, from the rear derailleur using a cable via the central battery.
The previously mentioned own chip protocol not only ensures high reliability, but also significantly faster switching processes in addition to lower power consumption. These are made possible by the interaction with an improved engine design. Even if the result is only fractions of a second that are saved, you can shift gears noticeably faster compared to the Shimano Dura-Ace or Ultegra predecessors. In percent, according to the manufacturer, this is a 58% reduction in rear derailleur operating time and a 45% reduction in front derailleur operating time. Despite the powerful way we worked, we still had juice after 1000 kilometers.
To come back briefly to the rear derailleur: By expanding to a 12-speed cassette and the associated gradation options, Shimano is bringing its new groupsets with a single rear derailleur cage, which can be used for the entire range. When it comes to bandwidth, you can also see some changes in the new groups, because while you can now use almost all cassette variations between 11-34 (11-28T, 11-30T and 11-34T), the crank offers the options 50- 34T, 52-36T or the new 54-40T chainrings. This gives racers and ambitious cyclists a much more extensive setup for any terrain. In order to be able to use the new gradations and 12-speed cassettes optimally, there is of course also a new 12-speed Hyperglide chain for little friction and long durability. The great feature of the 12-speed cassette: It can also be used on 11-speed freewheel bodies. So beloved wheels are also compatible with the new Shimano Dura-Ace and Ultegra 12-speed. In our opinion, this is extremely positive news and a successful solution.
New Shimano Dura-Ace and Ultegra power meters
The drive system is of course not complete without the cranksets. Two versions are available, the integrated power meter version or the non-power meter version. Both cranks are of course available in different sizes with crank arm lengths from 160 to 177,5 mm and with a Q-factor of 148 mm and feature Hollowtech II technology. The power meter version, which is now also available in the Ultegra variant, uses Bluetooth and ANT+ technology to transmit data. The internal battery is easy to charge and should last about 300 hours of driving time.
New wheel lineup: aerodynamic, stiff and lighter
Of course, such a high-quality drive system only makes sense if you can convert the power into speed and keep it that way. Shimano has revised its entire wheel lineup for this purpose. The following factors were in the foreground during development: reducing drag without sacrificing control, drive rigidity thanks to a new Direct Engagement hub and, of course, an attractive weight.
With three rim heights each at Dura-Ace and Ultegra level, Shimano covers all needs. The three rim height profiles naturally provide different performance benefits for the rider.
- Geared for climbs and climbing, the C36 wheel is the lightest wheel offering
- The C50 is a high-quality all-rounder
- The C60 is the aerodynamic wheel for high speeds and sprints
The C36 and C50 wheels feature a 1:1 standard spoke pattern with 1,5mm spokes for less weight, while the C60 features a 2:1 spoke pattern with thicker 1,8mm spokes for more stiffness and offers power transmission. All wheels are available in tubeless and tubular versions.
Shimano Dura-Ace brake system: Finest control, quieter system, easy to maintain
But speed is nothing if you can't control it. As an additional, essential topic, the braking system has also been completely revised. After extensive testing we can say: "It makes a huge difference!" Thanks to the new Servo Wave technology, which was adopted from Shimano's MTB and Gravel brake systems, riders have a shorter distance until the brake engages and can have a more direct connection between Manufacture brake pads and brake discs, which allows for better springing or better modulation of the brakes, leading to more confidence in technical situations. For the racing driver, this also means that you can now brake even later.
In addition, 10% wider pad and disc clearances have enabled a significantly quieter system, achieved through less thermal distortion of the rotor and less transient interference between the pad and rotor. Brake maintenance has also been improved. It is now possible to bleed the brake without removing the caliper from the frame, thanks to a separate bleed port and valve screw. A new funnel and bleed spacer also help improve the bleeding process.
A completely new approach has resulted in the new Shimano Dura-Ace and Ultegra, an extremely high-quality switching group with many exciting and contemporary features that offer real added value without having to resort to frills.
Photos: Attentions Builders/Irmo Keizer/Andreas Dobslaff