IRVINE, Calif. (BRAIN) — Shimano on Wedneday released details of its latest updates to its top of the line road group, Dura-Ace. The group now has a power meter option and its own hydraulic disc brake option. It remains an 11-speed group that is available with Di2 electronic or standard cable shifting options. The Di2 group has an optional Syncro Shift feature, which allows shifting of front and rear derailleurs from the right shifter.
Retail pricing for the full mechanical rim brake group (R9100) is $2,029. The R9100/R9120 group, with mechanical shifting and hydraulic disc brakes, is $2,355. The R9150 group, with Di2 shifting and rim brakes, is $3,046. The R9170 group, with Di2 and hydraulic disc brakes, is $3,137. The company said the new parts will be available in September. (Full pricing and weights pdf)
Shimano also introduced new Dura-Ace wheels and pedals.
Shimano said the Dura-Ace crank has redesigned tooth profiling that accomodates short chainstays and disc brakes with 135 OLD rear spacing. The power meter option includes strain gauges in each crank arm, internally hard-wired together. It has a single rechargable battery and can communicate wirelessles with most common head units.
The group's new chain features a Quick-Link tool free connector.
The group has options for standard or direct mount rim brakes as well as the new Dura-Ace-level flat mount disc calipers, rotors and levers. The company said the calipers offer "wide pad clearance," which presumably would make rotor rub less likely and allow faster wheel changes.
The company also said its new Di2 shifter levers have a more defined shift click and expanded customization options. As with the Deore XT Di2 group inveiled at Sea Otter this spring, the new Dura-Ace Di2 system can be accessed wirelessly for customization of shift speed and Syncro Shift patterns. The rear derailleur has Shimano's direct mount Shadow feature.
The new carbon-rim Dura-Ace R9100 wheels are available in rim brake and disc versions, and clincher and tubular versions. The new injected carbon pedals are of the SPD-SL type, and are 24 grams lighter than the previous model.
