Shimano releases new Dura-Ace wheels
We saw them at the Tour de France and today Shimano officially dropped details on their new Dura-Ace wheel lineup that feature lighter weights, revised aerodynamics and a new carbon spoke design.
The range includes five models: the C36, C50 and C60 road wheelsets, plus a 99mm front wheel and rear disc wheel for time trial and triathlon use. All have been developed around modern 28-30mm tyres, with wider 23mm internal rim widths and front/rear specific rim profiles designed to balance aerodynamic performance with crosswind stability.
One of the biggest changes is a significant reduction in weight compared with the previous Dura-Ace wheels. Shimano claims the new C36 wheelset weighs 1,170g (-180g), the C50 comes in at 1,302g (-159g), while the deeper C60 drops to 1,389g, a saving of 220g over its predecessor.
Shimano says the new wheels are also more aerodynamic. In its testing, the company claims the WH-R9370 range reduces aerodynamic drag by up to 2.7 watts (when paired with 30mm tyres at 48km/h) compared with the previous generation.
Another notable update is the introduction of Shimano’s new carbon spokes, available in two aero profiles depending on the wheel model. Spoke counts and layouts vary across the range to suit each wheel’s intended purpose, from lightweight climbing to all-round racing and high-speed sprinting.
The hubs retain Shimano’s long-standing adjustable cup-and-cone bearing system but now feature replaceable bearings to improve long-term serviceability. Shimano also says the revised hub design offers lower rotational resistance than comparable cartridge-bearing systems under load.
The range is split into five distinct models. The C36 is the lightweight climbing wheelset weighing 1,170g. The C50 is an all-round option balancing weight, stiffness and aerodynamics at 1,302g. The C60 is a deeper, more aerodynamic wheelset aimed at fast road racing and sprint stages, weighing 1,389g. The C99 is a dedicated 99mm front wheel for time trials and triathlon. The rear disc is designed to pair with the C99 for maximum aerodynamic efficiency.
Shimano says the wheels were developed with feedback from riders on the Alpecin–Deceuninck and Fenix–Deceuninck teams, along with professional triathletes including Kat Matthews, to refine handling, acceleration and stability in race conditions. Availability is from September onwards with final pricing to be determined when they land in SA. MORE: shimano.com //