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TECH NEWS
Screen Shot 2017-05-02 at 09.36.25.pngIs this the new Shimano Ultegra groupset?
Where Dura-Ace leads, Ultegra undoubtedly follows. Last summer Shimano unveiled its latest Dura-Ace 9100-series groupsets, and photos shared on Instagram a few days reveal what appears to be the new Ultegra. You can't keep anything secret these days.
That there’ll be a new version of Ultegra coming soon is no surprise, but when it’s coming is unknown. We'd guess at a 2018 model year with the launch later this year, making it roughly since the launch of the new Dura-Ace, which roughly follows with previous Ultegra launches.
What can we expect from the new Ultegra 8000?
Cosmetically the new Ultegra inherits the same design language as the updated Dura-Ace. That’s really no surprise, Shimano's flagship groupset tends to introduce new technology which is then trickled down through Ultegra, 105 etc. The chainset gets the same enlarged crank arm design as first seen on the latest Dura-Ace, which Shimano claims improved shifting performance and saves weight. Will we see a power meter version of this new chainset? Given the delays Shimano has been having with the Dura-Ace power meter, you probably don't want to be holding your breath.
The photo shows the Di2 version of the new groupset, and we can see that the front and rear derailleurs get the same angular design treatment as first seen in Dura-Ace. The rear mech looks to be a low profile Shadow design which reduces the amount of rear mech jutting out from the frame. It’s also direct mount compatible as well. The mechanical front mech doesn't have the long arm of the previous version, a change that provides more rear tyre clearance.
The disc brakes appear to get the same rotors as developed for the first dedicated Dura-Ace disc brake groupset. The rotors have a radical new look that is designed to increase the cooling effect.
And that's about all we know so far, well until the next images get leaked on social media...
David worked on the road.cc tech team from 2012-2020. Previously he was editor of Bikemagic.com and before that staff writer at RCUK. He's a seasoned cyclist of all disciplines, from road to mountain biking, touring to cyclo-cross, he only wishes he had time to ride them all. He's mildly competitive, though he'll never admit it, and is a frequent road racer but is too lazy to do really well. He currently resides in the Cotswolds, and you can now find him over on his own YouTube channel David Arthur - Just Ride Bikes.
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17 comments
New components. Wow.
Way too much attention here.
http://www.weibo.com/2646516324/F0t3F8kQE?from=page_1005052646516324_pro...
The main thing I care about is the degree of compatibility to 6800? i.e. Can I source replacement parts from the newer Ultegra. Let's hope Shimano has not made them incompatible - i.e. I hope you can use a newer derailleur with a 6800 shifter.
Fair enough, 6700 it still is for me though...
I came here hoping so say something insightful but all I can think is "urgh! cover it up!"
Looks like another new type of chainring, so no backwards capacity with the previous model. So we're all locked in to Shim's ridiculous prices for spares if you ever wear one out.
Time was if the chainrings wore out - they do, eventually - you could get a spare from half a dozen aftermarket companies. Not now...
I bought DA9000+9001 STIs 2+ years ago (waited for the glitchy 9000sti to get sorted) but stuck with my k-force lite 5 bolt std 110mm, qualty c/rings are cheap as arseholes, can even get shiny oval ones for less than 30/pair.
this group like 9100 is gopping
Simple - don't buy it and you won't be locked in. I have a Campag 5 arm crank on my commute bike for this reason.
Not sure what you mean by 'new type'. The picture seems to show 110BCD 4 bolt chainring pattern, which has been out for ages. The previous version of Ultegra, 105 and Durace all use it, as well as the current versions. Even the current Tiagra level uses it.
Actually, lots of crank makers have switched to that format, so third party chainrings are abundant.
Not sure where you're shopping, but prices for 4 /110BCD chainrings are almost the same as older 5/110BCD.
Actually, chainrings for older 5/130 bolt cranks are now more expensive that their compact cousins because they are starting to become 'rare spares'. When my current set of 5/130 chainrings wear out, I'm going to replace the whole crankset with 4/110.... it's cheaper!
The 110mm 4 Bolt Assymetric pattern itself may not be new, but if you go and fit anyhting other than the original chainrings, it's going to look shite. The sculpted arm is clearly designed to integrate tightly with the equally sculpted chainring. Shimano could produce some bolt covers to try and ease the transition, but if you were to fit a standard flat plate type chainring, I think it would still look like a bodge.
Available only in boring black, because producing a nice polished aluminium version is too hard.
Hoping the new cassettes are a bit lighter
Not even shiny
That chainset is revolting.
And this is why I haven't bought a new bike yet. Once 9100 was announced I knew Ultegra would be a year or so out.
On the plus side, if you don't mind a previous gen groupset, there will be some ridiculously cheap 6800 bikes once this eventually hits market.
I prefer it to the look of Dura Ace. Take my money.