Shimano presents new Dura-Ace R9100 road bike groupset
TOUR
· 29.06.2016
In typically sober and cryptic Shimano style, the new Dura-Ace is labelled "R9100". Behind it, however, lies a firework of new technical features and a completely revised design of Shimano's top groupset for road cyclists. More than ever before, the development engineers have designed the Dura-Ace as an integrated overall system.
Dura-Ace rear derailleur and front derailleur operated with one switch
The R9100 series further develops a system that Shimano first introduced in the mountain bike sector: Synchro-Shift technology will also enable road cyclists to operate the rear derailleur and front derailleur with just one shifter in future. The Japanese company is also presenting a crankset with an integrated power meter, hydraulic disc brakes and new rim profiles for the wheels associated with the Dura-Ace groupset.
The new Dura-Ace also features Shimano's new Bluetooth-enabled E-Tube app, which makes it possible, for example, to apply a user profile to several bikes once it has been set or to make settings and switch assignments conveniently via smartphone or tablet.
The new design of the Hollowtech II crankset has a decidedly flat and powerful appearance. A wider, yet slightly lighter crank arm compared to the previous crank and the large chainrings are designed to be stiffer and improve power transfer to the pedals. The new crank will be available in five gear ratio variants: 50-34T, 52-36T, 53-39T, 54-42T and 55-42T. The available crank arm lengths range from 165 to 180 mm.
Integrated power measurement in the Dura-Ace crankset for the first time
Another highlight is the power meter integrated into the crank as standard for the first time, allowing you to measure your own performance in real time and record and analyse the data. The actual power meter is seamlessly integrated into the crank and can be connected to the appropriate end devices to display the data. The power meter can record the power of the left and right leg separately and provides cadence data.
The central unit of the power meter sits compactly and inconspicuously in the crankcase, while the strain gauges are integrated into the crank arms. The design makes it easy to change the chainring without compromising the accuracy of the power meter. To ensure communication with and data display on a variety of bike computers or GPS devices, the power meter crank features ANT+ in addition to Bluetooth. An integrated, rechargeable battery supplies the power meter with energy. Charging takes place via a small magnetic adapter so that no covers or lids need to be opened.
Dura-Ace R9100 hydraulic disc brakes
Regardless of the still unresolved question of the use of disc brakes in professional sport, Shimano is now also presenting a hydraulic disc brake for the new Dura-Ace. Despite the integrated hydraulics, the horns of the STI levers are still slim and compact, so that there is hardly any noticeable difference to the shift/brake levers of the previous mechanical brake systems.
Shimano's Synchro-Shift technology is a feature that is making its debut on road bikes with the new Dura-Ace. It is designed to simplify shifting and, according to Shimano, "significantly reduce the number of decision-making processes that take place while riding". Put simply, Synchro-Shift technology always selects the optimum next larger or next smaller gear ratio combination, regardless of whether this requires shifting at the rear derailleur and/or front derailleur.
