Shimano Ultegra Di2: New R8100 drivetrain close to top road bike groupset

Twelve gears and a wireless Di2 are the biggest innovations of the Shimano Ultegra R8100. The Ultegra R8100 is based on the same revised Di2 platform as the Top road bike groupset Dura-Ace R9200This ensures increased switching speed and enables wireless communication between the switches and the rear derailleur.

For the first time, there is an option with a power meter and carbon wheels for the disc brake version. The key points of the electronic shifting system are similar to the new Shimano Dura-Ace R9200. The design of the brake levers is also modelled on the Dura-Ace - Shimano's top road bike groupset.

The differences between Shimano Ultegra and Dura-Ace

There are differences between the two road bike groupsets in terms of surface finish and weight. In total, the Shimano Ultegra shift and brake groupset should weigh around 250 to 300 grams more than the latest Dura-Ace. The situation is similar with the wheels. The Ultegra C36 wheelset weighs 1488 grams and the Dura-Ace C36 1350 grams. There is also a slight difference in weight for the other wheels.

>> The new Shimano Ultegra R8100 in the TOUR test

Both the Powermeter version of the Shimano Ultegra R8100 and the regular crankset are available with gradations of 50-34 teeth and 52-36 teeth and with crank arm lengths of 160, 165, 170, 172.5 and 175 millimetres. The cranksets Shimano Dura-Ace However, the newly introduced racing gear ratio of 54/40 is not available for the Ultegra. The Ultegra Powermeter crank weighs 769 grams and is therefore only slightly heavier than the Dura-Ace crank, which weighs 748 grams.

Both the new Shimano Ultegra R8100 and Dura-Ace R9200 will be available in stores from October 2021.

The individual components of the Shimano Ultegra Di2 12-speed road bike groupset