Shimano Debuts New Dura-Ace 9000 Component and Wheel Sets

Shimano Dura-Ace 9000 Shifts Expectations

New Comprehensive Road Offering Includes 9000 Series Components, Pedals and Wheels for Road Riding and Racing

IRVINE, Calif. (June 1, 2012) – Shimano’s heritage and leadership in road racing prevails with the all-new Dura-Ace 9000 line, a comprehensive offering of components, pedals and wheels. New Dura-Ace 9000 series products combine iconic, stylish designs with premium technologies and performance. Shimano systems engineering resulted in the new 11-speed component group that as a system delivers improved function, rider benefits and wider gearing options at less weight than the previous generation.

• The best shifting in the peloton – New lighter action and short throw features in Dura- Ace ST-9000 dual control levers reduce shifting effort nearly in half. The shorter stroke shifter-derailleur combination produces a balanced lighter effort and quicker shifting system while Shimano Vivid Index technology better defines click engagement. The ST- 9000 release lever stroke has now been reduced by 30%. The short stroke 11-speed RD-9000 rear derailleur reduces shifting effort by 47% while the FD-9000 delivers lighter and quicker front shifting with 43% less effort at the end of the lever stroke. The full system shift effort reduction is attainable with the new Shimano cable system.

• Near perfect hood ergonomics – The reduced diameter bracket enabled significant improvements to hood and lever ergonomics, creating a reduced volume hood and refined lever shape that allow better control and a more comfortable hand position. The lever offers 10mm of reach adjust.

• Rider Tuned gearing comes to Dura-Ace – The new 11-speed cassette and new crank set gearing options bring Shimano’s Rider Tuned drive train philosophy to Dura- Ace 9000. The new 4-arm Hollowtech II FC-9000 crank set offers two new chain ring combinations in 52-36T and 52-38T creating gearing options ranging from 55-42T to 50- 34T all on a single spider for all gearing combinations. The new 4-arm crank design maintains high rigidity yet drops significant weight for the system. Dura-Ace 9000 includes two improved bottom brackets, threaded and press-fit. The new Rider Tuned CS-9000 cassette benefits from improved Hyperglide shifting and maintains Dura-Ace level durability. Rider Tuned gearing options include 11-23x25x28 / 12-25x28.

• More powerful, controllable brakes for more bicycle types – Redesigned Dura-Ace 9000 brakes offer smoother, lighter operation with increased modulation and up to 20% more power. The new short arm brake calipers feature a new two axle symmetric pivot design that reduces friction, improves efficiency and offers 10% more power in the caliper alone. Two caliper options and multiple brake pad options will provide greater compatibility with more bicycle types and uses. The standard mounting BR-9000 caliper will be joined by a new direct mount BR-9010 caliper ideally suited for aero road bikes in addition to a new SM-CB90 in line cable adjuster that can benefit aero bikes. New, thinner brake pad options will be offered for wider rim sizes up to 28mm.

New Flight Deck Enables Touch Screen Ant+ Compatible Wireless Data

The new SC-R770 E-tube compatible Flight Deck integrated cycle computer features a touch panel interface and customized display for various common cycle computer functions. The Flight Deck is Ant+ sensor compatible and offers wireless data transmission of rider data. Integrating with the Di2 digital system, the Flight Deck communicates data through the new E- Tube SM-EW90-F 5-port junction box.

New Dura-Ace Wheels Debut “Blade” and “Accelerating Speed” Concepts

Shimano re-establishes its leadership in premium performance wheels with seven all-new wheel sets that showcase a new design philosophy and new technologies. New Dura-Ace road wheels utilize two design concepts that embrace growing trends in wheel design and address the needs of elite level racers and triathletes.

The “Blade” concept is Shimano’s first fully committed effort to develop aerodynamically efficient wheels. The new Blade rim profile is the result of wind tunnel and real world time trial and triathlete feedback and validation. The “Accelerating Speed” concept is an evolution of one of Shimano’s original Dura-Ace guiding principles of delivering the most efficient power transfer systems in the racing world.

Key technologies and structural elements implemented in the new Dura-Ace 9000 wheel sets include extra wide hub flanges and offset rims, Opt-Bal 2:1 spoke lacing and the D2 wide rim design.