News leaked out this week at Taiwan Bike Week (where components that will be spec’d on 2013 bikes are introduced) that Shimano is planning to launch its new 9000-series Dura-Ace 11-speed components group (not electric).
We heard at Interbike that this might happen, and now we know. Industry scuttlebutt has it that this will force SRAM to show their hand since they are getting dropped now by Campy with its electric group debut, and Shimano with its Ultegra Di2 and now brand-new D-A 11.
Another interesting tidbit from the leaked Shimano spec sheet is that it seems to confirm earlier reports of a new road-specific mechanical disc brake for 2013, as well.
Finally, there’s also speculation that Shimano’s Dura-Ace Di2 electric group will move to an 11-speed option this summer.
-- Jim Langley, J.M.