2013 Dura-Ace 9000 to feature an extra cog.
By Matt Phillips
Stories about Shimano’s next-generation Dura-Ace group have been hitting the web, with rumors of Shimano joining Campagnolo in the 11-speed realm. Bicycling secured an internal Shimano document that confirms that there is indeed a new Dura-Ace group. Set for release for the 2013 model year, it will feature an 11-speed rear cluster. The new group will be called Dura-Ace 9000 (the current Dura-Ace group is designated 7900). When asked for a statement, the company said that its policy is not to comment on future products prior to their release.
Beyond the additional cog, there are few details about the new group in the internal document. However, industry insiders filled in some specifics for us. (If you’re wondering, our moles also tell us that a new SRAM Red group will be unveiled soon, but it remains at 10 speeds.)
Here are some additional details on Shimano’s new Dura-Ace 9000:
- There will be electronic (Di2) and mechanical versions.
- DA9000 Di2 gets shift levers, “similar” to Ultegra Di2, as well as the narrow-diameter Di2 wiring harness unveiled on the new Ultegra Di2.
- The cranks use a four-arm spider (like Shimano mountain cranks; current road cranks use a five-arm spider) and a new, lighter, bottom-bracket system. Shimano is sticking with their 24mm axle standard; there is no BB30 or BB386EVO option.
- The hoods on the mechanical STI levers are smaller, with a more ergonomic fit and feel.
- The mechanical version will use a proprietary shift cable.
- Front-derailleur shifting effort is reduced by 38% (claimed).
- The brakes are all new. There are two mounting options: standard center bolt and two-bolt aero/TT style.
- The mechanical group’s weight is claimed at 1,908 grams, a 67-gram reduction from Dura-Ace 7900.
- The cassette and freehub body are wider: 10-speed cassettes will work on 11-speed wheels (with a spacer), but not vice versa. Rear hub spacing remains 130mm.
- Shimano did not add any more carbon: Like DA7900, only the brake-lever blades and rear-derailleur pulley cage are carbon.
- The Shimano document also describes a new dropout out configuration for road bikes, but our sources say, “There’s not really any change on that from our perspective.”
How does an 11th cog affect the performance? Based on our experience jumping back and forth between Campy’s 11-speed groups (first released in 2009) and 10-speed groups from Shimano and SRAM, shifting performance can be comparable. That’s because the change to the ratios is quite minor overall. We don’t yet know the cog progression of DA9000 (we know 11-23, 11-25, 12-25 and 12-28 cassettes will be offered), but here’s how Campagnolo 11-speed and Shimano 10-speed cassettes compare: Shimano’s 11-23 cassette breaks down like this: 11-12-13-14-15-16-17-19-21-23. Campy’s 11-23 inserts an 18-tooth cog between the 17 and 19. In other words, you get one slightly tighter jump in one part of the cassette.
The Drivetrain Interchangeability chart in Shimano’s document shows that cassette, shifters, derailleurs, chain, and cranks are 11-speed only, and not interchangeable with Shimano 10-speed components, which is likely because of a narrower chain: DA9000 brakes are compatible with DA7900 and all other Super SLR-compatible levers.
In addition, Shimano lists seven new 9000 series wheels sets: 75mm-deep carbon tubular, 50mm carbon tubular, 50mm carbon-aluminum clincher, 35mm carbon tubular, 35mm carbon-aluminum clincher, 24mm carbon-aluminum road tubeless, and 24mm carbon-aluminum clincher.
Shimano Dura-Ace 9000 Direct-Mount Brake Caliper
Direct-mount brakes (click to enlarge)
Another new product in the DA9000 line is the BR-9010 brake, a “direct mount” caliper. Drawings within the document describe a caliper brake that mounts with two bolts similar to the aero brakes found on some time-trial and triathlon bikes.
Other details:
- The following ring combos are listed for DA9000 cranks: 53-39, 50-34, 52-36, 52-38, 54-42, and 55-42.
- There is no triple option.
- An 11-speed compatible bar end shifter will be offered.
- The group contains a new 9000 series SPD-SL pedal.
- The document describes two mechanical disc brakes, compatible with Super-SLR levers. The BB-CX75 cyclocross disc brake and the BR-R515.
- Our moles are also very excited about 2013 Sora and Tiagra groups, which they called a “huge” leap forward.
