The new Shimano DURA-ACE WH-R9370 wheel range
Meet the new Shimano DURA-ACE wheel series
Over the last few years, road bikes have changed significantly. Frames have become lighter and more aerodynamic. Tire widths have increased. Riders are no longer looking for the lightest possible setup alone, but for a bike that feels fast, efficient and confident over every type of road. That also changes what we expect from a wheelset.
The new Shimano DURA-ACE WH-R9370 series has clearly been developed with exactly that in mind. Rather than simply making the previous wheels lighter, Shimano has redesigned the complete range around one philosophy: Balanced to Win. Weight, aerodynamics, stiffness and durability are no longer treated as separate goals, but as one complete system.
The result is a completely new DURA-ACE wheel family that is up to 220 grams lighter than the previous generation, built around wider modern road tires and equipped with Shimano's new carbon spoke technology.
One wheelset doesn't fit every rider
Modern road cycling has become more specialised. Some riders spend their weekends climbing mountain passes. Others ride fast chain gangs, race local criteriums or focus on long gran fondos. One wheelset can still do many things well, but that does not mean every rider is looking for the same characteristics. Shimano recognised that and gave every wheelset within the new DURA-ACE family its own identity.
The C36 is the lightest option, developed for riders who value climbing performance and quick acceleration.
The C50 sits right in the middle of the range. It combines low weight with aerodynamic efficiency and will probably be the wheelset that suits the largest group of riders. If you're looking for one wheelset that performs well almost everywhere, this is likely where you'll end up.
The C60 shifts the focus towards outright speed, while the C99 and Disc complete the range for time trial and triathlon use.
Different wheelsets, but all developed around the same philosophy.
Carbon spokes are about more than weight
One of the biggest changes throughout the new DURA-ACE range is Shimano's move to carbon spokes. The obvious benefit is weight. Depending on the model, the complete wheelset is up to 220 grams lighter than before, making acceleration feel more direct.
But Shimano's thinking goes further than simply reducing grams. The carbon spokes also contribute to overall wheel stiffness and aerodynamic performance. Rather than optimising every individual component separately, Shimano has developed the wheels as one complete system, where the rim, spokes, hub and tire all complement each other.
Looking at the technical choices Shimano has made, it is clear the company has taken a different approach from many premium wheel brands. Rather than chasing the deepest rim profile or the lowest possible weight, Shimano focuses on balance. Every decision seems to revolve around creating a wheelset that performs consistently in real riding conditions.
Cup & Cone still matters
One detail that immediately stands out is something Shimano deliberately decided not to change. While many premium wheel manufacturers have fully switched to cartridge bearings, Shimano continues to develop its well-known Cup & Cone hub system.
There is a good reason for that. Cup & Cone bearings distribute forces exceptionally well, can be adjusted with great precision and are known for their smooth rolling characteristics. Riders have trusted that system for decades. For the new DURA-ACE generation Shimano has taken the concept one step further by introducing replaceable bearings, making servicing easier while maintaining the ride quality Shimano hubs are known for.
Built around modern road bikes
One detail that fits perfectly with what we see at BikeSuperior is the internal rim width. The complete DURA-ACE range has been developed around 28 to 30 mm tires. That is no coincidence. Wider tires have become the new standard, not only because they offer more comfort, but because they also improve grip, confidence and rolling efficiency.
A few years ago, 28 mm tires felt wide on a race bike. Today they have become the benchmark and Shimano clearly developed these wheels around that reality.
Ready for the next generation of racing
The new DURA-ACE wheels have already proven themselves at the highest level of cycling, where every watt and every second matter. Throughout development, Shimano worked closely with WorldTour riders and professional triathletes. Their feedback helped refine the acceleration response, sprint stability, crosswind predictability, spoke configurations and overall stiffness of the different models.
That WorldTour experience is reflected throughout the range. Not through one radical design choice, but through carefully considered improvements that make the wheels lighter, more efficient and easier to maintain.
Now available to test at BikeSuperior
The new Shimano DURA-ACE wheel series is now available at BikeSuperior. More importantly, you can also experience the wheels yourself. Because while numbers on a specification sheet tell part of the story, the real difference between wheelsets is something you feel on the road.
The new Shimano DURA-ACE wheel series is now available and ready to test at BikeSuperior.
