Dura Ace R9200 – Never Compromise

The Science of Speed. Speed was the mainspring in the development of this 12-speed road bike series of a new generation. Several years of research produced those innovations that make the Shimano Dura Ace R9200 even faster. Every component has been revised, refined and optimised to enable the decisive seconds of advantage – whether as a breakaway from the peloton or in the finish sprint on the Champs-Élysées.

The electronic Di2 parts rely on Wireless technology where it matters to make shifting even faster and more reliable. Smooth shifting is also the aim of the Hyperglide+ system, already known from the MTB segment, which is designed to bring out maximum performance and the full potential of every racer.

Shimano Dura Ace WH-R9270 wheelset

The wheels are a decisive pillar in Shimano's "Science of Speed" development concept, they literally bring the rider's performance to the road.

C50 rim profile – Aerodynamic all-rounder

The reduction of aerodynamic drag is the main discipline of the Dura Ace WH-R9270-C50 wheelset. In addition, the low overall weight and the resulting low rotating mass in combination with outstanding lateral and drivetrain stiffness lead to a balanced ratio of those values that significantly determine the performance.

The 50 mm deep wheels owe their aerodynamic efficiency not least to the sophisticated D2 rim design. In combination with the low weight, which makes the set even lighter than the C40 predecessor model, the wheels feel at home almost everywhere, whether in time trials or criteriums, in hilly terrain or when chasing best times.

The new wheel generation not only shines with reduced air resistance, but also offers technical refinements. Thanks to Direct Engagement technology, the freewheel hubs offer outstanding drivetrain stiffness which results in an even more direct feeling of power transmission and is particularly noticeable in the starting torque. Meanwhile, the OPTBAL system with its 2:1 spoke ratio further improves the stiffness of the rear wheel.

D2 rim design

Aerodynamic performance is affected by wind direction. When developing the D2 rim profile, Shimano's engineers took both headwind and crosswind into account to ensure optimum performance under real-world riding conditions.

Extensive prototype testing in the wind tunnel and on the road has shown that a wide rim shape and deep rim well offer the best performance under a wide range of conditions. At yaw angles from 0 to 15 degrees, the D2 rim design reduces drag better than other aerodynamic rims. It also increases the wheel's lateral stiffness and improves vertical directional stability, resulting in more control, comfort and durability on the road.

OPTBAL

Wheels with the OPTBAL system use a 2:1 spoke ratio, resulting in twice as many spokes on the drivetrain side as on the opposite side. The technology counteracts the unbalanced tension caused by increasing cassette widths, especially on the right side. The OPTBAL construction balances out this spoke tension increasing the spokes' lifetime and improving the stiffness of the entire wheel as well.

Technical details of the WH-R9270-C50-TL wheelset

• tyre type: clincher, folding tyre, Tubeless
• cross-section: symmetrical / internal width: 21 mm
• external width: 28 mm
• profile height: 50 mm

• brake disc mount: Centerlock
• freewheel body: Shimano HG L2 (12-speed)
• freehub type: Direct Engagement
• bearing: cup and cone, contact sealings
• O.L.D.: 12 x 100 mm / 12 x 142 mm (thru axle)

• aero spokes (Straightpull, double butted, bladed)
• spoke count: 24 (front + rear)
• front spoke pattern: double crossed
• rear spoke pattern: OPTBAL (left radial / right double crossed)

Material:

Compatibility:

Weight (manufacturer's specs):

approx. 787 grams (rear wheel)

Scope of supply:

front wheel + rear wheel, incl. Tubeless rim tape