Ultegra R8100 – Leave Time Behind

When developing the Ultegra R8100 series, Shimano took a holistic and 100 % performance-oriented approach, because great speed means great responsibility. Faster than ever before, the 12-speed road groupset scores with unparalleled control and comfort anytime and anywhere – whether in an everyman race, on the hunt for a personal best time or on a companionable ride.

As with the Dura Ace R9200, not only does Hyperglide+ make its way into the Ultegra's components, also its Di2 parts rely on Wireless technology to simplify operation and ensure smooth shifting.

Shimano Ultegra WH-R8170 wheelset

With the current range, full carbon rims have also made their debut on the wheels of the Ultegra series. As with the Dura Ace counterparts, the balanced relationship between three factors was at the forefront of the development: aerodynamics, stiffness and lower weight.

C36 rim profile – Low weight for the steepest climbs

Not only the low overall weight, but also the weight distribution make the WH-R8170-C36 wheelset the right choice for the mountain stage. Where possible, the C36 rim design saves mass to allow for excellent acceleration and a dynamic feel on the climbs as well as in the corners.

The 36 mm high profile not only impresses with its low weight, but also scores with good aerodynamic properties which it owes not least to the sophisticated D2 rim design. The new wheel generation not only shines with reduced air resistance, but also offers technical refinements. The OPTBAL system, for example, uses a 2:1 spoke ratio to further improve 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-C36-TL wheelset

• tyre type: clincher, folding tyre, Tubeless
• cross-section: symmetrical
• external width: 28 mm / internal width: 21 mm
• profile height: 36 mm

• brake disc mount: Centerlock
• freewheel body: Shimano HG L / EV (11/12-speed)
• freehub type: Pawl
• bearing: cup and cone (polished, CBN coated)
• seals: 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. 831 grams (rear wheel)

Scope of supply:

front wheel + rear wheel, incl. Tubeless rim tapes