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.

C60 rim profile – Lowest drag for maximum speed

With its focus on reduced drag and high stiffness, the WH-R8170-C60 wheelset is ideal for fast racing. The high-profile rims make it possible to put more pressure on the road in corners, so that every bit of power can be converted into forward movement.

While the sophisticated D2 rim design of the 60 mm deep wheels underlines the focus on aerodynamic efficiency, the lightweight hubs not only serve to reduce weight but also benefit the overall stiffness of the wheels. The OPTBAL system with its 2:1 spoke ratio also pursues the same goal and thus 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-C60-TL wheelset

• tyre type: clincher, folding tyre, Tubeless
• cross-section: symmetrical
• external width: 28 mm / internal width: 21 mm
• profile height: 60 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. 911 grams (rear wheel)

Scope of supply:

front wheel + rear wheel, incl. Tubeless rim tapes