Shimano has a new generation Dura-Ace-wheels presented: the WH-R9370-series. The wheels are lighter and more aerodynamic than the previous R9270 generation, and are made for the wider 28 to 30 mm tires that are currently used in the peloton. They were developed with the riders from Alpecin-Premier Tech and Fenix-Premier Tech and with triathletes like Kat Matthews.
Much lighter
- C36: 1,170 grams per set (was 1,350, 180 grams lighter)
- C50: 1.302 grams (was 1.461, 159 grams lighter)
- C60: 1.389 grams (was 1.609, 220 grams lighter)
The weight gain comes mainly from new ones carbon spokes in two profiles (Aero and the flatter Super Aero) and an improved rim construction. Per wheel, Shimano chooses its own rim type and number, depending on whether the wheel needs to climb, be all-round, or remain rigid in the sprint.
Made for wide tires
All the rims are 23 mm wide on the inside, With separate profiles for the front and rear wheels. According to Shimano, this saves up to 48 km/h on 30 mm tires. 2.7 watts air resistance compared to the previous generation. The profiles have been tested against real, oblique winds, not just in ideal wind tunnel angles.
Conus bearings, now with replaceable cups
Shimano remains faithful to its cone-and-cup-bearings, These are precisely adjustable. New is that the bearing cups are now replaceable and the seal is better waterproofed. In a test with simulated rider and pedal weight, the new hubs rotated according to Shimano with 30 percent less resistance then wheels with plain bearing patterns.
The entire series
- C36: spoke wheel, 18 spokes front and 21 behind, 29.4 mm outer width.
- C50: allrounder, 21 spokes front and rear.
- C60: For flat rides, sprints and sprints, 24 spokes at the rear for extra stiffness.
- C99 (front wheel): 99 mm high, 16 Super Aero spokes, 792 grams, for time trial and triathlon.
- Thick rear disc: 987 grams, the equivalent of the C99.
The wheels will be available from September 2026. Shimano has not yet announced any Dutch prices; they vary per country and model.
Our perspective
A C36 weighing 1,170 grams is seriously light, and that Shimano is finally committing to 28 to 30 mm tires is exactly what riders want. The fact that Shimano is sticking with tapered bearings is typical of Shimano: they roll smoothly and are easy to adjust, and with the replaceable cups the biggest drawback (worn cups) is solved. The price is decisive, because competitors like Zipp, Roval and CADEX are in the same class.
Source: Shimano Benelux