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.
The Tubeless design of the WH-R8170 wheels not only ensures the appropriate propulsion and efficient power development, but also guarantees reliable performance in daily use. Compatibility with the proven 11-speed as well as the new 12-speed road cassettes is just as practical as comfortable.
C50 rim profile – Aerodynamic all-rounder
The reduction of aerodynamic drag is the main discipline of the WH-R8170-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 performance.
The 50 mm deep wheels owe their aerodynamic efficiency not least to the sophisticated D2 rim design. In combination with the low weight, the wheels feel at home almost everywhere, whether be it on long climbs, on winding descents, cruising in flat terrain or when chasing best times.
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-R8170-C50-TL wheelset
- tyre type: clincher, folding tyre, Tubeless
- cross-section: symmetrical
- external width: 28 mm / internal width: 21 mm
- profile height: 50 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)
- Weight (manufacturer's specs): approx. 1570 grams (wheelset)