New: Shimano Dura-Ace R9100 and R9150 Di2 Groupsets

After months of leaked photos, speculation and anticipation Shimano has finally released it’s newest top tier road groupsets, the Shimano Dura-Ace R9100 and the Dura-Ace R9150 Di2. Released just in time for the 2015 Tour de France, the new Dura-Ace R9100 groupsets include several new items for Shimano and the Dura-Ace series, the first is the Dura-Ace powermeter crankset that we’ve seen used by the FDJ team in prototype form, there’s now ANT+ and Bluetooth Smart connectivity, and as anticipated back in March the groupset itself is wired, not wireless.

There’s also Dura-Ace level hydraulic disc brakes, the new Di2 groupset gets synchronised shifting technology from Shimano’s XTR Di2 and XT Di2 mountain bike groupsets, meaning riders can control front and rear shifts using one shift lever.

There’s much more including the new look in a black gloss with a hint of silver finish, in fact every part of the groupset is new, we take a look at each part separately below.

Dura-Ace R9100 Crankset

The new Dura-Ace R9100 Hollowtech II crankset comes in two options, there’s the FC-R9100-P powermeter option, or the non-power FC-R9100 option. Both look visually the same except externally there is a pod between the top arms on the powermeter version.

Internally the FC-R9100-P powermeter has strain gauges inside both arms and the spindle and they are connected via a wire that runs from each arm via the spindle to the electronics are contained within the pod. The R9100 will measure power from each leg as well as cadence. There’s also an internal rechargeable battery that can be recharged without removing a cover.

The rest of the Dura-Ace R9100 crankset has been completely redesigned with wider arms to decrease stress points where the crank arm meets the chain rings, the chain rings themselves are wider spaced to work more efficiently with 135mm hubs and short chainstays.

The standard crankset will be available in lengths 165mm to 180mm with 50/34, 52/36, 53/39, 54/42 and 55/42 chainrings mounted via the current four bolt compact bolt pattern.

The powermeter crankset will be available in all the same crank arm lengths without rings, and the crankset including chainrings will be available in lengths 170mm, 172.5mm and 175mm but initially only with 50-34T, 52-36T and 53-39T chainrings. Chainrings can be changed without affecting accuracy.

Shimano list the weight of the standard 53-39T crankset as 621 grams and the 50-34T at 609 grams.

ANT+ and Bluetooth Smart Connectivity

The Dura-Ace R9150 Di2 derailleurs are connected via the Shimano EW-WU111 wireless unit allowing the Di2 system to transmit gearshift and other data via Bluetooth Smart or ANT+ to compatible bike computers as well as system communication, firmware updating and programming via Shimano and third party apps. Programming can be done via pc, smart phone or tablet.

The latest version of E-TUBE (2.11.1) allows individual rider profiles to be downloaded to the bike.

R9150 / R9170 Di2 Synchronized Shift

Synchro Shift first appeared in Shimano’s XTR Di2 M9050 mountain bike groupset and now that technology comes to the latest road R9150 and R9170 Di2 groupsets as Synchronized Shift, in addition to the latest groupset Synchronized Shift will also be backwards compatible for existing Dura-Ace 9070 Di2 users via firmware and component update in November.

With Synchronized Shift riders will be able to program and control both derailleurs to either “Full” Synchro Shift meaning just one lever will control all changes in gear up or down to the next closest gear ratio by changing either just the rear derailleur or a combination of front and rear. There’s also a “Semi” Synchro Shift feature where if the rider shifts from one chainring to another the rear derailleur will shift and minimize the step.

Dura-Ace R9100 Hydraulic Disc Brakes

Disc brakes finally make it to Shimano’s top tier groupset and feature new SM-RT900 centre lock disc rotors with a claimed 30% improvement in heat dissipation compared to previous IceTech rotors. Rotors are available in either 140mm or 160mm and both feature a new aluminium core.

The BR-R9170 hydraulic disc brake calipers use flat mount low profile design.

Rotor weights are 119 grams for the 160mm and 96 grams for the 140mm, calipers are 256 grams for the pair.

Dura-Ace R9100 and R9120, R9150 Di2 and R9170 Di2 Shift Levers

With rim brakes and hydraulic disc brakes available now at Dura-Ace level there are four different shifters. The two for mechanical shifting are ST-R9100 for rim brakes and ST-R9120 for hydraulic disc brakes. The Di2 versions are ST-R9150 for rim brakes and ST-R9170 for hydraulic disc brakes.

All feature a redesigned body and ergonomics with a shorter lever action for the mechanical shifting option and adjustment for hydraulic brakes. Shimano have really done a great job incorporating the hydraulics into the disc brake option shifters with really not too much difference in size to the rim brake versions. The Di2 options have a revised action with more of a click when shifting.

The mechanical shifters have the same pull ratio as the current 9000 series shifters so should be backwards compatible.

Weights are 230g (ST9150) and 360g (ST9170) per pair, and 365g (ST-R9100) and 505g (ST-R9120) per pair.

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Front Derailleurs and Shadow Rear Derailleurs

The mechanical and Di2 derailleurs have been completely redesigned and feature a more compact design with looks and similar to the XTR mountain bike derailleurs. The direct mount shadow rear derailleurs are less exposed meaning potential less damage if or when your bike hits the deck.

Weights are 158 grams for RD-R9100 and 204 grams for RD-R9150 Di2. And, 69 grams for FD-R9100 and 104 grams for FD-R9150 Di2.

Dura-Ace R9100 Rim Brakes

Like all the other components the Dura-Ace R9100 dual pivot rim brakes have been redesigned to be lighter and provide greater stopping power, and will accept tyre widths up to 28mm. There are direct mount options including one under bottom bracket caliper.

Weights are 326 grams per pair and for direct mount 155g BR-R9110-F, 133g BR-R9110-R and 152g BR-R9110-RS.

Previous BR-9000 calipers were 294 grams.

Time Trial and Triathlon Shifters

The triathlon and time trial shifters and brakes have a revised shape with enhanced aerodynamics, lower profile and lower weight. Synchronized Shift can also be used which will be especially beneficial to multi-sport athletes.

Cassettes and Chain, Wheels and Pedals

With the increased capacity of the new Shadow RD there is a new 11-30T cassette along with the previous ratios of 11-25T, 11-28T, 12-25T and 12-28T. Weights are 175g (11-25T), 193g (11-28T), 211g (11-30T), 189g (12-25T), 205g (12-28T).

Finally, Shimano now have a quick link similar to the KMC quick link and it’s compatible with all current Shimano 11 speed chains. The new chain itself has enhanced chain retention, low noise and weighs 247 grams for 114 links.

The wheel range has been redesigned with rim depths of 24mm, 40mm and 60mm with conventional quick release and 12mm thru-axle hubs. The tubular wheels are all carbon and have a rim width of 28mm with a U shape aero profile.

Disappointingly it appears the clincher versions are still aluminium and carbon laminate rather than full carbon.

Lastly, there’s also new pedals. Lighter and stiffer.

Shimano Dura-Ace R9100 Groupset Weights

Below is a comparison of the four new Dura-Ace R9100 series groupsets to the previous Dura-Ace 9000 and 9070 Di2. There’s a direct comparison for rim brake groupsets and the mechanical shift groupset has gained a little bit of weight while the Di2 version has lost a little.

Weights are without cables, wiring and hydraulic lines. They will be similar on each version.

Shimano Dura-Ace R9100 Groupset Weights

Dura-Ace R9100 Series Compatibility Charts

The new Dura-Ace R9100 series mechanical and Di2 parts are backwards compatible with a range of Dura-Ace 9000, Ultegra 6800, 105 5800 and Metrea U5000 series groupset parts.

The Shimano compatibility charts below show which parts from each groupset you can mix and match without any issues. There’s one for front drivetrain parts and one for the rear.

Pricing and Availability

The Dura-Ace R9100 groupsets will be available from early 2017 with pricing still to be announced.