Shimano Relaunches Ultregra

TOKYO, Japan - The Shimano Ultegra road racing component groupset has been completely revamped to a higher level, similar to the improvements made in the new Dura-Ace 7900 series. The design of the Ultegra 6700 series is inspired by aerodynamics, with a duotone silver colour finish.

The weight of the groupset has been reduced with 151 grams compared to the previous 6600 series. The weight reduction compared with the Ultegra SL is 44 grams. The Ultegra double will be available next July and the triple together with the wheel set next September.

The new Ultegra offers a wide range of component options to suit all kinds of road cyclists, from enthusiasts to hard-core racers.

The new crankset features Hollowglide technology. The outer chainring has a hollow construction to save weight and increase rigidity for an optimal power transfer and further improved shifting characteristics. This anodized Hollowtech II crankset will be available in three versions: Double (53-39T, 52-39T), Triple (52-39-30T) and Compact (50-34T). The crank arm will be available in four different lengths: 165; 170; 172.5 and 175 mm. The whole set weights 785 grams (53-39T, 170mm with integrated Bottom Bracket).

Levers for wide Range of bar bends

The Ultegra Dual Control Levers ST-6700 feature carbon lever blades and cable routing underneath the handlebar tape. They feature a reach adjustment mechanism that will accommodate smaller hands and a wide assortment of bar bends. The brake lever pivot is located closer to the rider for an improved controllability, especially when riding with the hands on top of the hoods. The weight is 445 grams per pair.

Shimano offers two front derailleur options: FD-6700 for double and compact cranksets as well as the FD-6703 for triple cranksets. They feature a wide inner link with two pivots for extra rigidity and an improved chain guide design. The new front derailleurs provide a feather light down shift and smoother shifting stroke. The weight is 89 grams.

The rear derailleur RD-6700 will be available in a short cage and a medium cage version. The short cage has a wide gear ratio with a maximum front difference of 16T and a total capacity of 33T. This means that it is compatible with a Shimano compact crankset (50-34T) and cassette sprockets of maximum 28T. The medium cage version is needed when using a triple crankset. This rear derailleur features a wide outer link design for extra rigidity and an aluminium pulley cage. The weight is 190 grams.  

Brake shoes on Dura-Ace level

The Dual-Pivot caliper brakes feature new compound brake shoes just like the new Dura-Ace 7900 series. They offer doubled brake performance in wet conditions and improve stopping power also in dry conditions by 20 %. The brake calipers have been developed with an enhanced brake arch proportion for an increased linear response. The new caliper construction ensures an improved cable routing (especially with sloping frames) and reduced cable friction. The brakes feature a spring tension adjuster and adjustable toe-in brake shoes. The weight is 317 grams per set.

The new Ultegra Hyperglide 10-speed cassette will be available in a wide variation of combinations between 11 and 28T. The new chain has a unidirectional design to reduce chain suck and improve shifting performance. This chain features perforated plates that help to reduce the weight to 267 grams.

Shimano introduces an Ultegra wheelset WH-6700 with hubs in the same colour as the other new components. This wheel set is compatible with both road tubeless and clincher tires. They carry 16 straight, bladed, stainless steel spokes in front and 20 in the rear. It has a steel freehub body that is compatible with 8, 9 and 10-speed cassette sprockets. The weight is 1652 grams for a set.

The Ultegra hubs will also be available separately. They have been developed with a steel freehub body and are compatible with 8, 9 and 10 speed cassettes. The Weight of front hub HB-6700 is 156 grams while the rear freehub FH-6700 weights 354 grams.

The Ultegra SPD-SL pedals will be available in a colour matching the new components and weight 317 grams per pair.