While the new DURA-ACE is designed for those looking for every possible competitive advantage, the new ULTEGRA is focused on putting those technologies into practice. Sharing the same DNA as the R9200 series, the R8100 series offers incredible performance across all functions, combining the Science of Speed principles to help riders deliver better performance than ever before.
ULTEGRA developments, like DURA-ACE, can be divided into five development areas: shifting platform, Control Interface, braking system, drive system and wheel system. Let's go through these areas one by one:
Delivery includes:
IFCR8100AX04 - Crankset 12-Speed FC-R8100 Powermeter version
IFDR8150F - Front Derailleur Road (Di2)-12 FDR8150 Brazed-On
IRDR8150A - Rear Derailleur 12s Ultegra RDR8150
IR8170DLF6SC100A - Disc Brake Kit Left/Front ST-R8170 BR-R8170 Resin w Fin
IR8170DRRDSC170A - Disc Brake Kit Right/Rear ST-R8170 BR-R8170 Resin w Fin
IBTDN3001 - Battery Built-In Type BT-DN300
IEWEC300A - Charging Cable 1700mm EW-EC300
ICNM8100126Q - Chain 126 links CN-M8100 12-Speed
ICSR810012134 - Cassette 12s CS-R8100
Shimano Ultegra Disc brakes 160mm / 140mm
ULTEGRA switching platform
ULTEGRA R8100 shares the same revised Di2 platform as Dura-Ace R9200 to improve shifting speed while connecting wirelessly to the derailleurs and still guaranteeing absolute reliability.
The new DURA-ACE and the new ULTEGRA share the same platform so that ULTEGRA users benefit from:
The same new Di2 platform that improves the drive design in the derailleurs (i.e. the movement time between the drive and the gear mechanisms) and improves transmission performance to enable Shimano's fastest shifting performance ever. This results in a 58% decrease in ULTEGRA rear derailleur operation time and a 45% decrease in ULTEGRA front derailleur operation time compared to the previous DURA-ACE RD-R9150 rear derailleur.
Absolute reliability of a wired connection where it makes sense. New SD-300 small diameter cables connect the Di2 battery (BT-DN300) to the front derailleur (FD-R8150) and rear derailleur (RD-R8150). One internal battery provides a simple charging solution and ensures a stable, high-voltage connection to the derailleurs, contributing to Shimano's fastest shifting performance ever. Tests show the BT-DN300 battery lasts 1,000km between charges. The STI shifters are powered by CR1632 button cell batteries that last approximately 1.5 to 2 years.
A proprietary chip circuit with high security, fast processing and low power consumption, which greatly reduces the chance of failure of external devices.
The new ULTEGRA rear derailleur is now the point where the system is charged (replaces Shimano's SM-BCR2 charger) and provides the wireless connection to the STI shifters and other third-party devices (replaces the EW-WU111 wireless unit). In addition, the integrated design provides the control point to change Di2 control and Synchronized Shifting modes, replacing the previous Junction-A button (SM-RS910) on the handlebar or in the frame.
The difference between the ULTEGRA derailleurs and the DURA-ACE derailleurs is in the construction. The DURA-ACE R9200 front and rear derailleurs weigh 96 grams and 215 grams respectively, versus ULTEGRA R8100 110 grams and 262 grams, resulting in a combined difference of 61 grams.
ULTEGRA Control Interface
For climbing, sprinting or time trials, Shimano has balanced ULTEGRA comfort, looks and aerodynamic benefits with unparalleled ergonomics.
The new ULTEGRA 2x12-speed wireless hydraulic disc brake shifters (ST-R8170) now feature a raised upper section with a slight inward curvature and a larger surface area between the shifter and handlebars to improve comfort and control. This offers riders a better index finger and thumb grip on the hoods and better three-finger grip behind the brake lever, while also improving the spacing between the Di2 buttons on the shifter to make the upshift and downshift levers more distinguishable. especially with gloves or wet fingers.
ULTEGRA ST-R8170 shifters work with a wireless connection, powered by CR1632 button cell batteries. This wireless connection provides a simple installation procedure and eliminates the need for shift cable ports in the frame or handlebars. Together with the internal cable routing, this ensures a nicely tidy cockpit.
ST-R8170 are compatible with the new minimized remote shifter buttons. Shimano's sprint (SW-R801-S) or climbing shifter (SW-R801-T) can be used with a clamp strap or integrated into the handlebar with a specific port, as with the new PRO
