When it comes to upgrading or building a road bike, undoubtedly wheels are the first thing to consider and the item on the bike that contributes to huge gains in performance.
Shimano are the biggest maifnaturers of gearset and brake parts and their halo group set; Dura ace is the ultimate in performance, looks and functionality. They have for many years complimented the great set with a range of wheels that, can sometimes be overlooked.
For 2027 they have just totally overhauled the dura ace wheels and made a selection of wheel combinations that will appeal to every different cycle demographic. Not only do the new Dura ace wheels look incredible, they are guaranteed to make your bike feel even better and go faster than ever before.
Shimano has meticulously analyzed the performance demands of recent races and the features and specifications sought by
professional racers. By optimizing the design for each race situation, we have engineered the definitive racing group set. The new
DURA-ACE offers ideal gear combinations and components with high performance and reliability, redefining the essence of racing
for all racers.
So what makes these wheels the best Shimano have ever made?
Reinforced Power Transfer – Carbon spokes; The new WH-R9370 DURA-ACE wheel lineup features specially designed carbon spokes and specific lacing patterns. Spoke
choices are about function, not just appearance. Spokes affect how stiff the wheel feels sideways, how quickly it accelerates, and how directly power turns into movement. Each wheel has a different spoke patterns for climbing, sprinting, and general riding, so each wheel is suited to its purpose.
Performance is a choice. Tune your ride to the next level with elite cup and cone technology ( yes its still a thing ) Cup-and-cone technology is a deliberate engineering stance for precision tuning and
optimization. Driven by its superior load distribution, durability, and precision. Unlike standard cartridge bearings built for vertical loads, cup-and-cone bearings effectively manage lateral forces from cornering and sprinting. Worn Shimano bearings can be restored with a simple replacement, and preload can be personalized at home or by authorized Shimano Service Centers to reduce and optimize rotational resistance. Performance is a choice. Elite riders choose cup and cone.
Light with a touch of flex. For a wheel that’s fast in the real world. The DURA-ACE WH-R9370 series was co-designed with WorldTour athletes and professional triathletes to prioritize weight optimization. The C36 trims every gram to deliver faster climbs and sharper acceleration while maintaining essential stiffness. The all-rounder C50 underwent two testing phases, and the final design features a lightweight carbon-spoke setup with a touch of flex that boosts responsiveness and real-world racing performance.
There are 4 key wheel combinations in the new Shimano Dura ace wheel line up, they are:
The Dura ace C36 – Light. Fast. Unstoppable. Don’t waste another watt. Engineered for elevation. The lightweight wheel. For high-performance handling around razor-thin corners. The C36 keeps its stiffness and explosive potential Explore here
The Dura ace C50 – Versatility Redefined All-round Excellence Optimize each ride. The DURA-ACE WH-R9370-C50-TL is co-designed with World Tour teams to set a new standard for all-around racing performance with superior aerodynamics and lower weight at 1302 g per set. Lighter, faster, smoother, and balanced to win. Explore here
The Dura ace C60 – Efficient Speed. The Sprinter’s Choice. Lock in. Ride your peak. Break away. DURA-ACE C60 wheels give you that instant response that turns ambition into victory. That’s why WorldTour athletes choose DURA-ACE C60 wheels for sprinting Explore here
The Dura ace C99 & Disc Combo – One straight line to victory. Live in the red. Aero built for the distance. Cut through the wind with the DURA-ACE C99. Erase it in the rear with the DURA-ACE Disc wheel. The ideal way to ride your plan on race day. Explore Here & Here
The new DURA-ACE wheels bring our Science of Speed to life. The C36, C50, C60, C99 and Disc profiles are designed as part of a complete system. This is a balance of aerodynamics, carbon-spoke responsiveness, and precise yet versatile cup-and-cone technology. Developed with riders from World Tour Teams and professional triathletes. Designed for real-life race scenarios. For the climbing efficiency of the C36, the all-round balance of the C50, or the high-speed stability of the C60. In the big moments, balance wins.
