Shimano Ultegra R8170 C Wheelset

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.

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.

Material:

rims: carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP, painted)
hubs, axles, quick releases: aluminium (anodised)
spokes: stainless steel
nipples: aluminium

Compatibility:

cassette: CS-R9200-12, CS-R8100-12, CS-R8000-11, CS-HG800-11

Weight (manufacturer's specs):

approx. 1570 grams (wheelset)

approx. 698 grams (front wheel)

approx. 872 grams (rear wheel)