Shimano DuraAce R9270 Tubeless Wheelset

Shimano Dura Ace WH-R9270 wheelset

The wheels are a decisive pillar in Shimano's "Science of Speed" development concept, they literally bring the rider's performance to the road.

To meet this demand, the engineers have paid attention to an optimal balance of three factors according to the different areas of use: aerodynamics, stiffness and lower weight.

C36 rim profile – Low weight for the steepest climbs

Not only the low overall weight, but also the weight distribution make the WH-R9270-C36 wheelset the right choice for the mountain stage. Where possible, the C36 rim design saves mass to allow for excellent acceleration and a dynamic feel on the climbs as well as in the corners.

The 36 mm high profile not only impresses with its low weight, but also scores with good aerodynamic properties which it owes not least to the sophisticated D2 rim design. The new wheel generation not only shines with reduced air resistance, but also offers technical refinements.

Thanks to Direct Engagement technology, the freewheel hubs offer outstanding drivetrain stiffness which results in an even more direct feeling of power transmission and is particularly noticeable in the starting torque. Meanwhile, the OPTBAL system with its 2:1 spoke ratio further improves the stiffness of the rear wheel.

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.

Technical details of the WH-R9270-C36-TL wheelset

• tyre type: clincher, folding tyre, Tubeless
• cross-section: symmetrical
• external width: 28 mm / internal width: 21 mm
• profile height: 36 mm
• brake disc mount: Centerlock
• freewheel body: Shimano HG L2 (12-speed)
• freehub type: Direct Engagement
• bearing: cup and cone, contact sealings
• O.L.D.: 12 x 100 mm / 12 x 142 mm (thru axle)
• aero spokes (Straightpull, double butted, bladed)
• spoke count: 24 (front + rear)
• front spoke pattern: double crossed
• rear spoke pattern: OPTBAL (left radial / right double crossed)

Material:

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

Compatibility:

cassette: CS-R9200, CS-R8100

Weight (manufacturer's specs):

approx. 1350 grams (wheelset)

approx. 620 grams (front wheel)

approx. 730 grams (rear wheel)