Shimano
Shimano Dura-Ace chainset
The hollow forged alloy crank (after flirting with carbon, Shimano Dura-Ace cranks are now fully alloy again) is matched up with a hollow outer chainring to produce a crankset that’s a tad (15g) lighter than before. It’s also said to be 20% stiffer although, in use, you’ll do well to notice. Even if you’re a big rider pushing a big gear, the difference is tiny – but, hey, everything helps so we’re not going to argue.
Shimano Dura-Ace STI levers
The new integrated brake and gear levers have been totally redesigned. For a start, the brake levers are carbon to drop a few grams (the complete units are 40g lighter) and add more sex appeal. Then there’s the shape of the bracket body: you get a flatter top section with less of a scoop downwards when you’re on the hoods. We wouldn’t say they’re necessarily more comfortable, just different from before, and definitely more Campag-esque.

