After months of rumours, spy shots and speculation, it’s finally here: the brand spanking new-for-2009 top-end road groupset from Shimano. We at road.cc are the first to get it in on test. Ladies and gentlemen, we give you Dura-Ace 7900.
For the first time since it was launched in 1973, there will be two distinct new Shimano Dura-Ace groupsets next year: the electronic version, called DI2 – Digital Integrated Intelligence; and the mechanical version, the 7900 series, which is the one we’ve been lucky enough to get first dibs on.
Although there’s always some tinkering going on, this is Shimano’s first major overhaul of their flagship brand since the 7800 group was introduced in 2003.
Sometimes a ‘new’ groupset is little more than an old groupset in a new colour scheme. Shimano have certainly changed the look of things, not least in going for a two tone finish, but the changes go way beyond cosmetic. The boffins have added a dash of carbon to the mix; components have been reshape and profiles altered to improve performance; and, most significantly, the levers now pull more cable which should make things less likely to be affected by contamination.
On the plus side, this all means that the overall weight drops by over 135g. On the down side, 7900 shifters and mechs aren’t compatible with earlier versions, so if you’re posh enough to have existing Dura-Ace kit, you can’t upgrade gradually as the various parts wear out.
So, how does it all perform out on the road? We got the miles in to find out…
Read the component reviews here:
'Cool' was your word, but an awful lot of the cycling world would disagree with you if you are saying that suffering is only bad.
https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/bristol-news/driver-ignores-bridge-closure-signs-9196105...
Indeed and a thumbs-up. BUT ......
The problem with Mikey is that there is a real need for people like him doing what he does as otherwise drivers continue to endanger others with...
For those who only bike-fly once or twice a year, rental is a great option. There's a guy in Marlow on Thames (for example) that I've used. He's...
Common sense at last
And tandems...
Car crashes into wall behind Natwest in Winchester https://www.hampshirechronicle.co.uk/news/24216676.photos-car-crashes-wa...
One way to find out is to put a member of the driver's family on the bike and ask them to repeat the manoeuvre.
This was in my local park and dogs are allowed off-lead. Cyclists are required to ride slowly and give due care and attention as it happens.