The Ultimate Ultegra?
New Ultegra has 12-speed gearing, just like Dura-Ace, and now that it includes built-in Bluetooth you get the full connectivity of Di2
For a generation of bikes, Shimano’s 11-speed R8070 Ultegra Di2 has been the benchmark of performance in relation to value. Yes Shimano’s Dura-Ace Di2 had less weight and a few more fancy finishes and materials – for a price.
But Ultegra has proven dependably slick and reliable, too, even though it sits a notch below Dura-Ace in the pecking order. In fact, I’m convinced this new R8170 groupset (£2,329) has elevated the second-tier group higher than ever before – here’s why.
The mechanics of both the brakes and the electronic motors and systems are identical to Dura-Ace. So that means the new Ultegra boasts a more ergonomic shape, Servowave-assisted braking and improvements to the new brake-calliper technical details. As for the drivetrain, the new R8100 has 12-speed gearing, just like the flagship Dura-Ace, and
