Shimano shocks everyone: the new Dura-Ace WH-R9370 wheels arrive and the hunt is already on for the new R9300 groupset

Carbon spokes, rims optimized for 30 mm tires, and the confirmation of legendary cup-and-cone hubs. But the real news shaking up the market is another: here is why the new electronic groupset is very close.

The moment road cycling enthusiasts have been waiting for has arrived, or rather, is about to materialize. Shimano has broken its silence by announcing the new high-end Dura-Ace WH-R9370 wheel range. A concentration of Japanese engineering that promises a sharp reduction in weight, unprecedented responsiveness, and a radically redesigned aerodynamics.

But beyond the stellar technical data—such as the 220 grams saved on the flagship model—there is a detail in the commercial naming convention that has sparked nickname speculation in the paddock: the R9300 designation. Is this truly the prelude to the launch of the new road groupset?

Key data of the WH-R9370 range:

    C36 Model (Climbing): 1,170 g claimed.

    C50 Model (All-Round): 1,302 g claimed.

    C60 Model (Aero): Under 1,400 g.

1. The WH-R9370 range under the lens: what really changes?

The new family consists of four configurations designed to cover every competitive and high-level amateur need:

    C36: the mandatory choice for climbers and rolling routes, dropping to a mere 1,170 g (down from the previous 1,350 g).

    C50: the total compromise for all-round use, now standing at 1,302 g (compared to 1,461 g of the past generation).

    C60: designed for high speeds and heavy flat-land wattage, capable of dropping below the 1,400 g barrier.

    C99 TT & Triathlon: the aggressive aerodynamic solution featuring a 99 mm front and a disc rear.

An exceptional testing ground preceded this launch: unmarked prototypes were spotted in 2025 on Mathieu van der Poel's bicycle, who then triumphed with these wheels over the pavé of Omloop het Nieuwsblad with one of his legendary solo breakaways.

2. Carbon spokes and "wide" rims for 30 mm tires

The true construction revolution lies in the adoption of carbon spokes, divided into two dedicated profiles (Aero 4x1.1 mm for C36, C50, and C60; Super Aero 5.2x0.8 mm for the C99 front monster). Simultaneously, Shimano aligns with the modern wide-tire trend: the internal channel grows to 23 mm, perfectly matching 28 mm and 30 mm tubeless or clincher tires to minimize rolling resistance.

    The eternal hub debate: Bucking the market trend of sealed cartridge bearings, Shimano fiercely defends cup-and-cone hubs with loose ball bearings. The declared advantage? A 30% lower rotational torque and, a major innovation for the R9370 series, the arrival of replaceable bearings to facilitate home maintenance.

3. R9300 Clue: is the new Dura-Ace Di2 groupset imminent?

Let's turn to the core news driving up Google Discover searches. The current Dura-Ace R9200 generation debuted in August 2021. Following Shimano's traditional four-year cycle, the successor should have arrived last year.

The introduction of the R9300 designation on these wheels is no isolated case. In recent months, the off-road sector saw the birth of the revolutionary wireless XTR Di2 M9200 groupset, making the current road semi-wireless configuration feel "outdated." Added to this are patents filed by Osaka regarding 13-speed wireless electronic transmissions and persistent rumors of completely revamped road pedal prototypes after over twenty years.

    Analysis by the cyclonline.com Editorial Team

    Should we expect the official launch shortly? Everything points to yes. The market release of the wheels set for September 2026 could serve as the perfect opener to unveil the highly anticipated complete groupset before the end of the year or ahead of the 2027 racing season. SRAM's pressure and the need to roll out full wireless on the road as well are forcing Shimano to accelerate its timeline.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

    Q: Are the new WH-R9370 wheels compatible with older R9200 groupsets?

    R: Absolutely yes. Despite the R9300 nomenclature, technical specifications and freehub bodies maintain full compatibility with 12-speed transmissions currently on the market.

    Q: What is the official price of the new Dura-Ace wheels?

    R: At the time of writing this article, Shimano has not yet released official price lists, which are expected to be announced close to the commercial launch in September 2026.