Shimano Dura-Ace R9150 Di2 11 Speed Groupset Review

• Synchro Shift For the first time in a Dura-Ace groupset, Shimano’s innovative Synchro Shift is now available as a programmable Di2 option; Synchro Shift creates an intuitive experience with synchronised front and rear shifting, which can be custom programmed. With ‘full’ and ‘semi’ Synchro Shift available, this intuitive new mode automatically reacts when you shift from one chainring to another. Remove the guess work as your rear derailleur shifts automatically to minimise the gear step so you can keep riding with a smooth cadence and rhythm. Di2 E-Tube The Di2 E-Tube system provides unmatched shift performance, reliability and rider customisation. Along with enhanced Di2 functionality, the front and rear Di2 derailleurs are connected via Shimano’s small EW-WU111 wireless unit allowing for an ANT Private connection between Dura-Ace R9100 and third party devices. These components can be connected to Shimano´s E-Tube software, which supports the programmable aspects of the Di2 electronic gear shifting system. Use the Bluetooth technology for seamless access on smartphones and tablets. Dura-Ace R9100 Crankset The Shimano Dura-Ace R9100 Compact Crankset is completely re-designed to offer the very best combination of light weight and stiffness. It features Shimano’s iconic 4-arm hollow spider that is made from hollow-forged aluminium. Although the crank arms and spider arms are noticeably bigger, which increases stiffness, the overall weight has dropped by 7g over the previous edition of Dura Ace. The crankset has been adapted to work with disc brake road bikes that generally have 135mm rear hub spacing and shorter chainstays without the need to increase Q-factor thanks to its wider chainring spacing. Dura-Ace R9100 Crankset Features: Material: Hollow-forged Aluminium Enhanced design saves 7g while maintaining rigidity Iconic 4-arm construction maintains high rigidity and reduces weight Optimised crank arm design strengthens key stress zones New chainring tooth profile is adapted for race bike specific disc brake systems Accommodates shorter chainstays (410mm) with 135mm OLD Hollowglide chainring construction maintains smooth shifting whilst reducing weight and increasing stiffness Dura-Ace Di2 R9150 2×11 STI Shifter Set The Dura-Ace Di2 9150 shifters feature an ideal ergonomic shape that is comfortable in the hand and have been updated to be more precise and more adaptable than previous editions. The shift paddles now feature a more defined “click” and have been extended in length for more confident and comfortable shifting. E-Tube compatibility means that the function of the shift paddles can be customised to suit the rider. The Di2 R9150 shifters now include Synchro Shift technology that automatically moves the rear derailleur when the front ring is changed or moves the front chainring with the rear shifts to optimise chainline and drivetrain efficiency. Dura-Ace Di2 R9150 2×11 STI Shifter Set Features: Material: Carbon Composite Plastic (Hood) More control and confidence in race conditions Dedicated brake lever shape, stroke, contact point, stiffness and dedicated shift paddles Lightweight More intuitive, quicker shifting operation More defined click feeling and ergonomic shift lever position Each switch has the option for multi-shift On or Off E-Tube project Ideal ergonomic cover shape with better thickness and tenderness Simple set up and maintenance Easy replace hood cover Customise the shifts to suit your riding style Weight: 460g (Pair) Dura-Ace Di2 R9150 Rear Derailleur The Dura-Ace Di2 R9150 Rear Derailleur takes the Shadow technology from its mountain bike range and introduces it to the road. The shadow design places the rear derailleur under the chainstay and cassette to give a slimmer profile, which not only helps with aerodynamics but also offers extra protection in crashes. The Shadow design offers faster wheel changes thanks to the fact that it moves the derailleur out of the way of the dropouts. It also offers faster and more precise shifting than ever before. The new derailleur comes in only one cage size that will work with cassette sprockets up to 30T. With this new Di2 9150 groupset, Shimano brings Synchro Shift to the road too. This technology allows you to shift to higher or lower gears with your right hand shifter and both front and rear derailleurs will operate to optimise chainline. It will also automatically shift the rear mech when you change from the large ring to the inner ring to maintain smoothness. Dura-Ace Di2 R9150 Rear Derailleur Features: Maximum Sprocket: 30T Minimum Sprocket: 11T Maximum Front Difference: 16T Total Capacity: 35T Ergonomic shifting operation without stress Shimano Synchronised shift Low profile rear derailleur design Shimano Shadow RD Race endurance for less damage in crash Maintains compact and smooth appearance Weight: 204g Dura-Ace Di2 R9150 Braze On Front Mech The Dura-Ace 9150 front derailleur delivers unmatched shift quality, for quick and smooth performance even under high pedalling torque. Combined with Shimano’s Synchro Shift customisable programming, Dura-Ace Di2 delivers a level of intuitive shift performance never before seen.  Dura-Ace Di2 R9150 Braze On Front Mech Features: Top Gear Teeth: 46-55T Chainstay Angle: 61-66 Chain Line: 43.5 Ergonomic shifting operation without stress Shimano Synchro Shift Race endurance for less damage in crash Quick and smooth front shifting under high pedalling torque Maintains compact and smooth appearance Weight: 104g SD50 Di2 Electric Wires The removal of traditional mechanical cables in favour of electrical wires not only eliminates poor shifting caused by contaminates, corrosion and stretching, but provides effortless gear shifts. Groupset includes 1x1200mm, 1x1000mm, 1x700mm and 3x300mm wires. SD50 Di2 Electric Wire Features: Di2 uses a fully removable individual cable system from the battery indicator junction box enabling fine tuning with the correct cable length to each component for easy and tidy fitment EW-SD50 wires are required to connect the junction (either SM-JC40 external or SM-JC41 internal to the rear mech, front mech, battery and to the handlebar battery indicator junction box EW-SD50 individual wires are available in varying lengths, there is no need (or facility) to cut these cables Reliable and secure water resistant connectors JC41 E-Tube Di2 Internal Junction Box The Shimano Di2 SM-JC41 internal junction box is the Grand Central Station of the e-tube Di2 system. All of the component and battery wires meet here before running out to their respective components. All of the wires that connect to the junction box use the same connector to make assembly that much easier. JC41 E-Tube Di2 Internal Junction Box Features: SM-JC41 cable junction for internal wire routing Junction is required for connection of rear mech, front mech, battery, and cable to battery indicator junction box To be positioned neatly inside frame tubing when connected Cables sold separately Reliable and secure water resistant connectors This junction box is only made to be mounted internally on frames specially designed for an internally routed system Di2 EW90 Junction-A Box – 3 Port The removal of traditional mechanical cables in favour of electrical wires not only eliminates poor shifting caused by contaminates, corrosion and stretching, but provides effortless gear shifts. Di2 EW90 Junction-A Box – 3 Port Features: This junction A is required to connect the shifters via E-tube wires to the downtube junction wire 3-port design, one for downtube wire to bottom bracket junction, two for shifter connection Battery level indicator feature E-tube EW-SD50 wires not included Additional charging point when using internal battery Gear index setup switch to allow fine tuning via shifter buttons Reliable and secure water resistant connectors Stem mounting strap included BT-DN110 Di2 Battery Shimano’s BT-DN110 Di2 7.4V lithium-ion battery is suitable for concealed internal mounting. This high-end lithium-ion battery will ensure the consistent, smooth, and precise functioning of your Di2 setup. BT-DN110 Di2 Battery Features: Long battery life (up to 2000km when fully charged). Internal mounting. Lightweight Excellent sealing and reliability Weight: 50g Di2 BCR2 Charger for BTR2 Di2 charger for the internal battery that will keep your Di2 system shifting. BT-DN110 Di2 Battery Features: Di2 uses a powerful long-life 7.4V Li-Ion battery: keep it in top condition and ready for shifting with this specific Shimano Di2 charger 1.5 hour charge time Plugs in directly to the SM-EW90 handlebar junction A Can also be used for completing firmware updates when linked to E-tube software on your PC SM-GM01 E-Tube Di2 Grommet E-tube Di2 internal cable routing grommets to protect the wires as they enter the frame from snagging and provide a neat, clean look to your Di2 cable routing. Features: Protective solution that is quick and easy to install Pack of 4 Dura-Ace R9100 Road Brake Caliper Set The Dura-Ace 9100 brakes have been developed to offer greater tyre clearance for up to 28c tyres while still maintaining the aerodynamic advantage of previous editions. They are now also up to 43% stiffer than previous Dura-Ace brake calipers and offer a linear braking curve for improved feel and function. Dura-Ace R9100 Road Brake Caliper Set Features: Mount Type: SLR EV Dual Pivot The best balance between rigidity, weight and stopping power More predictable, linear braking curve Clear contact feeling with better linearity More aerodynamic QR lever Sleek design Less gap between each arm Better clearance with wider tyre (up to 28c) Weight: 326g (Pair) Dura-Ace R9100 Cassette Shimano have retained the traditional close ratio cassettes from previous editions of Dura-Ace; all cassettes in the range will be compatible with the one rear derailleur so you can easily swap your cassettes out based on terrain. The cassette is manufactured from a lightweight alloy and carbon fibre spider that houses alloy sprockets. The 5 largest sprockets are manufactured from titanium to keep the weight low. The sprockets are also extensively cut away and drilled to further reduce weight without reducing rigidity. The very best and quickest shifts are optimised thanks to the Hyperglide EV sprockets that have a computer designed tooth configuration with contoured shift gates. Dura-Ace R9100 Cassette Features: Hyperglide EV sprockets have a computer designed tooth configuration with contoured shift gates, resulting in a crisp smooth shift even under load Close ratio gearing allows a more efficient use of energy through finer cadence control Largest sprockets are mounted on lightweight alloy and carbon carriers to reduce weight and increase rigidity 5 largest sprockets are made from titanium to reduce weight without sacrificing strength Sprockets are extensively cut away and drilled to further reduce weight without reducing rigidity Nickel-plated finish offers hard wearing resistance to corrosion Alloy cassette lockring Weight: 175g (11-25T), 193g (11-28T), 211g (11-30T), 189g (12-25T), 205g (12-28T) Dura Ace 11-speed Chain CN-9000 114 Links The new symmetrical 11-speed Dura-Ace chain uses hollow pins for low weight, PTFE coating for smooth shifts and offers increased durability. Dura Ace 11-speed Chain CN-9000 114 Links Features: PTFE coating Increased durability (vs. CN-7900) Weight: 243g
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Before you buy any product online, but especially products like Shimano Dura-Ace R9150 Di2 11 Speed Groupset or in fact any other products in the Groupsets category, you’ll want to follow these pieces of advice. These tips or advice are designed to help you get the most from your money. Essentially we’re finding ways to ensure you get the best product for the best price.

The first of these tips is for you to try and really understand what it is you are looking for from a Groupsets product. There are obviously a massive amount of options to choose from so we’d always suggest doing your research at the start to help you to really understand what sort of product you need. Once you have a bit of an idea of the various options available we really recommend you write yourself a list of “must have features”. This list should include any elements that you consider absolutely essential, e.g. it must have XYZ feature or be from a brand like Shimano or be priced at under £98.02. This list will really come in useful when you come to narrowing down your search. Don’t be tempted to stray away from the list though or you can quickly end up spending much more than you had planned because you’re suckered into some sales copy which makes you feel like you need a feature of a more expensive product, when in reality you don’t.

Our next tip is to check out the overall features and benefits of Shimano Dura-Ace R9150 Di2 11 Speed Groupset, if you decide that the key features match your list that you made above, you’re in a good place. Spend a bit of time really getting to grips with what all the different features mean so that you can confidently determine how one Groupsets product differs from another.