Shimano Dura-Ace WH-R9370 : Shimano finally takes his wheels seriously
Shimano dominates the peloton with his groups, but his wheels have long played the second roles against the specialists. With the Shimano Dura-Ace WH-R9370, unveiled on July 29, 2026 and available from September onwards, the Japanese brand changes its range: carbon rays, 23mm rim of internal width set on tires from 28 to 30mm and up to 218g less per pair. Three road pairs make up the core of the range: C36, C50 and C60. The Shimano Dura-Ace C50 weigh 1302g the pair for 2799,98€. It remains to sort between real progress and in-house figures.
Shimano Dura-Ace C36, C50 and C60: carbon rays and up to 218g less
Weight gain is the first argument, and it is clear. According to the Shimano records, the Dura-Ace C36 moved to 1172g the pair (523g ahead, 649g behind), 178g less than the WH-R9270. C50s fall to 1302g (593g / 709g), 159g less. The C60 makes the biggest jump: 1391g (632g / 759g), 218g less than the 1609g of the old version.
This regime begins with carbon rays, which replace steel on all three models. The lacing changes according to usage: 18 rays in front and 21 behind on the C36, 21/21 on the C50, 21/24 on the C60. At the back, Shimano uses its OPTBAL lacing (14 transmission side rays, 7 opposite side) to balance tensions.
The rims have also been redesigned. Shimano announces an aero gain of 7% for C36 (2 million form simulations), 6% for C50 (5.4 million) and 9% for C60 (6.5 million). Important point: these percentages are calculated against the former Dura-Ace generation, not against competition.
C36, C50 or C60: which Shimano Dura-Ace for what terrain?
Shimano clearly segments its three profiles, and the logic is read in the fact sheets:
- Dura-Ace C36 (1172g): The mountain wheel. The 18/21 lacing is designed to minimize weight while keeping the necessary rigidity, and Shimano still claims 7% aero gain on this 36mm profile.
- Dura-Ace C50 (1302g): the versatile, the most meaningful for the majority of cyclists. 21 rays on each side, 130g more than the C36 for 14mm additional profile.
- Dura-Ace C60 (1391g): the speed wheel, for rolling routes, escapes and sprints. It receives 24 rays at the back to cash the strong powers and displays the largest advertised aero gain (9%).
Interesting difference: only 89g separate C50 from C60. For a cyclist who rides little in the high mountains, the C60 becomes a serious option.
23mm rim and 30mm tire: a careful choice for the Dura-Ace
The internal width gains 2mm and increases to 23mm on all three models. The rim remains hooked and tubeless, optimized for tires from 28 to 30mm. Shimano abandons the hose versions by the way: the entire range is now in tubeless.
This is progress, but careful progress. While other marks 25mm internal width for the 30mm tire, Shimano stops at 23mm. There's nothing against it in 28 or 30mm, but those who want to push to 32mm and lower pressures will find it better elsewhere. To check your suit, our rim and tire compatibility calculator Do the job.
Cone and bowl hub: Shimano assumes its difference
Where almost all competition uses cartridge bearings, Shimano keeps its cones and bowls. The novelty: the bowls are now replaceable and the sealing is reviewed. The brand announces 30% rotation torque less than a conventional cartridge bearing, but without specifying which or under what test conditions. The real advantage of the system remains fine adjustment and service life, provided that it is maintained.
The rest is pure Shimano: free wheel with direct engagement, Center Lock disc fixing and E-THRU-crossing axis.
The winnings announced by Shimano: home numbers
Shimano announces up to 2.7W of drag less at 48km/h with tires of 30mm. As with the aero percentages, the reference is the former Dura-Ace generation, and no competitors appear in the comparisons. Shimano developed these wheels with Alpecin-First Tech, Fenix-Prime Tech and Mathieu van der Poel, but the involvement of pros does not replace an independent test.
For timers and triathletes, the range is complete with a C99 front wheel (99mm, 788g, 1399.99)€) and a first full rear wheel Shimano (987g, 2799.99)€).
My opinion
The Shimano Dura-Ace C36, C50 and C60 are the first Shimano wheels to play in the same yard for a long time. Carbon rays, weight down from 159 to 218g, reworked profiles and a clear segmentation between mountain, versatility and speed: the data sheet finally ticks the boxes of the current top of the range. The cone and bowl hub, now with replaceable bowls, remains an argument of durability for those who maintain their equipment.
What makes it tick: a 23mm rim when the market slides to 25mm, and aero gains only measured against the old Dura-Ace. At 2799.98€ the pair, the Shimano Dura-Ace C50 are coherent and finally modern carbon wheels, but they catch up with the competition more than they advance it. Do you hesitate between C50 and C60? Say it in comment.
Technical specifications of Shimano Dura-Ace C36, C50 and C60
| Dura-Ace C36 | Dura-Ace C50 | Dura-Ace C60 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Profile | 36mm | 50mm | 60mm |
| Pair weight | 1172g | 1302g | 1391g |
| AV/AR weight | 523/649g | 593 / 709g | 632 / 759g |
| Internal width | 23mm | 23mm | 23mm |
| External width | 29.4mm | 31mm | 31.5m m |
| Recommended tyres | 28 to 30mm | 28 to 30mm | 28 to 30mm |
| Rays (AV/AR) | God, 8 / 22 | God's Word, 2 / 22 | God's Word, 2 / 22 |
| Moths | Cones and bowls, direct engagement | Cones and bowls, direct engagement | Cones and bowls, direct engagement |
| Cassette | Shimano 12v | Shimano 12v | Shimano 12v |
| Braking | Disc Center Lock | Disc Center Lock | Disc Center Lock |
| Axis | E-THRU | E-THRU | E-THRU |
| Tire compatibility | Tubeless, hooked | Tubeless, hooked | Tubeless, hooked |
| Prices | 2799,98€ | 2799,98€ | 2799,98€ |
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