Dura-Ace 11-Speed Rumours Continue

New documents published on Bicycling magazine’s website suggest that the rumours of an 11-speed Dura-Ace group are true. The documents show parts in a component flowchart clearly labelled with a 9000 series designation – the designation that will be used for the new Dura-Ace.

The Bicycling article also provides specific component information based on interviews with cycling industry insiders. Here are some of the more tantalizing rumoured details:

• The new 11-speed Dura-Ace will be available in mechanical and electronic versions.
• The new Dura-Ace electronic shift levers will feature a shape similar to the current Ultegra Di2 and will uses the smaller diameter  Di2 wiring harness.
• The five-arm crank will be replaced with a four-arm style similar to what Shimano currently uses on their mountain bike components.
• Shimano will offer only their 24mm bottom bracket axle which will be housed in a lighter overall package.
• The mechanical Dura-Ace will be slightly smaller and more ergonomic.
• Mechanical Dura-Ace will use a proprietary shift cable. (Perhaps made of braided Kevlar or Dyneema? ed)
• The mechanical front-derailleur shifting effort is reduced by a claimed 38 percent.
• There will be new brakes with two mounting options: standard center bolt and two-bolt aero/TT style.
• The new mechanical group’s weight is claimed to be 67 grams lighter than the current version.
• The 11-speed cassette and freehub body are wider but the rear hub spacing stays at 130mm. (This, as we reported on an earlier post, will likely result in a greater dish for the rear wheel.ed)
• 10-speed cassettes will work on the new wheels with the use of a spacer.
• Carbon will only be used in the brake-lever blades and rear-derailleur pulley cage.

More details here and as they become available.