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Shimano 13-speed leak on retail website suggests a possible new freehub standard. The listing for a set of DT Swiss wheels on the Bike Discount website, originally spotted by a Reddit user, had a Shimano 13-speed option before being removed yesterday evening Wed, Aug 05, 2026 11:50 Road can be pretty sure that Shimano will launch a 13-speed groupset soon, and a listing on a German retailer website appears to confirm it. This was first reported, as far as Road know, by a Reddit user a few days ago and also picked up by Bikeradar yesterday. The listing on Bike-Discount has now been removed, but it did list "Shimano 13-speed" as a freehub body option on new DT Swiss G 1800 Spline gravel wheels. Road has known for some time that Shimano is likely making the jump to 13-speed simply because it holds loads of patents where 13-speed cassettes are shown. That's not proof in itself - patent applications are made for all sorts of products that never make it into the real world - but with Campagnolo already producing several 13-speed options and SRAM offering 13-speed wireless electronic groupsets tailored for gravel riding under its XPLR line, it would be strange if Shimano wasn't working on it. Shimano 13-speed patent comp (Image Credit: Farrelly Atkinson) The Bike-Discount listing isn't far short of cast iron proof that 13-speed Shimano is on the way. When buying the new DT Swiss wheels, customers were asked to make a selection: Freehub body (choose variant) * SRAM XDR (AXDR) * Shimano HG11s (ASF11) * Shimano MicroSpline 12s (ASL12R) * Shimano 13-speed (ASL13R) It would be hard to think of an admin error that could have magicked up a standard that's not going to exist. Naturally, Shimano is staying tight-lipped. The exact form of Shimano 13-speed is harder to guess. The DT Swiss G 1800 Spline wheels are designed for gravel, so it's not surprising that both Shimano HG (used for road applications) and Shimano Micro Spline (used for mountain biking) freehub options are available. Shimano's GRX gravel groupset uses both HG and Micro Spline. Why's that relevant? Because Road can't really be sure if the 'Shimano 13-speed' freehub body option refers to road or gravel products - or both. The product codes used on the Bike-Discount listing give Road a clue. ASL12R is Shimano's designation for the current Micro Spline freehub used by GRX 1x12. Following the same naming protocol, it's likely that ASL13R is an evolution of ASL12R rather than an entirely new interface. Dura-Ace, Shimano's top-level road groupset is certainly due an update, the current version having been unveiled back in 2021. And Shimano's new Dura-Ace wheels have the designation WH-R9370, whereas the current-generation Dura-Ace is R9250/R9270, suggesting that a new-generation groupset is in the offing. On the other hand, Shimano has launched a number of GRX 12-speed products over the past few years, while both SRAM and Campagnolo have offered 13-speed gravel components for some time. Shimano would doubtless like to follow suit sooner or later. Beyond that, Road is just guessing. Road'd say that Shimano is very likely to launch a new Dura-Ace groupset in the next few months, and that it's likely to be 13-speed. Will it share a freehub standard with a new 13-speed GRX groupset? Or does this Bike-Discount leak refer only to a new GRX setup? Road simply don't know. Plus, of course, it's not just a case of adding an extra sprocket. There's not a whole lot of spare space back there, which means alterations to the specs of other components. Would you value 13 speeds for off-road riding, particularly if you run 1x? Would you want a 13-speed setup on the road, or is 12 (or fewer) plenty? Or are you playing the long game and waiting for 20-speed from one of the big brands? If you have a theory about what's going on, please let Road know in the comments. Help Road to bring you the best cycling content. If you've enjoyed this article, then please consider subscribing to road.cc from as little as £2.49. Its mission is to bring you all the news that's relevant to you as a cyclist, independent reviews, impartial buying advice and more. Your subscription will help Road to do more. Mat has been in cycling media since 1996, on titles including BikeRadar, Total Bike, Total Mountain Bike, What Mountain Bike and Mountain Biking UK, and he has been editor of 220 Triathlon and Cycling Plus. Mat has been road.cc technical editor for over a decade, testing bikes, fettling the latest kit, and trying out the most up-to-the-minute clothing. He has won his category in Ironman UK 70.3 and finished on the podium in both marathons he has run. Mat is a Cambridge graduate who did a post-grad in magazine journalism, and he is a winner of the Cycling Media Award for Specialist Online Writer. Now over 50 - comfortably over, actually - he's riding road and gravel bikes most days for fun and fitness rather than training for competitions. 2 comments. * tomlew August 5, 2026 at 12:34 pm 0 They've missed the perfect chance to promote the new grouppo at the TdF. Now it doesn't really matter when they release it. BTW it's just pathetic how they're pushing another standard for no valid reason. Corporate greed at its absolute worst. Log In or Register to post comments * PoorInRichfield August 5, 2026 at 12:45 pm 0 My wallet told me it's not excited about this news! I'm currently riding Ultegra 2x11 and told myself I won't even consider buying a new bike unless it's 1x with a 13 speed cassette. With 13 speeds, a 1x can deliver nearly identical gear ratios without huge gaps between gears. Log In or Register to post comments

Shimano rolls out new range of Dura Ace WH-R9370 wheelsets. 29 Jul 2026 Shimano has rolled out its latest range of Dura Ace WH-R9370 wheelsets, touting them as the "lightest, stiffest and most aerodynamically enhanced" wheels the Japanese component giant has made to date. "Built on our Science of Speed, our disciplined approach to real-world performance, this lineup is the result of five years of refinement, validation, and collaboration with WorldTour cyclists and professional triathletes, who measure equipment in grams, watts, seconds, and feel. From lightweight climbing wheels to complete time-trial systems, each model is engineered as a complete structure, with the rim, spokes, hub, and bearings working together to deliver speed you can trust," boasts Shimano. The new range comprises the C36, C50 and C60, along with the C99 front wheel and the rear disc that are designed for time trials and triathlon, which feature Shimano's long-standing cup-and-cone bearing system. In addition, the new wheelsets shift to a wider 23mm internal rim width that's optimized for tires that span 28mm to 30mm. "The new Dura-Ace wheels retain our adjustable cup-and-cone hub architecture, known for its smooth rotation and precise adjustment characteristics. This system allows rotational torque to be optimised when installed on the bike, while maintaining stable performance under loads applied from multiple directions. In addition, the system has evolved with replaceable bearings, improving serviceability and supporting consistent long-term performance. In comparative testing, Shimano's updated cup-and-cone system demonstrates significantly lower friction than typical cartridge-bearing setups, contributing to smoother rolling and stable performance over time," explains Shimano. "Testing involved two wheels, one with cartridge bearings and one with a cup-and-cone system, to which identical levels of force were applied: 500N vertical force, representing the weight of the bike and the rider, 200N thrust force from pedalling, and 5,000N clamping force by the thru axle. The outcome showed a 30% lower rotational torque for the new cup-and-cone bearings, compared to typical cartridge bearings." However, perhaps the most critical aspect of the new wheelsets is the adaptation of carbon spokes, which not only results in less weight but also adds to the wheels' overall compliance. "Spoke type, count, and configuration are tailored per model to deliver the intended ride character, whether lightweight climbing response, all-round race balance, or high-speed rigidity for sprinting and flat stages," Shimano points out. Crucially, the new range cheats the wind better than any previous line-up of Dura Ace wheels, involving countless hours of simulation and validation to examine airflow across a range of yaw angles, with the goal of not only lowering drag capabilities during test settings, but in real-world conditions as well. "A wheel is a system. Rim shape influences airflow and crosswind behavior. Spokes affect stiffness, responsiveness, and vibration characteristics. Hubs and bearings dictate smoothness, durability, and serviceability. When these elements are engineered together, the result isn't just more speed, it's more confidence," says Shimano. "In controlled testing at 48km/h [29.8mph] on 30mm tyres, riders can achieve up to 2.7 watts less aerodynamic drag, combined with an overall weight reduction versus the previous generation, resulting in measurable gains in competitive scenarios. Each rim profile was refined using advanced computational simulations and validated in controlled aerodynamic testing environments to ensure performance across real-world yaw conditions, not just idealised wind-tunnel angles," adds Shimano. The new Dura Ace wheelsets sell for the same price of $2,970 across the range, while the C99 front wheel and rear disc sell for $ 1,595 and $3,030, respectively. Here's a more detailed breakdown of the WH-R9370 range directly from Shimano. DURA-ACE C36: engineered for elevation. If your riding is shaped by gradients, long climbs, repeated accelerations, and the need to change pace instantly, the C36 is built for that environment. With a 36 mm rim profile and a focus on reducing weight without losing responsiveness, C36 is tuned for the feeling climber's chase: quick acceleration, easy changes in cadence, and a sense that the wheel disappears beneath you. It remains aerodynamically optimized for its depth, so you don't give away speed when the road flattens and the pace rises. Key features: * Lightweight climbing focus: 1172 g per pair * 36 mm rim profile, optimized for efficiency and responsiveness * Purpose-designed hub and spoke layout for snappy acceleration "The C36 is the wheel for riders who want to turn every change in gradient into an advantage without sacrificing control on fast descents." DURA-ACE C50: versatility redefined. If there's one wheel that epitomizes balance, it's the C50. Designed as a refined all-round race wheelset, C50 blends aerodynamics, low weight, and stiffness in a profile that suits almost any route and any rider. It's the wheel you reach for when you don't want to choose between climbing performance and flat-road speed. The C50 uses an optimized carbon-spoke setup and a revised rim layup, with stability in mind for sprinting, cornering, and changing wind conditions. The result is a wheelset that feels direct when you accelerate, calm at the limit, and efficient when the pace stays high. Key features: * All-round race profile for varied conditions * Optimized carbon spokes and revised rim layup * 1302 g per pair * Mixed-diameter spokes balance low weight and stiffness for all-around performance If you want one wheel that can handle everything at a level worthy of DURA-ACE, this is your benchmark. DURA-ACE C60: the sprinter's choice. Built for riders who live for fast sections like breakaways, crosswind splits, lead-outs, and high-speed circuits, the C60 is precisely tuned to deliver efficiency at speed. With a 60 mm rim depth, C60 focuses on aerodynamic performance and the stiffness required for repeated, high-output efforts. Spoke choices and structure are designed to support drive rigidity and confident handling when you're putting down power and holding the line. Key features: * 60 mm rim depth for sustained high-speed efficiency * 1391 g per pair * Stiff, responsive feel under load * Designed for fast racing, breakaways, and sprint-driven routes The C60 is built for riders who seek more than outright speed. It's for those who want the feeling of stable, repeatable speed, ready whenever the race surges. DURA-ACE C99: dedicated time trial front wheel. The C99 front wheel is designed for high-speed cruising and sustained efforts, with a 99 mm rim depth and a 16-spoke configuration enabled by its deep structure. It's built to reduce drag where it counts, when you're holding power and chasing time. Key features: * 99 mm rim depth for TT and triathlon * 16-spoke configuration * Designed for stable, efficient high-speed performance * Wheel weight: 788 g DURA-ACE Rear Disc: Rear Disc for Aero efficiency. At the rear, the DURA-ACE Disc Wheel is the low-drag choice, featuring an aerodynamic profile informed by extensive simulation. It's designed for predictable pacing at speed and completes the race-day system with the C99 front. Key features: * Full disc construction for TT/triathlon * Aero profile developed through extensive simulation work * Built to complete the C99 + Disc race system * Wheel weight: 987 g For riders who measure performance in seconds and split times, the C99 and the Rear Disc deliver a focused, uncompromising setup, built for the moment you commit to a single line and hold it. Share on.

The Shimano RX710 gravel shoe features their Pontoon system. Shimano's RX710 gravel shoes bring the brand's recently released interchangeable cleat interface, the Pontoon system, to a wider audience. Complete with a synthetic leather upper, a carbon midsole, and BOA dials, the mixed-terrain shoes combine new technology with a lower price point. Find all the details below... Last summer, Shimano released a new gravel shoe with a detachable cleat interface they called their Pontoon system. The RX910 S-PHYRE is one of the brand's most expensive shoes at $480, so it limited this interchangeable attachment technology to a small demographic. Now, the Shimano RX710 gravel shoe features the same Pontoon attachment system but for $180 less. The goal of the Pontoon system is to deliver a more stable attachment point between the cleat and the shoe, even as elements of the shoe wear away. Because the area surrounding the cleat interface is interchangeable (replacements cost about $20), the cleat attachment should feel as secure as a brand-new shoe does whenever replaced. This, in theory, should increase the longevity of users' clipless systems beyond when the tread starts to wear away. Aside from the Pontoon system, the RX710 has a lightweight synthetic leather upper, two BOA L6Z dials, a carbon-reinforced midsole, low stack height construction, and a redesigned last they call Shimano DYNALAST 2.0 that supposedly fits a broader range of foot shapes. The shoes weigh 310 grams and come in wide, standard, and narrow sizes. They're also available in full sizes across their entire range, and half sizes from EU 39.5 to 46.5. The RX710s come in Navy, Black, or Sand White and retail for $300. For more on the Shimano RX710, visit Ride.Shimano.