Technique

On test: Shimano Ultegra 2010

Details

Parent Category: Technique

Category: Shimano

Published on Wednesday, 17 March 2010 07:22

Written by Luca Salvatelli

The new group is lighter and offers the same improvements of the new Dura Ace

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The new group Shimano Ultegra 6700 has been completely revised, making a number of improvements already introduced in the Dura Ace group. The weight of the group is reduced of 151 grams compared to the previous 6600 and of 44 grams compared to the model Ultegra SL. From the aesthetic point of view the main novelty is the internal cable of the commands and the new surface finish in two different shades of aluminum. The crankset (double, triple and compact) has been completely revised and is now more rigid and lightweight (785 grams, as 53-39 with integrated bottom bracket). Will be available in the following models: 53-39, 52-39, 50-34 and 52-39-30. Crank length can be 165, 170, 172.5 and 175 mm. New commands too, with carbon levers and cables to be passed under the handlebar tape. Revised ergonomics that includes the ability to adjust the distance of the levers from the handlebars. Are declared for a weight of 445 grams per pair. Also new is the rear derailleur, available in two versions, short and medium cage, the latter for the triple crankset. Is more rigid than its predecessor and weighs 190 grams. Also new is the front derailleur, always available in two versions, for crank double, compact and triple. Again increased the rigidity of the cage and reduced the weight that is declared in 89 grams. The brakes have the new dual compound friction material that provides a better wet braking and greater power in dry conditions. Also new is the “arc of brake” that ensures a more linear and gradual pressure on levers. New are the steps of cables that allow less friction and a more fluid action of the levers. Their weight is 317g per pair. Also new combinations Cassette 11-23, 12-23, 12-25, 11-25 and 11-28, weight is 208g (11-23). New chain, which introduces the concept of Dura Ace, and a separate one-way chain that facilitates the ascent and descent of the gear. As always are present the lightening holes. The declared weight is 267 grams. Always with the same group, then, new hubs, new wheels and new pedals.

Road test

The new 6700 Ultegra group is recognized for the new surface finish, but especially for the new passage of the cables under the handlebar tape. Like all Shimano products the quality of finishes and materials used is high. The new ergonomic controls improves the already excellent comfort of the old Ultegra, especially for those with small hands, and facilitates the monitoring of controls on the handle with your hands held high. The excursion of the levers, the gear shift, is still a bit long, but aligned with that of Campagnolo, and Sram able to have an excursion slightly lower. The fluidity of action, with the new shift cables, was only slightly reduced, but remains the best among the three groups (Shimano, Campagnolo, SRAM). Consistently high level, then, the silence and the precision of the gear shift can not go wrong, even in the most difficult situations. Remains, however, a speed of passing gear still far from Sram, but comparable to 11v Campagnolo. Ergonomics of the two levers to change gear is still the best, because the two levers are always just a finger and there is no chance of making a mistake or get off gearp between raising, as can happen with Sram if you are over thinking. Also good braking, more flexible and powerful than the old Ultegra, a good compromise between absolute power (the best and SRAM) and scalability (the best and Campagnolo). Very good, then the behaviour in the wet, where the new compound friction can improve power and modulation. The rigidity of the crank is excellent, as is its smoothness. Ultimately a very good group, perfect and with a real evolution compared to the old Ultegra. Able to counter competition from Sram and Campagnolo, against which offers a range of powers as unique ergonomic controls, fluidity and precision of the gear shift, the quality of the finishing and the excellent balance between power and scalability of the brakes. The price of the group of about 600 Euros (offered on various shop on line) is highly competitive, both for the weight of the group, its build quality and performance emerged. A group ideal for a medium-high level bike, but without the obsession of minimum weight.

Positive aspects

 Build quality

Ergonomic controls

Precision and low noise in the steps of gear

Braking power and modulation

Negative aspects

 Excursion of the levers of change and derailleur top competitors

Power front brake less than Sram

To learn more:

Shimano

Website: www.shimano.com