Shimano Dura-Ace 2021 will be wireless 12 speed according to new patents

It's no big secret that Shimano will want to launch a Dura-Ace wireless groupset soon and these patents give us the strongest indication yet of how they'll look, but there are still many questions to answer

But do you really want or need a wireless groupset?

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[chiefrocker]

I'll take full wireless system, but without the bulky shifter housing and special SRAM introduced flat top chains. This has been a serious limitation in my view. David, as always great presentation

[DaviCupra]

I was going to invest on my bike a DI2 Ultegra, but now i mite wait some more time to see what Shimano does in terms of wireless, thanks for the news!

[treyquattro]

I'd definitely prefer full wireless a la SRAM but I expect we'll take whatever Shimano gives us. I used to think Di2 was a gimmick but it works much better than the mechanical system especially with the larger cassettes we use nowadays and it appears that trend is only going to continue. The main reason for wireless is less cabling inside the bike, and one other I guess: easier maintenance of the battery/batteries. You just have to make sure that the derailleur batteries are charged and keep an eye out for the button cells in the shifters. Anyway, the chances of me getting a new bike with a wireless groupset are minimal (unless something unexpected happens like a sudden inflow of cash!)

[velophil]

Great channel! Much less intrusive than GCN/ GCN Tech. No advertising, great! Keep up the good work. Subscribed!

[mytglguh]

Wireless...I couldn't care less. I ride Campy Super Record 12 speed electronic...Beautiful and superb shifting.

[galenkehler]

Semi wireless or full wireless doesn't really matter, the key is eliminating the section of cable that crosses from the steering to the fixed part of the frame.

[jeffreykraak]

Shimano is nearing their Centenary coming March, that’s when the new wireless group will be made available.

[rogase]

Are wires really such a big deal other than making the install easier? I prefer a single battery junction box approach and the di2 derailleurs look much sleeker than SRAM's system with the batteries hanging off. Plus the world needs lease coin cell batteries not more (required to power the shifters)

[CarlForde]

with cable controlled derailleurs the indexing is controlled by the mechanism in the shift lever. With electronically controlled derailleurs it should be possible to put the index control in the derailleur itself. It just needs to be told what cassette is on the wheel. It would be great if Shimano's new system could support 10, 11 and 12 speed cassettes.

[jhno]

The question we need to ask and answer is
-> Is this going to be $8k or $10k for the groupset
"It will never catch on" : it caught on when it got affordable after 2-3 generations

[hisdadjames]

Great news, though I’ll be waiting two more seasons to buy the 105 version at one third the price. 😂

[ProMachineRider]

Gave up on Shimano it takes them so long to release products, SRAM take some risks but it’s so much more interesting being a SRAM customer. Only exception is XT brakes and sod pedals.

[steveflor]

I've been riding eTap for the past 2 years. I really like that it is wireless.
Have yet to change the 2032 shifter batteries. Recharge the derailleur batteries about once a month. All well and good. That said....

The shifting performance of Red 22 is massively inferior to Dura Ace.
Ungodly noisy, even with ceramic chain lube. Sram Hydraulic Road Discs (HRD) are an absolute PITA.
Pads wear out often. Caliper pistons have high amont of stiction.
Rubbing and needing attention every 3 or 4 months.

As soon as 12pd Dura Ace comes out, I will make the move.

[sand]

Can a properly maintained and set up "traditional" shifters be as good as electronic ones?

[DominikLoeffler]

I like FSA K-Force WE's approach best. Power draw from the FD & RD is magnitudes higher compared to the shifters, since they have to mechanically move the chain around. So it makes most sense to design a single large battery supplying both FD & RD, connecting them via wire which is easily hidden in the seat tube/BB/chain stay. Shifters get small coin batteries which have to be changed rarely; they only send cheap low-power control bits to the receiver on the FD.
Going all-wireless like SRAM is a hassle to design, produce, use, and maintain. Just overkill.

[tccycling]

All the wires and hydraulic lines are hidden from view on my bike, and I only have to charge one battery. And apparently, Di2 shifts faster than Sram. What's the advantage of wireless again?

[FormulaWill]

I want speed, precision and weight. All wireless vs. partial wireless is not that important. I recently tried out the Sram etap AXS and really liked the feeling of the paddle shifters. Big shift pads, nice click.

[Joshuavoice]

If I'm not mistaken Shimano already has a patent for a 14 speed wheelset.

[njm]

I'll take an ultegra level full wireless 12 speed with an 11-32 cassette. Keep rim brake option for folks that have expensive rim brake wheel sets.

[barnet]

I'd prefer wired with 1 bigger battery in the seat tube. Which can then be charged with an USB C.
Hate dealing with half a dozen batteries.