Thanks to a reader from Melbourne Uni Cycling Club, this pic appears to reveal the next generation Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 crankset and rear derailleur. The brake rotors also appear to be updated. While it is a surprise to see it pop up somewhere other than a major UCI pro race on team bikes, it’s not a surprise that it’s out there. Their usual product cycle led us to believe something would be shown this year -the current DA9000 group came out in 2013– and comments from other vendors who make power meters and related items reinforced that hunch.
Based on what we can see here, it remains an 11-speed group. But, that’s an awfully long derailleur cage, suggesting some wider range gearing options may be in the works for cyclocross and gravel bikes. There’s still a wire there, too.
The crank arms are a little taller, which gives the illusion of being flatter. The asymmetric four-arm spider carries on and mates to what seems to be a more robust large chainring. The teeth are darker, which could mean a hard ano finish to reduce friction.
Shimano does not typically comment on as-yet-unreleased groups, but we’ve reached out and will update with any fresh news. See anything else? Let us know in the comments!
