BIKERUMOR.com 2009 SEA OTTER CLASSIC COVERAGE: Shimano was only showing off one new goodie, but a goodie it was:  A totally new carbon-laminate wheelset that’ll go by the moniker of Dura-Ace 7850.
My first question was “Isn’t current Dura-Ace the 7900 series?”
To which Devin replied “Yes, but the wheels weren’t redesigned as part of the component update, so they’re still using the prior group number.” (…or something like that, it’s not verbatim)
The wheels use standard aluminum extrusion for the base rim.  The sidewalls are standard thickness, but the center section is just 1.5mm thick.  From there, carbon fiber is laminated over it to increase the strength while keeping the weight low.  The other benefit, according to Shimano, is better vibration damping and a more comfortable ride.
They’re Road Tubeless compatible and weigh in at 1455g for the set.  Hit “more” for additional pictures and details…
The rims have more logos than a NASCAR fan’s jacket.  Here’s what they mean, from left to right:
- Road Tubeless
- Double Butted Spokes
- Carbon Laminate
- Titanium (axle? skewer?)
- Offset Rim (rear only)
The rim gets a few extra layers of carbon around the spoke holes to bolster their strength, which is readily apparent from the bulges.
The rear wheel uses an asymmetric hub and wider flanges to achieve better triangulation of the spokes.  This results in a laterally stiffer wheel.  Shimano made a few other improvements to the hub:
- More engagement points, down to about 11º, for quicker reaction to pedal movement
- Freehub is now 9- and 10-speed compatible (some recent hubs were only 10-speed comp.)
Devin, Shimano’s marketing rep, said they have an oversized aluminum axle, so I’m guessing the “Ti” logo on the rim must refer to the skewers that come with the wheels.
Per usual for Shimano, the hubs use “cup and cone” angular contact bearings front and rear.  The idea is that they are A) easily serviceable and B) better handle side loads than cartridge bearings.  They use aluminum nipples and straight pull bladed spokes.
MSRP is $1,400 and they’ll be available in May.
