The time is upon us when Shimano divulges all the new gear they have been working on for the next product year, in 2015. Ok, when we say all, we really mean some. There will be some bigger product announcements coming later in the year. Consider this the intro level debut for road and commuter. While we tend to geek out more about the high end stuff, today’s announcements show just how far technology has trickled down.
If there was any doubt to Shimano’s belief in road tubeless, all you have to do is check these wheel introductions. Out of four different 11 speed compatible wheels, only one is not tubeless – and that is the impressively affordable $229.99 WH-RS010. They’ve also revised their dynamo and internal gear hubs.
See what’s new after the jump!
The new WH-RS81-C35-TL (top of post), WH-RS81-C24-TL (above, and below right) and WH-RS610-TL (below, left) all offer road tubeless technology as well as Shimano’s digital hub adjustment, wide flanges, and cup and cone bearings. The WH-RS610-TL and WH-RS81-C24-TL use aluminum rims and will retail for $499.99 and $899.99 respectively, while the WH-RS81-C35-TL gets the carbon laminate treatment for $1,299.99.
Availability is expected for the WH-RS81-C24-TL in May, the RS010 wheels are expected in the warehouse in June, followed by the RS81-C35-TL in July, and the WH-RS610-TL in October.
For the commuter segment, Shimano has updated both their dynamo hubs and Alfine and Nexus internal gear hubs. Powering the front of commuter, touring, and lifestyle bikes, the new 1.5w EU compliant dynamo hubs have slimmed down losing up to 22% of their weight, and also see a 50% decrease in drag. Lighter and easier to spin? Sounds good. Retail for the Alfine 8 hub is set at $249.99 for the hub, $39.99 for the shifter, $19.99 for small parts, and $99.99 for the front Dynamo hub. If IG hubs are your thing, there is a new Alfine 8 speed mechanical IG hub with a flat bar Rapidfire top-normal shifter. The Nexus Inter-7 hubs see improvements as well for improved shifting. All hubs will be offered in black or silver, and are expected around September for availability.