Shimano has just introduced its new Ultegra gear range for road bikes and triathlon. According to the manufacturer, this is an effort to transfer the technology used by professional teams and riders to everyday cyclists. The new Ultegra group consists of two ranges: the so-called R8000 for the mechanical shifting version, and the R8070 for the electronic Di2 variant with hydraulic disc brakes. Both versions will replace the 6800 and 6870 throughout the summer, which have provided so much success and excellent performance. What is the main innovation brought by the new Ultegra gear group? Mainly the braking system. Shimano has developed hydraulic discs that promise more powerful braking. They have been tested by professionals and are presented alongside levers with a new ergonomic design to facilitate braking control. The shift buttons are also new and offer customization options.

Another innovation of the new Shimano Ultegra gear group is that it includes a mount for a 34t cassette. There are also new axles for the wheels, a crank arm that inherits the features of the Dura-Ace 9100 group, and an update to the SPD-SL carbon pedal model. These pedals reduce the height by 0.7mm and the weight by 12 grams compared to the previous PD-6800. For the triathlon and time trial segment, Shimano has included a low-profile Shadow derailleur. Shadow is the name this manufacturer uses for its more compact derailleurs that improve aerodynamics.

Four Ultegra R:8000 Versions

Shimano uses a different numbering system for each of the four gear versions of the new Ultegra group. They differ based on the type of shifting operation and the braking system:

• Ultegra R8000: for mechanical shifting and conventional rim brakes
• Ultegra R8020: for mechanical shifting and disc brakes
• Ultegra R8050: for electronic Di2 shifting and conventional rim brakes
• Ultegra R8070: for electronic Di2 shifting and disc brakes

Dura-Ace Heritage

A common feature at Shimano is to use part of the technology from its top-tier groupsets to develop new versions of the ranges just below them. This is also seen in the new Ultegra R8000 group, where some of the technology comes from the Dura-Ace line. In fact, many of its components bear a notable resemblance to those of the Dura-Ace 9100 series. This is especially noticeable in the ergonomics of the mechanical shift levers.

Ultegra Disc Brakes Have Finally Arrived!

Undoubtedly, the main innovation Shimano has incorporated into its Ultegra gear range with this R8000 series is in the brakes. For the first time, a road bike will be able to have a complete Ultegra group that includes disc brakes. Until now, the discs mounted by the Japanese manufacturer were from the RS-ST685 series. This move by the Japanese manufacturer to include a disc braking system specifically for the Ultegra series responds to a growing market demand.

More and more road bikes equipped with disc brakes are being sold, and the main brands, such as Specialized, Trek or Giant, are betting on them in their high-end ranges. If they had also released a carbon disc protector, the new Ultegra derailleur would become a true object of desire, as it would provide an effective solution to the risk of cuts that discs pose in case of a fall or contact with another rider's leg. It is also true that this would increase costs. The Ultegra R8000 group's disc brakes have been tested by professionals. Shimano has developed a system that increases the ability to dissipate the heat generated during braking and has refined the geometry of the caliper design to make them lighter, more aerodynamic, and more versatile, as they are compatible with tires up to 28c.

Programmable electronic shifting

The Ultegra Di2 shifter levers feature a programmable button on the superior part. It is the same one also equipped on the Dura-Ace group and serves to perform different functions: such as linking them to a GPS, controlling a lighting system, or programming gear changes. These functions can be customized through the Shimano E-Tube app. With this programming system, various parameters can be customized to adapt the shifting to our preferences. For example, you can set the shifting speed, multiple shift options, or synchronized shifting. There is the possibility to program different transmission setups so you don't have to operate the front and rear derailleurs separately. A simple movement is enough to get the right gear ratio. The new Shimano Ultegra R8000 group will be available in Europe throughout this month of June for the mechanical version, while the electronic and disc brake versions will arrive starting in August.