Shimano Groupset news

[SimonJOsborne]

I saw a news item yesterday on some updates to the Shimano Ultegra group. There will now be a lighter Ultegra SL group in "an attractive ice grey". Also there will be an Ultegra specific compact. Here is the article if anyones interested:

http://www.cyclingplus.co.uk/newsdetails.asp?id=740

Anyone know anything about updates to the other groupsets, particularly Dura Ace?

And staying on the new release topic Trek have heavily revised the Madone line. Not sure what to make of them though...

http://www2.trekbikes.com/madone/

[Elliot M]

also, rumour is that:

- all groupsets have a compact chainset option
- production electronic DA will be used in the TDF and available for next year
- if it proves popular, no conventional DA group, Ultegra SL will be the top conventional groupset
- if it goes badly, there is a new conventional DA waiting in the wings

[Graham O]

the trek looks kinda cool and reminds me of a specialized for some reason. I think its because of the shape of the seat stays at the downtube junction.

[SimonJOsborne]

Hmm that is interesting. I don't like the idea of having no conventional option on the DA. And I guess as Sean says Ultegra SL will become the conventional top end groupset. Prob why they have it in ice grey to give it a DA feel.

I am on the brink of having a new bike put together at GB's with a DA group and a R700 compact, so these rumours are giving me pause for thought.

Looking at the different Madone's I think the Performance geometry models look sweet. It does look similar to the curving top tube Spec. Some of the colours look.. different. And they say there is a 64cm frame option on the Performance 5.5??

[Graham O]

Electric Gears for the TDF. What fun.

I wonder if you'll be able to change your opponents gears for them whilst they are riding. Great for scuppering the opposition..

[Graham O]

You never know...

It looks like this is going to be Shimano's differential advantage over campag, so they are bound to pile loads of investment in.

When they look pretty and are reliable they are bound to catch on.

Imaging life without any cables. The shifters will be much nicer to use as you won't need to move them as far...You may even get buttons, pressure pads or god forbid.....voice activation..

Downside - has to be the battery life and reliability.

[SimonJOsborne]

And I would think they will be more prone to failure after hard knocks or accidents.

Not to mention the maintenance, I would be well stuck if they make the bodge kings nervous.

[huw williams]

That's only half the story - they've been experimenting with AUTOMATIC electronic shiftng too

[Jon H]

The biggest advantage of electronic shifting would be having multiple positions of buttons, so you could change gear on the drops, hoods, and tops.

Mavic must be kicking themselves that they didn't persevere with their electronic system and get ahead of the game versus the big two.

[Ian A4size]

Cant wait to see it all go T!Ts up in the rain, flat batteries, bump starts

[Elliot M]

NB Campag have been trialling electronic shifting for at least as long as Shimano. Both have been used in pro races I believe.

Have read main advantage is speed of shifts, incredibly quick and precise

[Grahame]

[quote="huw williams"]That's only half the story - they've been experimenting with AUTOMATIC electronic shiftng too

[-Adam-]

Hmmm Trek! That bike reinstills my faith in the mighty workhorse that is a decent Trek! Not sure about the seat clamp/post idea, why not justy continue the tube all the way up to the saddle a la Ridly/Orbea/Time etc...?

But the colour schemes are sh1t hot!!! How are you supposed to pick just one, id have to have a different one for each day of the week.

As for shimano, what ever they do ill buy it! Not convinced about electric gears though... What ever happened to saving the planet...?

Can't wait to see the treks at the tour mind... and ill be in Sigma the day they take delivery of them (not that i can afford one, i just want to drool!)

[Andrew G]

[quote]Not sure about the seat clamp/post idea, why not justy continue the tube all the way up to the saddle a la Ridly/Orbea/Time etc...?

[SimonJOsborne]

[quote="A J C"]But the colour schemes are sh1t hot!!! How are you supposed to pick just one, id have to have a different one for each day of the week.