nice cranks

Shimano’s new and improved website has details of the latest launches, including the Dura-Ace triple and the short reach stuff. Check back tomorrow for the pictures of the new and improved 105…

Top end triple action…
The latest addition to the range topping road groupset is theFC-7803 Hyperdrive compatible and Dual SIS (why oh why!?) Hollowtech crank arm featuring one-key release and Shimano’s superb one piece BB design.

Sensibly they have reduced the number of teeth to 52-39-30T so there is less cross over of gears and more suitable climbing/bail-out gears. Bolt Circle Diameter 130/92mm with a reinforced spider. It is available in loads of crank Arm Lengths: 165/167.5/170/172.5/175/177.5/180mm. The chain compatibility is with the Super Narrow HG for 10-speed

Average Weight 681g (170mm)

now compatible with smaller hands

Short reach, at last

A new 10-speed Dual Control Lever with adjustable lever reach for riders with small hands. Reach adjust spacers of 4 and 8 degrees will be available. The ST-R700 can be used for both triple and double front drivetrain systems. We’d mentioned this before but here’s a better picture.

In case of a double front chainring, the front derailleur FD-5600 should be used. These shift/brake levers are Flight Deck compatible and they have the same ergonomic improvements as the Dura-Ace and Ultegra Dual Control Levers. The redesign allows a more comfortable position when riding with the hands on the rubber hoods. The arced shift travel makes sure that shifting is fast, smooth and ergonomic.

ST-R700 Dual Control Levers wiull be available in the market from October 2005.

More news soon…

From: Ultimate Pursuits

one we tried earlier…

More information: Shimano

New for smaller hands…	…adjustable fit!	Shimano’s latest post
new spokes & rim	lighter too!	10 for flat bars

ST-R700 Dual Control levers with reach adjuster
This is a welcome update to the 10 speed shifting family (Currently Dura Ace and Ultegra). You can now change a spacer for a 4 or 8 degree insert. Perfect for women or riders (like me) with short fingers. Should be on the market for October 2005

SP-R600 Seatpost
New Aluminium forged seatpost to superseed the old Ultegra post. Matt black anodised finish and a single bolt fixing. Plenty of Lay back and 330mm long so should be fine for most compact frames. 27.2mm diameter only and weighs a modest 250g. Should be on the market for September 2005 at a similar price to the current model.

New wheels
Big news in the wheel department as all the top end wheels have had weight reductions and added features. A lighter Dura-Ace carbon tubular wheel (1300g per set) These wheels have been really well received by the pro riders and will be available in August ’05.
Compatible with Shimano 10 speed only.

Tubeless tyres will be on the market soon. Many of the tyre manufacturers have been busy testing them. Shimano and Mavic have already provided a suitable rim. Shimano’s Scandium rim looks excellent and is quite a bit lighter than previous wheels. At Dura Ace level to begin with and only 10 speed Shimano compatible.

Also available is an upgraded 550 for Ultegra and 105 users. Should be a popular choice as it is lighter and available in 8, 9 and 10 speed options. Out in the shops for July ’05.

More news soon…

From: Ultimate Pursuits

More information: Shimano