Shimano has unveiled an all-new Ultegra 6700 groupset which replaces both Ultegra 6600 and the SL version, with a weight drop of 150g and featuring many trickle down details from the new Dura-Ace 7900 groupset.

The changes look set to continue Ultegra’s popularity in the mid- to high-end bicycle sector. Here’s a look at all the changes in detail. Availability of the Ultegra Double is scheduled for July, with the Compact version and wheels following in September.

Chainset

Available in both double, triple and compact variants, the new chainset adopts the hollow outer chainring that first featured on the new Dura-Ace. The Hollowglide technology, as Shimano call it, is said to “save weight and increase rigidity for an optimal power transfer and further improved front shifting under heavy loads,” which is something we all seek…

Shimano have also increased chain clearance between the chainrings, allowing a broader range of gears across the cassette without having to worry about interference between the chainrings and chain. Target weight is 785g (53-39T, 170mm with integrated Bottom Bracket).

Dual Control Levers

Perhaps the biggest change, and the one that most people will notice immediately, is the completely revamped levers. Again, like the chainset, they borrow heavily from Dura-Ace, and have composite lever blades and revised cable routing that runs underneath the bar tape. They feature a reach adjustment mechanism that will accommodate smaller hands and a wide assortment of bar bends.

The brake lever pivot has been relocated closer to the rider for an improved modulation and power transfer, particularly when riding on the hoods. A PFTE coated inner cable aids super light shifting performance. Target weight is 445g per pair.

Derailleurs

Rear derailleur RD-6700 will be available in two versions: SS (with a short cage) and GS (with a medium cage – for use with the triple chainset). The short cage version has an improved, wider gear ratio with a maximum front difference of 16T and a total capacity of 33T. This means that it is compatible with a Shimano compact crankset (50-34T) and cassette sprockets of maximum 28T. The GS version (for use with a triple crankset) features a wide outer link design for extra rigidity and a composite plate body that helps to reduce the target weight to 190g.

There are two front derailleur options: FD-6700 for Double and Compact cranksets and FD-6703 for Triple cranksets. They feature a wide inner link with two pivots for extra rigidity and an improved chain guide design. The new front derailleurs provide a lighter down shift and smoother shifting stroke thanks to reducing the spring tension by 10%. Target weight is 89g (Braze-on).

Brakes

The Dual-Pivot caliper brakes feature new compound brake shoes
as launched on Dura-Ace. They’re said to improve braking performance considerably in wet conditions. The calipers have an enhanced brake arch pivot location (as found on Dura-Ace 7900) for an increased linear response.

The new caliper construction ensures an improved cable routing (especially with sloping frames) and reduced cable friction, ensuring great feel and modulation. Riders will also be able to customise the spring tension in the calipers using the spring tension adjuster for preference to feel and power. Target weight is 317g per set.

Cassette

There’s an all-new cassette. The Hyperglide 10-speed cassette will be available in a wide variation of combinations: 11-23T, 12-23T, 12-25T, 11-25T and 11-28T. Target weight is 208g (11-23T).

Chain

The new chain, like with Dura-Ace 7900, has a directional design to reduce chain suck and improve shifting performance. The outer plate is designed to integrate with the shifting ramps on the chainset and the inner plates integrate with the shifting ramps on the cassette. The chain’s efficiency has also been improved by increasing the contact area with the gear teeth. This chain features perforated plates that help to reduce the weight to 267g.

Wheels

The WH-6700 wheelset has hubs to match the color of the rest of the new components. The wheelset is road tubeless and clincher compatible.

They’re made with 16 straight, bladed, stainless steel spokes in the front and 20 in the rear. There’s a steel freehub body that is compatible with 8, 9 and 10-speed cassette sprockets. Weight is 1652g for a set (695g front, 957g rear).

Separate hubs will be available featuring high quality sealing and cup and cone bearings. They have been developed with a steel freehub body and are compatible with 8, 9 and 10 speed cassettes. Weight of the front hub is 156g, and the rear freehub FH-6700: 354g.

Pedals

D-6700 pedals will be available in a color matching the new components. Weight: 317g per pair. Structurally there is no difference to the existing PD6620 design.

More at www.madison.co.uk and www.shimano.com