Shimano

Dura-Ace 9170 C40 Carbon Disc Brake Road Wheelset - Tubular

Shimano has long been known as a brand that produces high-quality components that are worth what you’re paying for, but also for their meticulous testing and eye for durability and reliability. With the growing popularity of disc brakes on road bikes, we are seeing a launch point for brands to spring from with newly developed components. Shimano has hopped on that bandwagon and expanded production to include hydro disc brakes under Dura-Ace for the first time that we’ve seen. And, the Dura-Ace 9170 C40 Carbon Disc Brake Road Wheelset is a category-leading option that combines road disc and tubular tires.

Shimano considered what slows down riders when constructing the 9170 C40 wheelset, and they found solutions to frustrating cross and headwinds when developing the rim’s profile. In terms of speed and drag-reduction, the 9170 C40 wheelset ups its game with a D2 rim profile that saves watts and increases power transfer more than previous versions. The D2 shape yielded the best performance in wind tunnel testing at yaw angles up to 15 degrees, but the profile also provides enough compliance to be manageable on everything from tarmac to unkempt roads.

Even in windy conditions, a rim depth of 37mm utilizes just enough aero without sacrificing solidity. In fact, that rim depth places the 9170 C40 as the perfect all-arounder road wheelset. More benefit comes from the aerodynamics achieved with increased lateral rigidity. This wheelset is tailored to a rider who needs rigidity and stiffness while suffer-festing through steep terrain or sprinting through the flats, not to mention the benefits of disc brakes.

With disc brakes comes the ability to take advantage of tire real estate. More tire clearance comes from repositioning the calipers closer to the hubs for a start. In doing that, the fork crown, seatstay and chainstay clearance increases, which allows for more room for rubber. You’ll benefit from lower rolling resistance and added comfort on rougher rides. Because of their external width of 24mm, though, Shimano recommends pairing this wheelset with tires in the range of 23-32mm.

Featured angular contact cup and cone-style bearings offer increased power over sealed cartridge bearings, displacing lateral and vertical loads more effectively. These wheels also use Dura-Ace hubs with a centerlock rotor standard alongside standard 12 x 100mm thru-axles on the front and 12 x 142mm thru-axles in the rear. Thru-axles help with torsional rigidity and will be seen with most disc brake bicycles due to the security they provide. Thanks to the centerlock hub standard used with the 9170 C40 wheelset, rotor installation is easy and efficient so you’ll have more time to get riding.