Shimano WH-R9270 Dura Ace C50 Clincher Carbon Disc Front Road Wheel

The all-rounder of the new DURA-ACE wheel lineup, the C50 is both lighter than the previous C40 model and nearly as aerodynamic as the previous C60. It’s a wheelset at home in a wide range of conditions. From time trials to criteriums, on rolling terrain or attempting a personal best, the new C50 is the ideal wheel for spirited road riding.

The perfect blend of low weight and aerodynamic performance, the all-new DURA-ACE C50 features an updated all-carbon tubeless rim and new hub design that drops weight while enhancing rigidity.

Key Features:

• Lightweight tubular full carbon 50 mm deep rim for improved aerodynamics, increased rigidity and excellent inertia for sprinters and TT specialists
• Easy to use Center Lock rotor mount for use with disc brakes
• Stainless steel butted (2.0-1.8-2.0) and bladed straight pull spokes for optimal balance and rigidity
• Elbow-less spokes make for a strong yet compliant wheel
• High lateral rigidity is produced with a wide flange spacing
• Labyrinth double-contact sealing effectively shuts out water and dirt
• Alloy cone with integrated steel Borozon treated bearing races – super mirror finish reduces friction
• Cold forged, machined aluminium hub shell and oversized 7075 alloy axle keep the wheel weight to a minimum
• For 100 x 12 mm axle

Technologies

Center Lock
The CENTER LOCK system makes an easy rotor installation possible with a spline mount and a lock ring. The lock ring mounting system reduces the total working hours by shortening the amount of time of both installation and de-installation. In addition, the secure fixing by the spline mount enhances precision and rigidity while improving braking efficiency.

D2
Aerodynamic performance is affected by wind direction. To create the D2 rim, SHIMANO engineers considered both frontal and crosswinds, aiming to achieve optimal performance in real-world riding conditions. Extensive prototype testing, in the wind tunnel and on the road, proved that a wide rim shape with a deep tire bed performs best across a wide range of conditions. At yaw angles ranging from 0 to 15 degrees, the SHIMANO D2 rim profile reduces air drag better than others aero shape rims. This rim design also boosts lateral wheel stiffness and offers improved vertical compliance for increased control, comfort and durability on the road.

E-Thru
The tool-less type thru-axle skewer system optimizes rigidity and weight balance and enables easy operation with a reliable internal cam mechanism. The 15 mm thru-axle system is 15% stiffer torsionally and 25% stiffer in transverse shear than a traditional 9 mm quick release front axle system. High rigidity is secured while keeping the optimum weight balance. The E-THRU axle hub system minimizes the distortion of suspension while maintaining lightweight for riding around sharp corners at high speed.