Shimano WH-R9270 Dura Ace C60 Clincher Carbon Disc Front Road Wheel

Perfect for flatter courses and time trials, the DURA-ACE C60 prioritizes aerodynamic efficiency and lateral rigidity. The new hub design, stiffer spokes, and deep-section rim are designed specifically to allow you to push harder in corners and ensure that every bit of your effort is translated into forwarding motion.

Like the entire DURA-ACE wheel family, the new C60 started with a blank slate. Different from the C36 and C50, the C60 has a specific front hub design using Shimano’s OPTBAL 2:1 spoke pattern to enhance lateral rigidity. The C60 also receives stiffer spokes, 1.8 mm instead of 1.5 mm. Tested by our professional athletes, this focus on the lateral rigidity of C60 allows you to push harder in corners and when manoeuvring at higher speeds. Lastly, the new wind-tunnel tested, deep-section rims feature a faster, more stable cross-section that time trialists, triathletes, and sprinters alike will enjoy.

Key Features:

• HR: High-Rigidity ver. +20% increased lateral rigidity for powerful riders and sprinters
• WH-R9270 TL carbon clincher disc brake designed to meet pro road race criteria
• Lightweight tubular full carbon 60 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.

Optbal
The OPTBAL rear wheel spoke system features 21 spokes—14 on the drive side and 7 on the non-drive side. Cassette spacing in today’s wheels produces unbalanced tension in traditional 1:1 spoke systems. This unbalance is intensified with the 11-speed cassette, producing nearly double the tension on the drive side spokes. Generally, high and low tension spokes have respectively tendency toward breaking down and coming loose spoke nipples. Unbalanced tension affects durability and strength. The OPTBAL design rebalances spoke tension, enhancing wheel rigidity and strength for a more durable wheel.

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.