Tested: The New Shimano Ultegra R8170 C50 Wheels

Alongside the two new 12-speed groupsets, Dura-Ace and Ultegra Di2, Shimano is also launching a complete range of carbon wheels, including the new Ultegra C50, which offers excellent value for money. We put these wheels to the test over nearly 2000 km, in the wind and in damp conditions. Our verdict.

By Guillaume Judas – Photos: Vincent Lyky

Priced at 1500 €, the new Shimano Ultegra wheels seem to be an excellent compromise between price and performance, since they carry over some of the technical features introduced on the new Dura-Ace, but for about 600 € less. Like the Dura-Ace, they come in a striking new satin black finish with discreet light silver lettering.

Three versions of the new Ultegra wheels are available in the range, for disc brakes only and for tubeless tires only, whereas the Dura-Ace also come in tubular or rim-brake versions in some configurations:

• The C36 (WH-R8170-C36-TL) with 36 mm deep rims, more for climbing
• The C50 (WH-R8170-C50-TL) with 50 mm deep rims, for versatility. This is the model we chose for the test.
• The C60 (WH-R8170-C60-TL) with 60 mm deep rims, for fast riding on the flats and for triathlon

In terms of weight, the Ultegra C50s come in at 1610 g (verified), compared with 1487 g for the Dura-Ace at the same rim depth. On paper, the Ultegra C36s weigh about 80 g less than the C50s, and the C60s weigh about 80 g more. From this standpoint, the Ultegra wheels are about average for products in this price range. Note that the wheels are sold individually, which lets anyone who wants to do so mix two different depths.

As for the 100% carbon rims, the Shimano Ultegra WH-R8170 follow the profile and structure of the Dura-Ace, here with a 50 mm depth, a 21 mm internal width, and a 28 mm external width. According to Shimano, the profile of these rims is aerodynamically improved over the previous range, since the C50s with the D2 profile are said to be as fast as the old C60s, but with less crosswind exposure and, of course, less weight. The rim width is well suited to modern wider tires: 25 or 26 mm tires measure 28 or 29 mm here, with sidewalls ideally aligned with the rims, which helps the tire seat well on the road while also limiting aerodynamic disturbance. These rims are compatible with tires up to 32 mm.

Wheels compatible with 11- and 12-speed

All Ultegra WH-R8170 wheels carry over the hub design of the previous model, with tapered roller bearings that ensure durability and easy maintenance. The major difference from the new Dura-Ace wheels lies here, however: the Dura-Ace have lighter hubs and a direct-engagement freehub body for quicker response when accelerating. Whereas the Dura-Ace are only compatible with the new 12-speed cassette (with a specific groove pattern), the new Ultegra wheels remain compatible with 11-speed cassettes with an HG freehub body (Shimano and SRAM in 11-speed, Shimano in 12-speed). Good news for anyone looking for a very nice pair of next-generation wheels while keeping their 11-speed drivetrain!

Each Ultegra wheel also has 24 stainless steel spokes with a gauge of 2.0 – 1.6 – 2.0 at the front and rear. On the rear wheel, the spoke pattern is specific, to balance spoke tension. Clamping to the frame is, of course, done by a 12 mm thru-axle, for more stiffness. As for the disc mounting system, Shimano sticks with Center Lock, as on previous wheel ranges.

Even more versatility

On the road, the weight difference between the Ultegra and the Dura-Ace at the same rim depth is barely noticeable, although we are still waiting to test the brand’s top-end model in more depth before saying more. In any case, the Ultegra C50s keep the same general behavior, with very good stiffness on one hand, and excellent handling in all conditions on the other.

Tested on a Specialized Roubaix S-Works, already stiff, with tubes that help cut through the wind, but with notable comfort provided by the Pavé seatpost system and the Future Shock 2.0 suspension integrated into the headset, the Shimano Ultegra wheels deliver a high level of performance without completely distorting the spirit of the bike. Neither harsh nor brittle, they show excellent lateral stiffness, which helps quick accelerations and long climbs at tempo in a big gear. They remain perfectly consistent with the frame’s behavior, without being quite as stiff as a Campagnolo Bora or DT Swiss ARC, for example, which lets them keep their liveliness even on the steepest slopes. In terms of comfort, the 26 mm tires, measured here at 29 mm in reality, obviously help. Either way, contact with rough asphalt remains relatively smooth under the wheels.

The Shimano Ultegra C50 wheels offer far better stability than many competing products.

On the flat, the new Ultegra C50s have an inertia that is hard to measure other than by feel. You get the impression of riding slightly faster than with the 40 mm wheels that were on the bike before the test. The rims are fairly light and acceleration is crisp, but once cruising speed is reached, the speed seems relatively easy to maintain. The most surprising thing, however, is how they behave in gusts of wind, with much better stability than many competing products. And in fact, they do not disturb the bike’s handling when changing direction, and they do not require frequent line corrections. To put it simply, despite our light weight, they are no more demanding than 40 mm wheels on windy days.

After 2000 km ridden in the cold, the wind, and sometimes the rain, the hubs remain smooth and show no sign of bearing wear. They actually spin better than on day one. Note, however, that the satin-finish rims are not easy to clean once they are soiled by road spray or drivetrain oil. It takes more than a cloth, and even a high-pressure hose wash, to restore their former glory.

In this C50 version, the new Ultegra wheels surprise with their versatility in intense, fairly sporty riding. On rolling terrain north of the Loire, which is exposed to the wind, they are ideal for most situations, whether in training or in racing. In fact, these are genuinely wheels we would recommend to good-level amateur racers, or to regularly trained riders who like to go head-to-head with their buddies. They are not super light, but the extra weight compared with the Dura-Ace is concentrated in the center of the wheels, where it is least felt during sudden changes of pace. And for those who prefer even more agile wheels, perhaps slightly less stiff for long climbs, the C36 version will also be one of the most sought-after models in the range. A completely revamped range of Shimano wheels, which is already establishing itself as a benchmark.

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