A Look Back at the Shimano Dura-Ace WH-R9370 After 3,500 km

After an initial test ride of about 400 km, the new Shimano Dura-Ace WH-R9370 C50 wheels have now logged nearly 3,500 km on our usual routes. That’s enough to confirm their qualities, but also to highlight a minor limitation of the 50-mm profile when the wind picks up. Their modest weight, carbon spokes, and 23-mm internal width nevertheless make them particularly versatile wheels, even on very rugged terrain.

By Guillaume Judas – Photos: ©3bikes.fr

When I first got my hands on the new Shimano Dura-Ace WH-R9370 C50 wheels, I was particularly impressed by their balance of aerodynamics, weight, and responsiveness. Weighing 1,304 g per pair, with a 50 mm-high rim, 23 mm internal width, and a new construction featuring carbon spokes, they boasted some particularly interesting specs on paper.

After that initial test ride, what stood out most to me was their responsiveness and their reassuring handling in the wind. With nearly 3,500 km now under my belt, those first impressions have been largely confirmed. But using them in a wider variety of conditions has also allowed me to slightly refine my initial assessment.

First Impressions Confirmed

The first observation, after several thousand kilometers, is ultimately quite simple: the WH-R9370 C50s are indeed exceptionally well-designed wheels. The weight savings compared to the previous WH-R9270 C50 are immediately noticeable. Weighing 157 g less per pair, the new Dura-Ace wheels don’t just feel light on the scale—they also feel light during changes in pace and accelerations. The 1,304 g weight is particularly impressive for 50 mm wheels, comparable to high-end competitors like the Roval Rapide CLX III. But the official price here is €700 lower, at €2,799.

I also find the overall character of the wheels interesting. They never feel heavy or sluggish, even when riding on hilly routes with frequent accelerations. The carbon spokes clearly contribute to this responsive feel. The wheels respond well to input and maintain a certain responsiveness when the pace picks up. After 3,500 km, this impression is by no means just a “new-bike” effect. It’s definitely a confirmed characteristic of this set.

True versatility on rough terrain

It was probably on the roughest trails that these wheels surprised me the most in a good way. A 50 mm rim profile might naturally give the impression that they’re primarily designed for fast, relatively smooth trails. However, the reasonable weight of the WH-R9370 C50 allows you to use them without hesitation when the road gets steeper.

On sequences of bumps, long climbs, or routes with frequent accelerations, they remain responsive. They never give the impression that you’re struggling against wheels that are too stiff or heavy as soon as the slope steepens. On the contrary, out-of-the-saddle accelerations and changes in pace feel natural. With the Turbo Cotton tires, the whole setup is particularly enjoyable for sporty riding.

The overall stiffness is also well balanced. The carbon spokes provide a crisp response without making the wheels feel excessively stiff. On a rough course, they give the impression that they can do it all: maintain good speed on fast sections, accelerate over bumps, and remain light enough when the road climbs. Ultimately, it’s this versatility that is one of their main strengths.

Wind: Better, but Not Miraculous

My initial impressions regarding stability in crosswinds, however, need to be slightly qualified after these 3,500 km. In most conditions, the WH-R9370 C50s perform very well. The front wheel does indeed feel more neutral than that of the older Dura-Ace C50s, thanks in particular to the work done on the rim’s shape and its 31-mm outer width. The rear wheel, meanwhile, is 32 mm wide. However, several rides in strong gusts of wind revealed characteristics inherent to this type of profile—though these were likely accentuated by my relatively light frame. When gusts exceed 25 to 30 km/h, the front of the bike can be put under more strain, and steering requires more attention.

This isn’t a sudden or dangerous reaction under normal conditions, but the instability becomes noticeable, especially on exposed roads and when gusts occur irregularly. In these situations, you need to hold the handlebars more firmly and anticipate deviations from your line. I really felt the difference compared to the new Zipp 404 S wheels—which are less lightweight and less dynamic, but in my opinion a bit more stable in these conditions. I must admit, however, that the 404s were not tested on the same bike (a bike that was nearly 1 kg heavier) and that the thin steel spokes are likely less susceptible to gusts than the wider carbon spokes on the Dura-Ace wheels.

The new Dura-Ace WH-R9370 C50s are thus generally easier to handle in the wind than some of the 50-mm wheels we’ve tested, but they don’t completely escape the limitations associated with this rim height. Ultimately, this is the main trade-off with this pair: striving to maintain a profile tall enough to offer aerodynamic benefits while remaining relatively lightweight and versatile inevitably requires some compromises when conditions become very windy.

23 mm internal width: a smart choice

The other major change in this new generation concerns the rim’s internal width, which has increased from 21 to 23 mm. Shimano thus designs the WH-R9370 C50 for 28- to 30-mm tires, although the compatibility range is now broad enough to accommodate larger tire sizes depending on the specific tires used.

After several thousand kilometers, this width seems particularly well-suited to current uses. With a 28-mm tire, the rim provides good sidewall support and creates a cohesive package. But it really comes into its own when you want to ride with larger tires and run them at lower pressures.

The benefit isn’t limited to comfort. Lower tire pressure also helps maintain better traction and grip on rough surfaces, while minimizing jarring reactions on road joints or imperfections. This development therefore logically aligns with that of modern road tires. The 23-mm internal width is, in fact, a common feature across the new WH-R9370 generation, regardless of the different profiles in the lineup

Hubs that are as smooth as ever

After 3,500 km, I also carefully checked the condition of the hubs and their bearings. And so far, nothing to report. The bearings show no signs of wear. Rotation remains smooth, with no perceptible play or stiff spots. The Shimano cone-and-cup system retains its value here, particularly in terms of maintenance and adjustability.

This generation also introduces an interesting development, as the cups are now replaceable. Shimano has also improved the hubs’ water resistance, with the goal of enhancing long-term durability. I must admit, however, that I’ve only had to ride a few dozen kilometers in the rain during these more than two months of testing, since summer—even in northern France—stretched well into early October.

After 3,500 km, it’s obviously too early to draw a definitive conclusion about their longevity, but this initial assessment is reassuring. No special maintenance has been necessary so far, and they continue to perform just as they did during the first few rides.

Wheels that can stay permanently on the bike

Even after this long-term test, my opinion hasn’t changed much from my initial assessment. My first impressions have been confirmed, with one small caveat regarding crosswinds.

The Shimano Dura-Ace WH-R9370 C50 wheels are fast, responsive, and light enough not to weigh the bike down when the road climbs. Their 23 mm internal width is well-suited to modern tires and allows for wider tires and lower pressures. The carbon spokes, meanwhile, provide a real sense of responsiveness. However, the 50-mm profile retains the characteristics inherent to this rim height when wind gusts become strong.

Otherwise, the overall impression is particularly positive. These wheels are equally at home on a fast ride through rolling terrain as they are on a very rugged route, without giving the impression of being specialized for any single type of terrain. The new Dura-Ace C50 wheels are light and responsive enough to shine on climbs, aerodynamic enough to stay fast on the flats, and versatile enough to be a set of wheels you can leave on your bike almost all the time.

Pros

• Reasonable weight for 50 mm wheels
• Responsiveness of the carbon spokes
• Excellent versatility
• Precise handling
• Bearings remain perfectly smooth even after 3,500 km

Cons

• Sensitive to strong crosswinds exceeding about 25–30 km/h
• Carbon spokes require extra care when transporting the bike.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

 

FAQ – Shimano Dura-Ace WH-R9370 Are the Shimano Dura-Ace WH-R9370 C50 wheels suitable for hilly routes? Yes. Despite their 50 mm profile, their light weight and the responsiveness provided by the carbon spokes allow them to remain highly effective on rough terrain and during accelerations. Are the WH-R9370 C50s susceptible to crosswinds? They handle crosswinds fairly well in most conditions, but strong gusts can be noticeable. Above about 25 to 30 km/h, especially on very exposed roads, the front wheel can become more sensitive to changes in wind direction. What tire width should be used with the Shimano Dura-Ace WH-R9370? The 23 mm internal width is particularly well-suited for modern tires measuring 28 mm and wider. In particular, it allows for better tire support and riding at lower pressures. Are the Shimano Dura-Ace WH-R9370 wheels really lightweight? Yes. Weighing 1,304 g per pair, they are remarkably light for 50-mm-tall wheels. This directly contributes to their versatility and dynamic performance. Are the bearings on the WH-R9370 still reliable after 3,500 km? After 3,500 km of use, the bearings show no signs of wear. Rotation remains smooth, and no play or stiff spots have been detected. Are the Shimano Dura-Ace WH-R9370 C50 wheels versatile? Yes. Their performance makes them suitable for both fast routes and very hilly terrain. Their weight, responsiveness, and 23 mm internal width make them a pair of wheels that can be used in a wide range of situations.

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