Shimano Ultegra R8170 C50 Disc Road Bike Wheels

The Shimano Ultegra R8170 C50 disc brake wheels are a wheelset with an excellent balance between aerodynamics, stiffness and weight. The Ultegra R8170 wheels achieve similar aerodynamic properties as the Dura Ace R9270 wheels. This is partly due to the rim profile, which measures 21 mm internally and 28 mm internally. This enables you to fit tyres between 28 and 62 mm wide on these wheels. The spokes and spoke pattern have been reinforced to increase rigidity during acceleration. This makes the wheels 9% stiffer than a Dura Ace 9170 C40 wheelset.

Riding characteristics
The Shimano Ultegra C50 wheels feel like one with your bike. The aerodynamics of these wheels make the effect of lateral winds virtually non-existent, and the wheels easily keep up their speed. You'll notice how much attention Shimano has paid to rigidity and power transfer. When cornering during a fast descent, you'll immediately feel how quickly the wheels react and you'll notice they won't feel nervous. The wheels are widely versatile thanks to their low weight, which means they can also be used in the mountains just fine.

Aerodynamics
The aerodynamics of the Shimano Ultegra R8170 C50 have been optimised. This is partly due to the wide, 28 mm rim profile. Air resistance is significantly less on a rim with these proportions. Compared to the lower rim Shimano Dura Ace R9100 C40 wheels, these wheels experience 5.1 fewer watts of resistance. In addition, they experience 1 watt less resistance than the Shimano Dura Ace R9100 C60 tubular wheel. These gains were achieved while maintaining other properties, like rigidity, comfort and control.

Rigidity
Strong, 1.5 mm thick spokes were used to achieve a higher rigidity without compromising on weight. Rigid handling is enhanced by increasing the direct pedalling feel while you're accelerating. To this end, the body system has been further developed and added to the rear hub. To top it all off, the efficiency of power transfer has been increased by 63%.

Weight
The most noticeable weight gain is in the outer rotating mass: the rims. Although these rims are significantly wider, Shimano's team has still managed to make these rims lighter. This is immediately noticeable when you start pedalling, when climbing or maintaining speed with your Shimano Dura Ace wheels. This makes the Shimano Ultegra R8170 Disc wheel one of the most all-round wheels on the market.

• Shimano Ultegra R8170 C50 front wheel
• Shimano Ultegra R8170 C50 rear wheel
• Tubeless valves