There is nothing more satisfying than seeing Shimano riders succeed at the highest level. We truly feel we’re on the same team, and just like them we are working relentlessly to create a competitive edge. When our combined efforts pay off and result in winning all four jerseys, we can only be proud to be part of this powerful combination of riders, teams and technology.
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A VICTORY IN FOUR COLORS
The Tour de France 2017 set the stage for an epic showdown. In a fierce fight for victory Chris Froome managed to secure the yellow jersey. But there was even more to celebrate, since all four jerseys were won by Shimano riders!
The next steps in technology
Speaking of competitive edges, let’s take a closer look at two of our recent introductions – the new Dura-Ace disc brakes and the Dura-Ace power meter. The 2017 edition of the Tour de France will go down in history as the first Grand Tour to have a stage winner on a road bike with disc brakes. Marcel Kittel convincingly won stages 2, 6, 7, 10 and 11 riding his Dura-Ace disc brakes. With ever more riders to switch to disc brakes, Marcel Kittel is already 100% sold on his new brakes. “I think it’s important to have an open mind about technological innovations. I’m always trying to find new things to improve my performance. Disc brakes are a great step forward in the technology developments that we have ahead of us.”
More stopping power
Where rim brakes clamp directly onto the sides of the wheel, disc brakes transfer all braking force to a rotor mounted directly to the hub. This generates more stopping power while requiring less force at the lever to generate this power. Very helpful to avoid ‘arm pumping’ on long and steep descents or for heavier riders that struggle to get enough power from rim brakes. The braking force can be easily adjusted by changing rotor sizes. A bigger rotor will increase stopping power, a smaller one will save weight for riders that don’t need the extra braking force.
“Disc brakes offer good control, the adjustment possibilities are a big step forward. Especially in the rain, it will help riders to brake better.”
Marcel Kittel
Quick-Step Floors Cycling Team
Excellent control
Disc brakes also release a more linear and predictable stopping power than rim brakes, and they are far more consistent in varying weather conditions. This is especially true when compared with rim brakes on carbon rims, a combination that performs poorly in the wet and is prone to overheating in the dry. Marcel Kittel: “Disc brakes offer good control, the adjustment possibilities are a big step forward. Especially in the rain, it will help riders to brake better.”
Warren Barguil one of the first to use new power meter
An exciting experience for Warren Barguil, being one of the first to use the new Shimano FC-R9100-P power meter. As performance data is becoming increasingly important in training and racing, the reliability and accuracy of the data is equally important. Barguil is anxious to use the new power meter in the Tour de France, allowing him to decide real-time race tactics on accurate readings of his power.
"My first impressions of the Shimano power meter are very good. The data is consistent, it's very easy to use and there's almost no extra weight! Magnifique!"
Warren Barguil
Team Sunweb
C’est magnifique!
Warren Barguil: "As a professional rider, I can't perform without data. Data is essential for me at training rides, to make sure I can follow the training schedule of the coaching staff and to give me an indication of my shape. In races I can monitor my performance and decide my tactics real-time based on my power. Most critical is that the data is reliable and accurate. My first impressions of the Shimano power meter are very good. The data is consistent, it's very easy to use and there's almost no extra weight! Magnifique!"
The most effective way to monitor
The Shimano FC-R9100-P is a dual-sided, crankset-based power meter that directly measures the power you exert on both sides of the bike. It is by far the most objective way to monitor your performance, giving you the data you need to optimise training schedules and in-race decisions.
