Shimano Dura-Ace WH-R9370: Carbon-Spoke Wheels Land

Shimano used a 29 July launch to overhaul its Dura-Ace wheel range for the first time in years, and the headline change is a first for the brand: every WH-R9370 wheel switches from steel to carbon fibre spokes. Combined with a wider rim and a redesigned hub, the update cuts weight by up to 220g per wheelset and doubles as the strongest signal yet that a next-generation Dura-Ace groupset is coming.

What’s New

  • First-ever switch from steel to carbon spokes, in two profiles — Super Aero (5.2mm x 0.8mm) and Aero (4.0mm x 1.1mm)
  • Up to 220g lighter than the outgoing generation: claimed weights of 1,170g (C36), 1,302g (C50) and 1,389g (C60)
  • Internal rim width widened to 23mm across the range, optimised for 28-30mm tyres
  • Redesigned cup-and-cone hub with, for the first time, replaceable bearing cups for easier long-term servicing
  • Shimano claims aero gains of up to 2.7 watts at 48km/h over the previous Dura-Ace wheels
  • Lineup: C36, C50 and C60 road wheelsets, plus a dedicated C99 front wheel (792g) and Rear Disc (987g) for time trial/triathlon

Why It Matters for Triathletes

The C99 front wheel and matching Rear Disc are the pair triathletes should watch — Shimano’s first standalone TT/tri wheel package built on this carbon-spoke platform, aimed squarely at the aero disc setups from Zipp, ENVE and Vision. A lighter, stiffer disc paired with a claimed aero saving is exactly the trade-off that matters most on a flat 40km TT bike leg, though independent testing against established tri-specific discs hasn’t happened yet.

Availability and Price

The WH-R9370 range goes on sale in September 2026 — it is not yet available to buy. UK pricing: C36/C50/C60 front wheels are £1,099.99 and rear wheels £1,199.99, so a full wheelset works out to roughly £2,299.98 (in line with Shimano’s stated $2,970 US price). The C99 front wheel is £1,199.99 and the Rear Disc is £2,299.99, putting a full front-and-disc TT/tri setup at around £3,499.98.

The Rumour It Fuels

The WH-R9370 naming follows Shimano’s R9300-series convention, which is why the launch has been widely read as a signal that a next-generation, reportedly 13-speed wireless Dura-Ace R9300 groupset is progressing. That groupset remains unconfirmed — Shimano has not announced specs, a launch date, or even officially confirmed its existence. Treat any R9300 groupset claims elsewhere as speculation until Shimano says otherwise.

For more on Shimano’s current top-tier groupset, see our Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 R9200 review. If you’re shopping on a smaller budget today, our best budget triathlon race wheels roundup covers options you can buy right now.