Shimano Dura-Ace WH-R9370 C50 carbon road bike front wheel Tubeless

Yes, the WH-R9370 range is optimised for tyres from 700x28C to 30C and is compatible with tyres up to 700x45C. The 23 mm internal rim width has been specifically designed to optimise the shape and stability of the wider tyres that are now standard in modern cycling.

Aerodynamic tests were carried out using 30 mm tyres at 48 km/h, demonstrating a reduction in drag of up to 2.7 watts under these conditions.

The C50-TL wheel now weighs 1302 g per pair, down from 1461 g – a reduction of 159 grams. This weight saving is the result of a completely redesigned structure incorporating new carbon spoke technology, improved rim lay-up and an integrated system design combining the rim, hub and spokes.

Across the entire range, the average weight reduction announced is 186 grams per pair, with reductions of up to 218 grams depending on the model.

The new hubs retain Shimano ’s adjustable cone-and-cup design whilst incorporating replaceable cups. This development facilitates long-term maintenance and ensures consistent performance over time, without the need to replace the entire hub.

Comparative tests carried out by Shimano have shown a 30 per cent lower rotational torque compared to conventional cartridge bearings, under identical loads including a vertical force of 500 N and a clamping force of 5,000 N exerted by the thru-axle.

Controlled tests at 48 km/h using 30C tyres show a reduction in aerodynamic drag of up to 2.7 watts. Each rim profile in the WH-R9370 range has been refined using advanced numerical simulations and then validated in a wind tunnel under real-world yaw angle conditions, rather than solely based on idealised theoretical angles.

Combined with the weight reduction compared to the previous generation, this aerodynamic gain translates into measurable benefits in competitive situations.

The range features two distinct carbon spoke profiles: Aero and Super Aero. The C36, C50 and C60 models use 4.0 mm x 1.1 mm Aero spokes, whilst the C99 and the solid wheel use 5.2 mm x 0.8 mm Super Aero spokes.

The type, number and configuration of the spokes are tailored to each model to deliver the desired performance: responsiveness on climbs, versatile balance for racing or stiffness for sprints.

Yes, Shimano collaborated with WorldTour riders and professional triathletes throughout the development process. The Alpecin-Premier Tech and Fenix-Premier Tech teams took part in the testing, alongside elite triathletes such as Kat Matthews and multidisciplinary world champion Mathieu van der Poel.

Their feedback guided decisions on spoke configuration, rim profile adjustments and stiffness targets, ensuring an intuitive riding feel at race speeds: responsiveness when accelerating, stability during sprints and predictability in crosswinds.

The WH-R9370-C50-TL wheels are designed for hydraulic disc braking. This design meets current competition standards for road racing, time trials and triathlons, as targeted by the new-generation Dura-Ace range.

The sources do not specify the exact disc mounting standard (Centrelock or 6-hole): please refer to the full technical specification at Shimano for this detail before fitting.