ShimanoDura-Ace 9170 C40 Carbon Disc Brake Road Wheelset - Tubeless
Item # SHI00DK
Dura-Ace 9170 C40 Carbon Disc Brake Road Wheelset
The inclusion of disc brakes on road bikes continues with its momentum and we are beginning to see some excellent, race-worthy road framesets and wheelsets. Component manufacturers are now releasing groups with hydraulic offerings on its top-tier lines, and the new Dura-Ace ST-R9120 and ST-R9170 mark the first time we've seen hydro disc brakes under the Dura-Ace moniker. Naturally, Shimano has expanded its wheel offerings, embracing discs and drawing heavily from its mountain bike development along with its proven road technology. The wheelset that we are most excited about is the Tubeless Dura-Ace 9170 C40 Carbon Disc Brake Road Wheelset as it pairs our two favorite revelations in road bike tech over the past few seasons, tubeless tires and road disc.
Disc brakes have numerous advantages on the road and one of the biggest ones we can think of right off the bat is the ability to run wider rubber. By repositioning the calipers closer to the hubs, the fork crown as well as seatstay and chainstay clearance increases allowing for more room for big tires. Of course, as the rubber gets bigger, rims need to increase their width too, to better support the sidewalls and allow for a better tire/rim profile for improved aerodynamics. These rims' external width sit at 24mm wide which Shimano recommends pairing with tires in the 23-32mm range for maximum aerodynamics. The lower rolling resistance and greater ride comfort are quickly appreciated over rougher roads as you take on your own classics.
The depth of these full-carbon rims places it as a perfect all-arounder, perfectly suited to the puncheur or rouleur who needs a lightweight and stiff wheelset for repeated sharp attacks on steep cols and bergs as well as nabbing a sprint in a small select group at the end of a 5-hour slugfest. Its depth offers increased lateral rigidity and gives it enough aero benefit to help that attack stick if that's 30k from the line or a late race surprise inside the flame rouge. Shimano offers a deeper wheel at 60mm for even more aero benefit, but for most riders, we feel this wheelset, at 37mm deep, add enough of an aero benefit without losing stability in windy conditions.
Shimano engineers considered both frontal and crosswind forces when developing the rim's profile. Through prototype testing, both in the wind-tunnel and on the road yielded a wide rim shape with a deep tire bed as the best performer across a wider range of conditions. This shape, known as D2, reduced drag better than previous versions and competitor's profiles at yaw angles ranging from 0 to 15-degrees. An added bonus of the rim's profile is its improved vertical compliance for increased control and comfort over rougher roads. Helping bolster the aero benefits, even more, Shimano uses bladed spokes and places the spoke nipples internally which makes truing the wheels a little more of tricky, but given these wheels' track record on the WorldTour circuit, we don't see ourselves having to do that very often, if at all.
Shimano relies on 24 spokes on the front and rear to handle power transmission and braking forces. The rear wheel sees its OptBal spoke system featuring 16 spokes on the drive side and 8 on the non-drive side. As freehub spacing for the fitment of a cassette causes uneven tension (almost twice as high on the drive side) between sides, by placing fewer spokes on the non-drive side, it requires higher tension, thus helping to balance the overall tension relative to both sides. High and low tensions have a tendency of creating broken or loose spokes affecting durability and strength. The OptBal design rebalances spoke tension improving rigidity and strength for more durability.
The hubs are designed for the centerlock standard offering easy rotor install with its spline mounting interface and a lock ring. In our experience, it's not only quicker and easier to install, it improves the rigidity of the rotor, improving the overall braking performance. Both hubs are designed for 12mm thru-axles which Shimano refers to as E-Thru. While thru-axles help with torsional rigidity and we can't imagine riding a disc brake bike without the additional security it provides, it'd be a shame if we lost any of the tech that Shimano bestows on its quick-release hubs. Luckily, it doesn't and we still get flanges set as wide as possible for the best lateral stiffness. Another favorite Shimano hub feature is the angular contact cup and cone style bearings. It offers greater strength than sealed cartridge bearings as it can displace both lateral and vertical loads more effectively for the smoothest rolling and enhanced durability. This setup also allows for easier, user-friendly maintenance and adjustability.
- A versatile wheelset that's tubeless and disc ready
- D2 carbon rim profile improves aerodynamics across more yaw angles
- Rim depth pairs aerodynamic speed and confident stability
- OptBal spoke system better balances rear spoke tensions
- Wider rim width is optimized for 23-32mm tires
- Tubeless compatibility lets you lower tire pressure
- Dura-Ace hubs with cup and cone bearings roll smooth and fast
What do you think about this product?
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August 5, 2020
Can the valve stem be replaced in this wheel with something like a Stan's NoTubes universal valve stem? The Shimano valve stems have no removable core, and it they don't appear to easily separate from the rim. I ask because if the sealant fails or if I get a puncture that doesn't seal, I would like to be able to insert a tube. Of course, if I can't easily remove the valve stem I can't insert a tube. UPDATE WITH ANSWER: was able to remove the valve stem using a rubber mallet; with the cap on I gently tapped the valve stem out of the rim. It was in there pretty snug. Was able to run tubes with no problem, and then when my tubeless tires arrived re-installed the tubeless valve stems with no problem.
Stan L.
August 3, 2020
Great Upgrade to my Synapse Di2
- Familiarity:
- I've used it several times
- Fit:
- True to size
- Height
- 6` 1"
- Weight
- 215 lbs
I have spent several hundred miles on these rims and have seen a significant improvement in average speed over a known course and improved climbing. I have them fitted with Continental 5000 TL's and was able to set install the tires without much effort by hand using Stans sealeant and a compressor. Most recent 70 mile ride had steep grades with 50 mph descents which where very stable and without fanfare. Very pleased with these wheels and would recommend the tire wheel combination.
Craig Porter
August 3, 2020
Great Upgrade to my Synapse Di2
- Familiarity:
- I've used it several times
- Fit:
- True to size
- Height
- 6` 1"
- Weight
- 215 lbs
I have spent several hundred miles on these rims and have seen a significant improvement in average speed over a known course and improved climbing. I have them fitted with Continental 5000 TL's and was able to set install the tires without much effort by hand using Stans sealeant and a compressor. Most recent 70 mile ride had steep grades with 50 mph descents which where very stable and without fanfare. Very pleased with these wheels and would recommend the tire wheel combination.
Craig Porter
June 6, 2020
Hi has anyone tried various clincher tires (GP4000, GP 4 season) and/or GP5000 tubeless on these? How easy is it to mount a tire on the roadside? I am looking at these for regular training and some commuting and my current Mavic wheels are impossible to get tire beads on except for very specific Mavic UST tires...any feedback would be appreciated
James S.
April 17, 2020
I would like to use these wheels as a All Road wheelset. Will 40c tires work with these rims? what is the largest tire size recommended? Thanks
Jason Picard
April 10, 2020
Are the rims hookless, like Enve's AR disc series?
Richard R.
December 4, 2019
Great all-arounder
- Familiarity:
- I've put it through the wringer
With nearly 15k miles, I am very happy with the Dura Ace 9170 C40. I’m 160lbs, along with road miles I ride light gravel, and beat the piss out of my bike. Yet the wheels remain true and show no signs of problems. At the sale price I might double down with a second pair, but I don’t even know when I’ll need them. Worth every penny vs Enve or other brands.
amg105300272-0
October 25, 2019
How many degrees of engagement are there?
Robert Skrzypek
Bill C.
December 31, 2019
There are six degrees of separation throughout life.
August 22, 2019
Can the rear hub be converted to fit 135 QR?
Marty J
August 9, 2019
Dura-Ace 9170 C40 Carbon Disc
- Familiarity:
- I've used it several times
After much indecision... a couple of months reading up on many reviews, etc. I purchased the Dura-Ace 9170 C40 Carbon Disc. I have a set of Reynolds 45/65s, DT Swiss, and have owned Envy's and have to say I am extremely happy with the Dura-Ace 9170 C40 Carbon Disc wheel-set. Without any other changes I literally dropped over 10 minutes on my regular 45 mile ride. Not sure, maybe it is Shimano’s OptBal spoke system?!? but no more spongy old mattress feeling soaking up my efforts, these wheels feel super connected and responsive. The wheel depth is just right, in a strong cross wind I only had to put in minor effort maintaining course to what would have blown me into another car lane had I been riding my Envy's. My Reynolds might be a little lighter but don't feel as responsive. I can't definitively say why, but I am faster and more confident on the Dura-Ace 9170.
Gregory L Bown
craig V.
July 14, 2020
I've been trying to decide my next carbon set and c40 depth is definitely my choice for depth and this review definitely is helpful.
April 2, 2019
Sorry if the question is simple. Can these wheelsets fit 28c tires?
Ronald
Daniel
April 5, 2019
Hi Ronald, yes, these wheels are optimized for 23mm to 32mm tires.
Glenn A.
August 27, 2019
Yes, they can, that's how I run them
John C.
May 21, 2020
Yes. In Specs: "Wider rim width is optimized for 23-32mm tires"
April 1, 2019
Wow!
- Familiarity:
- I've used it several times
Shimano makes great wheels, but they don't typically garner the same attention as their competition at Zipp and ENVE. While I'm not prepared to say that these are better than ENVEs 3.4 or 4.5, or Zipp's 303, I'd say that they're as good as the 302 at a better price, and with tubeless compatibility. For less than $1500, you've got to give these a look. Feel free to shoot me an email at jdraper@backcountry.com if you want to speak about these, or other wheels in detail!
Joe Draper
April 22, 2018
What are the rider weights for wheels? Are they an "event wheelset" and not to be used for training as well?
single speed racer
Joe Draper
May 3, 2018
Shimano does not have a posted rider weight that we are aware of. As a general guideline, I would not recommend this wheel to a rider weighing more than 250lbs. They are an excellent training/racing wheelset though! They're absolutely bombproof, but they'll never hold you back when you're charging for the line!
March 11, 2018
Hello there. So I have read conflicting information on these for internal/external measurements. Are they 17internal/24mm external or 24/28mm? Many reviews claim 28mm external width which would be more in line of most aero carbon wheels being produced as of late. Thanks.
Charles Jones
Kyle Hickey
July 9, 2019
Hi Charles, These are indeed 17mm internal and 24mm external. I have confirmed this with Shimano. Happy roads!
John C.
May 21, 2020
In Specs: "Wider rim width is optimized for 23-32mm tires"