Shimano's Ultegra R8000 continues to deliver virtually the identical performance of Dura Ace at a price the self-sponsoring racer can afford. With the Ultegra BR-R8070 Flat Mount Disc Brake Caliper, riders now have an Ultegra model hydraulic disc brake for the first time offering confident control in all riding conditions. Much like the rest of the group, technologies from the top-tier Dura-Ace R9100 road components trickle down to this caliper giving you lightweight performance in the mud and snow on your 'cross or gravel bike, or in the rain on your road or tri bike.
We're pretty sold on disc brakes on all of our bikes. Mountain, 'cross, and gravel are no-brainers but it's prime time on the road now too. The UCI hasn't changed its weight limit for decades, and racers are starting to compete on them getting their lightweight bikes to the weight limit and harnessing all of the benefits that come from riding disc brakes. They are winning big races now too. The hydraulic Ultegra BR-R8070 provides tons more modulation and power than you could ever hope for from a rim brake setup and that helps provide confidence on any descent. Shimano uses the minimal and lightweight Flat Mount design that helps it integrate smoothly on a fork blade or chainstay reducing any aero detriments. Calipers come with finned brake pads to better dissipate heat and when paired with SM-RT800 rotors, the system offers excellent heat management capabilities surpassing that of the already excellent ICE TECH Freeza rotors for consistent performance and no heat-related fade even on the longest descents.
Zachary M.