Shimano Releases New Cyclocross Components for 2011
Shimano sees the growth in cyclocross, and for 2012, is releasing new components to meet the needs of cyclocrossers. While the Ultegra Di2 has long been been rumored, the company isn’t officially releasing details on that group. Instead, there’s some exciting news about non-group specific components for cyclocross that includes a top-pull front derailleur as well as cyclocross-specific cranksets. The company also released news about changes to the 105 and Tiagra groups that will allow wider range gearing and larger cassettes in the rear, often favored by OEMs, beginners and those of us who hit the mountain bike trails with our cyclocross bikes. The cyclocross components will be available this fall.
Full details below:
Cyclocross Specific Components
The continuing popularity of cyclocross has only made the need for more CX specific components more evident. For the 2012 model year, Shimano will introduce two new cranks, a new front derailleur, and two different cantilever brakes for CX use:
- FC-CX50 and FC-CX70: The new CX cranks will have 46-36T gearing and Hollowtech II construction for maximum power transfer
- FD-CX70: The new front derailleur is designed specifically for used\ with the new crank gear ratios as well as optimized for the harsh conditions associated with CX racing.
- BR-CX50 and BR-CX70: The new cantilever brakes have better clearance compared to the BR-M550 and the performance of Super SLR. The BR-CX70 has the additional benefit of using cartridge road brake pads for easy pad replacement.
- CX50 components will be available November 2011 and CX70 available August 2011
Shimano 105:
Shimano 105 will get a major update to the rear derailleur accommodating wider gearing with the same length cage. A change to the derailleur body allows it handle a 30T cog without adding a longer pulley cage for a better appearance and more crisp and stable shifting.
Shimano Tiagra:
Shimano Tiagra receives significant updates with a 10 speed wide range gearing, a directional chain for enhanced inward and outward shifting, and improved shift levers for reduced shifting effort. The rear derailleur can now accommodate a 30T cog with a short cage for quicker, crisp shifting. The new shift unit provides better ergonomics along with shim-type reach adjustment. Cogsets available in 11-25T, 12-28T, and 12-30T can provide an option for wider gearing with a double. Standard double, compact double, and triple cranks round out the options for a fully featured group that allows for unique applications to suit most any rider.
