SHIMANO INTRODUCES CHAIN STABILIZING REAR DERAILLEUR FOR ROAD BIKES

Adventure, gravel and cyclocross also targeted with new Ultegra RX component.

As road bike riding diversifies towards multiple road surfaces such as adventure and off-road riding Shimano introduces Ultegra RX, an off-shoot of Ultegra, with a chain stabilizing rear derailleur (RD-RX800/RX805) for its mechanical and electronic drivetrains.

Riders have been pushing the limits of what a road bike is capable of riding for many years, evolving the sport from racing to encompass greater adventure. In recent years we’ve seen a broader definition of what a drop handlebar bike can look like; road wheels followed that by accommodating wider tyres. Now in a natural evolutionary step it’s time for drivetrains to evolve too.

The new RX800/805 rear derailleurs shares many characteristics with the Ultegra R8000/R8050 derailleur, such as precise accurate shifting and SHIMANO SHADOW RD derailleur positioning, but with the added chain stabilizing switch (known as SHIMANO SHADOW RD+ technology) to control the drivetrain over rough/uneven ground or off-road surfaces. Much like Shimano’s MTB derailleurs the On/Off switch can be found next to the upper pulley. When activated the rear derailleur pivot takes a firm hold to reduce excessive movement, noise and general ‘chain chatter’.

The RX800/805 rear derailleurs are compatible with Shimano’s road dual control levers (mechanical or electronic shifting) and will accommodate cassettes with low gears from 28T to 34T, making them a very necessary addition for all types of adventure and off-road riding including cyclocross and compact styles with 46T-36T up to 50T-34T chainrings.

Alongside the Ultegra RX rear derailleur comes a new wider rim 700c, E-Thru axle, tubeless-ready, disc-specific, WH-RS370-TL aluminum wheelset for 28-38c tyres (weight 1900/pair).

Consumers can expect the new components to be available in stores from mid-June 2018 onwards.

NOTES TO EDITORS

1.       Embargo: For release on Tuesday April 3rd 17:00 CET.

2.       Product images: Can be downloaded at: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/cvmns99cfia4g4p/AACPRhi2r4Lr2l7Vnj3Osf1Ya?dl=0

3.       About Shimano Europe: Founded in 1921, Shimano is dedicated to helping its customers get closer to nature, supporting people to realize their dreams and create new lifestyles. That comes with the desire to create outstanding cycling products and apparel. With almost 100 years’ experience in creating internationally renowned bicycle components, Shimano is proud to have developed products that continue to take countless athletes to victory and provide the means for limitless global bicycle journeys. For more information see www.shimano.com.