Shimano Ultegra 6800 mechanical groupset – first look

<source media="(max-width: 320px)" srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1367317353915-xpozfm1za0c3-85cbb59.jpg?quality=90&resize=160%2C208, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1367317353915-xpozfm1za0c3-85cbb59.jpg?quality=90&resize=320%2C416 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1367317353915-xpozfm1za0c3-85cbb59.jpg?quality=90&resize=480%2C624 3x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1367317353915-xpozfm1za0c3-85cbb59.jpg?quality=90&resize=640%2C832 4x" type="image/jpeg"> <source media="(max-width: 375px)" srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1367317353915-xpozfm1za0c3-85cbb59.jpg?quality=90&resize=190%2C247, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1367317353915-xpozfm1za0c3-85cbb59.jpg?quality=90&resize=380%2C494 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1367317353915-xpozfm1za0c3-85cbb59.jpg?quality=90&resize=570%2C741 3x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1367317353915-xpozfm1za0c3-85cbb59.jpg?quality=90&resize=760%2C988 4x" type="image/jpeg"> <source media="(max-width: 425px)" srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1367317353915-xpozfm1za0c3-85cbb59.jpg?quality=90&resize=215%2C279, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1367317353915-xpozfm1za0c3-85cbb59.jpg?quality=90&resize=430%2C559 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1367317353915-xpozfm1za0c3-85cbb59.jpg?quality=90&resize=645%2C838 3x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1367317353915-xpozfm1za0c3-85cbb59.jpg?quality=90&resize=860%2C1118 4x" type="image/jpeg"> <source media="(max-width: 768px)" srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1367317353915-xpozfm1za0c3-85cbb59.jpg?quality=90&resize=295%2C383, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1367317353915-xpozfm1za0c3-85cbb59.jpg?quality=90&resize=590%2C767 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1367317353915-xpozfm1za0c3-85cbb59.jpg?quality=90&resize=885%2C1150 3x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1367317353915-xpozfm1za0c3-85cbb59.jpg?quality=90&resize=1154%2C1500 4x" type="image/jpeg"> <source media="(max-width: 992px)" srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1367317353915-xpozfm1za0c3-85cbb59.jpg?quality=90&resize=136%2C176, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1367317353915-xpozfm1za0c3-85cbb59.jpg?quality=90&resize=272%2C353 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1367317353915-xpozfm1za0c3-85cbb59.jpg?quality=90&resize=408%2C530 3x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1367317353915-xpozfm1za0c3-85cbb59.jpg?quality=90&resize=544%2C707 4x" type="image/jpeg"> <source media="(min-width: 993px)" srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1367317353915-xpozfm1za0c3-85cbb59.jpg?quality=90&resize=155%2C201, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1367317353915-xpozfm1za0c3-85cbb59.jpg?quality=90&resize=310%2C403 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1367317353915-xpozfm1za0c3-85cbb59.jpg?quality=90&resize=465%2C604 3x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1367317353915-xpozfm1za0c3-85cbb59.jpg?quality=90&resize=620%2C806 4x" type="image/jpeg"> <img class="wp-image-237179 size-portrait_thumbnail image-handler__image image-handler__image--aspect no-wrap js-gallery-grid-src-image" src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1367317353915-xpozfm1za0c3-85cbb59.jpg?quality=90&resize=295%2C383" width="295" height="383" data-crop-width="" data-crop-height="" alt="Shimano Ultegra 6800 groupset" title="1367317353915-xpozfm1za0c3-85cbb59" style="width: auto; height: 100%;"> Shimano Ultegra 6800 groupset Shimano

Shimano have announced details of their 2014 Ultegra 6800 11-speed mechanical groupset.

The next model year sees many refinements and technology that’s trickled down from the higher Dura-Ace group, along with a slightly lighter grey colour. Ultegra 6800 also offers a total weight saving of 35g over the previous generation Ultegra 6700 group . Pricing stands at US$1,249.92 whilst UK figures are still to be announced. Distributors are expecting to receive stock as of September 2013.

FC-6800 chainset

The new Ultegra chainset gains the four-arm design that’s proven itself with Dura-Ace applications – it’s lighter but with the same stiffness as before. Options will be 53x39T, 52x36T, 50x34T or 46-36T, with a triple in the pipeline for later release. Both press-fit and Hollowtech II outboard bottom brackets will be available.

<img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1367317733062-19elijn8jyiyk-6b3ce3c.jpg?quality=90&lb=1000,665&background=white" srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1367317733062-19elijn8jyiyk-6b3ce3c.jpg?quality=90&lb=940,625&background=white 940w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1367317733062-19elijn8jyiyk-6b3ce3c.jpg?quality=90&lb=728,484&background=white 728w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1367317733062-19elijn8jyiyk-6b3ce3c.jpg?quality=90&lb=556,369&background=white 556w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1367317733062-19elijn8jyiyk-6b3ce3c.jpg?quality=90&lb=355,236&background=white 355w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1367317733062-19elijn8jyiyk-6b3ce3c.jpg?quality=90&lb=340,226&background=white 340w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1367317733062-19elijn8jyiyk-6b3ce3c.jpg?quality=90&lb=320,212&background=white 320w, " sizes="(min-width: 992px) 940px, (min-width: 768px) 728px, (min-width: 576px) 556px, calc(100vw - 20px)" width="1000" height="665" class="wp-image-237237 alignnone size-full img-container__image" alt="Shimano FC-6800 A" title="1367317733062-19elijn8jyiyk-6b3ce3c" data-source-name="Shimano"> Shimano fc-6800 a: Shimano ST-6800 shifters

The new ST-6800 shifters feature refined ergonomics that are said to offer improved comfort and control, particularly on the hoods. In fact, the ST-6800 shifters now have the same shape and feel as current Dura-Ace shifters.

ST-6800 also gains a carbon fibre lever and uses a new lower friction, polymer coated gear cable. A lighter, shorter and more positive shift action has been introduced, something that Dura-Ace users will also be familiar with.

<img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1360342127328-caq4igjxanb2-39c1884.jpg?quality=90&lb=800,533&background=white" srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1360342127328-caq4igjxanb2-39c1884.jpg?quality=90&lb=728,485&background=white 728w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1360342127328-caq4igjxanb2-39c1884.jpg?quality=90&lb=556,370&background=white 556w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1360342127328-caq4igjxanb2-39c1884.jpg?quality=90&lb=355,236&background=white 355w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1360342127328-caq4igjxanb2-39c1884.jpg?quality=90&lb=340,226&background=white 340w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1360342127328-caq4igjxanb2-39c1884.jpg?quality=90&lb=320,213&background=white 320w, " sizes="(min-width: 992px) 940px, (min-width: 768px) 728px, (min-width: 576px) 556px, calc(100vw - 20px)" width="800" height="533" class="wp-image-237187 alignnone size-full img-container__image" alt="Shimano Ultegra ST-6800 shifters" title="1360342127328-caq4igjxanb2-39c1884" data-source-name="Oli Woodman/Future Publishing"> Shimano ultegra st-6800 shifters: shimano ultegra st-6800 shifters Oli Woodman/Future Publishing RD-6800 rear derailleur

The 2014 Ultegra rear derailleur gets a full overhaul. It’s more compact and lightweight, and gets a new spring mechanism that works to ensure shifts are equal across the cassette’s range.

Improvements have also been made to maintain shifting precision over long term use. Both SS (short) and GS (long) options are available, with the latter now compatible with a 32T cassette.

<img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1367317802517-1344d4wq441nn-6bac257.jpg?quality=90&lb=1000,665&background=white" srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1367317802517-1344d4wq441nn-6bac257.jpg?quality=90&lb=940,625&background=white 940w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1367317802517-1344d4wq441nn-6bac257.jpg?quality=90&lb=728,484&background=white 728w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1367317802517-1344d4wq441nn-6bac257.jpg?quality=90&lb=556,369&background=white 556w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1367317802517-1344d4wq441nn-6bac257.jpg?quality=90&lb=355,236&background=white 355w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1367317802517-1344d4wq441nn-6bac257.jpg?quality=90&lb=340,226&background=white 340w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1367317802517-1344d4wq441nn-6bac257.jpg?quality=90&lb=320,212&background=white 320w, " sizes="(min-width: 992px) 940px, (min-width: 768px) 728px, (min-width: 576px) 556px, calc(100vw - 20px)" width="1000" height="665" class="wp-image-237253 alignnone size-full img-container__image" alt="Shimano RD-6800_GS" title="1367317802517-1344d4wq441nn-6bac257" data-source-name="Shimano"> Shimano rd-6800_gs: Shimano FD-6800 front derailleur

The 6800 front derailleur gets a revised actuation ratio, meaning a shorter and easier action at the lever. New polymer coated cables add to the slickness, while stability has been improved with a new support bolt for brazed-on applications.

<img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1360342360232-sv6vn7ltqiwf-37e464d.jpg?quality=90&lb=800,533&background=white" srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1360342360232-sv6vn7ltqiwf-37e464d.jpg?quality=90&lb=728,485&background=white 728w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1360342360232-sv6vn7ltqiwf-37e464d.jpg?quality=90&lb=556,370&background=white 556w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1360342360232-sv6vn7ltqiwf-37e464d.jpg?quality=90&lb=355,236&background=white 355w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1360342360232-sv6vn7ltqiwf-37e464d.jpg?quality=90&lb=340,226&background=white 340w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1360342360232-sv6vn7ltqiwf-37e464d.jpg?quality=90&lb=320,213&background=white 320w, " sizes="(min-width: 992px) 940px, (min-width: 768px) 728px, (min-width: 576px) 556px, calc(100vw - 20px)" width="800" height="533" class="wp-image-237194 alignnone size-full img-container__image" alt="Shimano FD-6800 front derailleur" title="1360342360232-sv6vn7ltqiwf-37e464d" data-source-name="Oli Woodman/Future Publishing"> Shimano fd-6800 front derailleur: shimano fd-6800 front derailleur Oli Woodman/Future Publishing CS-6800 cassette

The Ultegra cassette has gone 11-speed and will now be sold in five options ranging from 11-23T all the way to 11-32T. (11-23T, 11-25T, 12-25T, 11-28T,11-32T)

<img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1367317490781-eg2xgx9l864t-1675da5.jpg?quality=90&lb=4256,2832&background=white" srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1367317490781-eg2xgx9l864t-1675da5.jpg?quality=90&lb=1880,1250&background=white 1880w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1367317490781-eg2xgx9l864t-1675da5.jpg?quality=90&lb=1456,968&background=white 1456w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1367317490781-eg2xgx9l864t-1675da5.jpg?quality=90&lb=1112,739&background=white 1112w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1367317490781-eg2xgx9l864t-1675da5.jpg?quality=90&lb=940,625&background=white 940w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1367317490781-eg2xgx9l864t-1675da5.jpg?quality=90&lb=728,484&background=white 728w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1367317490781-eg2xgx9l864t-1675da5.jpg?quality=90&lb=556,369&background=white 556w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1367317490781-eg2xgx9l864t-1675da5.jpg?quality=90&lb=355,236&background=white 355w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1367317490781-eg2xgx9l864t-1675da5.jpg?quality=90&lb=340,226&background=white 340w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1367317490781-eg2xgx9l864t-1675da5.jpg?quality=90&lb=320,212&background=white 320w, " sizes="(min-width: 992px) 940px, (min-width: 768px) 728px, (min-width: 576px) 556px, calc(100vw - 20px)" width="4256" height="2832" class="wp-image-237230 alignnone size-full img-container__image" alt="Shimano CS-6800-A" title="1367317490781-eg2xgx9l864t-1675da5" data-source-name="Shimano"> Shimano cs-6800-a: shimano cs-6800-a Shimano CN-6800 chain

Shimano’s 6800 chain gets a new Sil-Tec PTFE surface coating to improve long-term durability and corrosion protection. This technology has trickled down from last year’s Dura-Ace 9000 chain. It’s also a non-directional design.

<img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1360342494018-v3housujy3g4-5a809ba.jpg?quality=90&lb=800,533&background=white" srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1360342494018-v3housujy3g4-5a809ba.jpg?quality=90&lb=728,485&background=white 728w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1360342494018-v3housujy3g4-5a809ba.jpg?quality=90&lb=556,370&background=white 556w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1360342494018-v3housujy3g4-5a809ba.jpg?quality=90&lb=355,236&background=white 355w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1360342494018-v3housujy3g4-5a809ba.jpg?quality=90&lb=340,226&background=white 340w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1360342494018-v3housujy3g4-5a809ba.jpg?quality=90&lb=320,213&background=white 320w, " sizes="(min-width: 992px) 940px, (min-width: 768px) 728px, (min-width: 576px) 556px, calc(100vw - 20px)" width="800" height="533" class="wp-image-237201 alignnone size-full img-container__image" alt="Shimano CN-6800 chain" title="1360342494018-v3housujy3g4-5a809ba" data-source-name="Oli Woodman/Future Publishing"> Shimano cn-6800 chain: Oli Woodman/Future Publishing BR-6800 brakes

Ultegra’s brakes change to a new symmetrical dual pivot design for 2014, with Shimano claiming a 10 percent power increase over previous Ultegra stoppers. The BR-6800 also use Shimano’s new BC-R680 polymer coated cables for less friction and improved modulation.

Aerodynamic direct mount versions have also been developed both front and rear (BR-R6800).

<img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1360342572760-1x8z04f00bcr6-d2fa299.jpg?quality=90&lb=800,533&background=white" srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1360342572760-1x8z04f00bcr6-d2fa299.jpg?quality=90&lb=728,485&background=white 728w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1360342572760-1x8z04f00bcr6-d2fa299.jpg?quality=90&lb=556,370&background=white 556w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1360342572760-1x8z04f00bcr6-d2fa299.jpg?quality=90&lb=355,236&background=white 355w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1360342572760-1x8z04f00bcr6-d2fa299.jpg?quality=90&lb=340,226&background=white 340w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1360342572760-1x8z04f00bcr6-d2fa299.jpg?quality=90&lb=320,213&background=white 320w, " sizes="(min-width: 992px) 940px, (min-width: 768px) 728px, (min-width: 576px) 556px, calc(100vw - 20px)" width="800" height="533" class="wp-image-237204 alignnone size-full img-container__image" alt="Shimano BR-6800 dual pivot caliper brake" title="1360342572760-1x8z04f00bcr6-d2fa299" data-source-name="Oli Woodman/Future Publishing"> Shimano br-6800 dual pivot caliper brake: shimano br-6800 dual pivot caliper brake Oli Woodman/Future Publishing WH-6800 tubeless wheelset

The Ultegra wheelset is a tubeless-ready design and uses a wide flange hub and offset rim to keep things stiff and efficient. The wheels use Shimano’s usual cup and cone bearing system that now features tool-less adjustment – so no more messing with cone spanners. Weights are still to be confirmed on these wheels.

<img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1367317802535-odnawyap73u-33d1ab2.jpg?quality=90&lb=1000,665&background=white" srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1367317802535-odnawyap73u-33d1ab2.jpg?quality=90&lb=940,625&background=white 940w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1367317802535-odnawyap73u-33d1ab2.jpg?quality=90&lb=728,484&background=white 728w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1367317802535-odnawyap73u-33d1ab2.jpg?quality=90&lb=556,369&background=white 556w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1367317802535-odnawyap73u-33d1ab2.jpg?quality=90&lb=355,236&background=white 355w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1367317802535-odnawyap73u-33d1ab2.jpg?quality=90&lb=340,226&background=white 340w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1367317802535-odnawyap73u-33d1ab2.jpg?quality=90&lb=320,212&background=white 320w, " sizes="(min-width: 992px) 940px, (min-width: 768px) 728px, (min-width: 576px) 556px, calc(100vw - 20px)" width="1000" height="665" class="wp-image-237265 alignnone size-full img-container__image" alt="Shimano WH-6800-R" title="1367317802535-odnawyap73u-33d1ab2" data-source-name="Shimano"> Shimano wh-6800-r: Shimano PD-6800 SPD-SL pedals

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it… That’s Shimano’s take on the PD-6800 pedals. They’ve remained largely unchanged from the current PD-6700s, with only minor aesthetic tweaks to the body and logo, to match the new 6800 colour scheme.

<img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1367317733087-zv4jsago34oc-1000-100-2e7c50d.jpg?quality=90&lb=1000,665&background=white" srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1367317733087-zv4jsago34oc-1000-100-2e7c50d.jpg?quality=90&lb=940,625&background=white 940w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1367317733087-zv4jsago34oc-1000-100-2e7c50d.jpg?quality=90&lb=728,484&background=white 728w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1367317733087-zv4jsago34oc-1000-100-2e7c50d.jpg?quality=90&lb=556,369&background=white 556w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1367317733087-zv4jsago34oc-1000-100-2e7c50d.jpg?quality=90&lb=355,236&background=white 355w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1367317733087-zv4jsago34oc-1000-100-2e7c50d.jpg?quality=90&lb=340,226&background=white 340w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1367317733087-zv4jsago34oc-1000-100-2e7c50d.jpg?quality=90&lb=320,212&background=white 320w, " sizes="(min-width: 992px) 940px, (min-width: 768px) 728px, (min-width: 576px) 556px, calc(100vw - 20px)" width="1000" height="665" class="wp-image-237251 alignnone size-full img-container__image" alt="Shimano PD-6800" title="1367317733087-zv4jsago34oc-1000-100-2e7c50d" data-source-name="Shimano"> Shimano pd-6800: shimano pd-6800 Shimano Weight comparison: Ultegra 6700 vs Ultegra 6800

Ultegra 6700

Ultegra 6800

Chainset/BB

791g

765g (-26g)

STI Levers

447g

425g (-22g)

Rear Derailleur

189g

195g (+6g)

Front Derailleur

89g

Brake Calipers

317g

335g (+18g)

Chain

267g

253g (-14g)

Cassette

209g

212g (+3g)

Total

2309g

2274g (-35g)

Price breakdown:

ST-6800 shifters – $399.99 / £299.99 (pair) RD-6800 rear derailleur(SS) $99.99 / £74.99 FD-6800 front derailleur $59.99 / £42.99 FC-6800 chainset $319.99 / £229.99 CS-6800 cassette (11-28) $109.99 / £69.99 CN-6800 chain (114L) $49.99 / £36.99 SM-BBR80 bottom bracket $34.99 / £39.99 BR-6800 caliper brakes (pair) $174.99 / £119.98 Total: US$1,249.92 / £914.91

WH-6800 Wheelset: $749.99 / PD-6800 Pedals: $199.99 / £149.99 See www.shimano.com for more information on Shimano products.