Shimano Ultegra RX clutch derailleur cobble-tested

Shimano Ultegra RX clutch derailleur cobble-tested

Ben and Josh test chain-quieting tech in Belgium and France

Shimano's Ultegra RX clutch derailleur gets the pave treatment

Ben Delaney

Shimano's road clutch rear derailleur, the Ultegra RX, first surfaced before the Tour of Flanders in April. Although Shimano wasn't yet ready to send out samples, I asked Trek-Segafredo to borrow one of the team's units.

After a quick hotel-room install, my colleague Josh Evans and I took a clutch-equipped Trek Madone and a standard Trek Madone out for a few days of riding.

Watch our short video for impressions on how the technology works on cobbles, rough roads and smooth roads.

Shimano Ultegra RX clutch derailleur first ride

Ben Delaney

Contributor

Ben Delaney is a journalist with more than two decades of experience writing for and editing some of the biggest publications in cycling. Having studied journalism at the University of New Mexico, Ben has worked for Bicycle Retailer & Industry News, VeloNews and BikeRadar. He has also previously worked as Global Brand Communications Manager for Specialized. Ben covers all things road and gravel, and can be found logging big miles in the Rocky Mountains that nestle alongside his home in Boulder, Colorado. He has covered the most important bike races in the sport, from the Tour de France and Tour of Flanders, to the Unbound gravel race, and specialises in tech content, showcasing what the pros are riding and putting everyday equipment through its paces.
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