Description
The driving force behind Shimano's ascent to the top of the component world was their development of the Shimano Total Integration (STI) concept and their Dual Control shifter/brake lever system. The levers, referred to colloquially and officially as STI levers, are just the start of that story, but proudly wave the flag for Shimano. Through eight generations since 1990, and several inline changes, when Dual Control was first released with the Dura-Ace 7400, the evolution of the mechanical Dual Control road system has been fluid, progressive and the benchmark of the industry with performance and capability that every competitor is measured against.
Dura-Ace R9100 is the second generation 11-speed version of this legendary nameplate and while some cyclists had hoped for 12-speed and a 1x drivetrain, Shimano opted for serious refinement of the cable-actuated system, greater range and applied some of the lessons learned from parallel development of the Di2 electronic shifting system. The ST-9100 STI Levers actually manifest some important changes that may seem incremental to some folks, but required considerable overhaul of the internals. The end result: backwards compatible 11-speed shifting and braking controls that reduce lever throw and effort for faster more efficient shifts, greater brake lever reach adjustability, advanced ergonomics, and a new standard for performance. Whether you are building a full Dura-Ace 9100 drivetrain or just want to update or replace your 9000, 6800 or 5800 11-speed STI lever, the ST-9100's deliver on Shimano's dedication to engineering excellence and ultimate performance.
Start with the ergonomics, as the ride begins when you place your hands on the lever. The body feels slightly less bulky than 9000 (though it is the same size), and the lever top and hood set-up naturally on contemporary handlebars with a flat, wrist-friendly profile if desired. You will immediately recognize and feel that Shimano has moved to a textured hood for the first time. The rubber material Shimano uses has long been effective in wet or dry conditions, but as it wears, it can get a bit slick. Pro riders tend to wear thin, simple gloves, and the grid-like pattern offers more grip, with channels for water and moisture release. The material used is new, and the overall effect is that the hood feels more natural in the hand, with better grip. Dura-Ace 9000 series levers offered 10mm of reach adjust for the brake lever. With R9100 you now get 14mm, and Shimano pre-sets this at the 10mm mark, so if you large hands or long fingers, you can move the lever out 4mm, a substantial difference. Of course those with smaller hands can also take advantage and shorten the reach by 10mm. The final ergonomic refinement comes in the form of a larger surface for the paddle on the secondary, or release lever. This simply makes the paddle easier to find, especially when in the drops, and offers more room for errors, especially with gloved hands. ... Read More
Features
- Benchmark integrated shift/brake lever system for mechanical 11-spd Shimano
- Improved ergonomics and mechanical implementation for maximum results
- Hood ergonomics change with new material and textured hood cover
- Brake lever reach extended to 14mm, pre-set at 10mm out of box
- Shift lever throws reduced for faster, more precise shift with less effort
- Inner lever now features Instant Release, larger paddle
- Highest quality Dura-Ace construction, materials, components
- OT-SP41 pre-greased housing and polymer coated SUS stainless cables
- Color: Near Black
- Sold as a set: Right/Left levers, cables, housing, fittings
- Weight: 365 grams/pair