New products from Shimano for 2012

We’ve just gotten some new product updates here at Dirt Rag HQ from Shimano for 2012. Some of it is completely new and some is trickle-down technology from higher spec components. Anyway you slice it, it looks cool to us. Here’s what we can share with you:

SLX group: SLX brakes receive many of the updates that show up for Deore XT. With Servo-Wave, Ice Technologies brake pads, oversized 22mm ceramic pistons, and the one-way bleed integrated into the new design. The brake lever mounts are also Ispec compatible for reduced system weight and simplicity.

Mountain wheels: A new mid-range MTB wheel, the WH-MT55 will have an option for 15mm e-thru front axle and black or white color. The wheelset will also feature a quick engagement freehub, 19X559 rim with and Center Lock rotor mounting interface. The MT55 will also be available in a 29’r wheel size with the E-thru 15mm front axle.

Ultegra: For 2012 Ultegra will have a new, glossy gray color. Sorry, no pictures yet. Ultegra will get a carbon pedal for 2012 in addition to the aluminum version. The carbon model will shave almost 50gr off of the current while still featuring the super wide and stable pedaling platform and durable stainless steel cleat interface.

Cyclocross: 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

105: The 105 group 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.

Tiagra: 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.

Plus! There’s more to come. There will be more big product news coming from Japan in the spring and summer!