Shimano Debuts 13-Speed Dura-Ace R9300 at La Vuelta After 5-Year Gap
Updated
Updated · Cyclingnews · Aug 22
Shimano Debuts 13-Speed Dura-Ace R9300 at La Vuelta After 5-Year Gap
3 articles · Updated · Cyclingnews · Aug 22
Summary
Alpecin-Premier Tech bikes at Stage 1 of La Vuelta showed Shimano’s unannounced Dura-Ace R9300, with photos indicating the flagship road groupset moves from 12 to 13 speeds.
13 sprockets were clearly visible on the cassette, and reports suggest the jump requires a new freehub body, potentially forcing upgrades for riders using standard Shimano HG hubs.
Semi-wireless wiring also appeared to remain: a short cable ran from the chainstay to the rear derailleur, implying Shimano has not shifted this road setup to a fully wireless design.
Alloy cranks looked largely unchanged, while new shifters appeared to add a protruding thumb button; prototype chainrings and a Shimano-style UDH design hinted at broader compatibility changes still to be clarified.
The sighting answers months of speculation around Shimano’s next top-end road launch, its first new Dura-Ace generation since the 12-speed model arrived in 2021.