Head to head
Shimano Dura-Ace WH-R9270 C50vsShimano Ultegra WH-R8170 C36
Both sections drawn to one scale, from each maker's published geometry. The differences you can see in the drawing are the differences that exist.
vs
Fig. — rim sections, one scale
Shimano Dura-Ace WH-R9270 C50Shimano Ultegra WH-R8170 C36
- Depth
- 14 mm apart
- 50 vs 36 mm
- External
- Identical
- 28 vs 28 mm
- Internal
- Identical
- 21 vs 21 mm
- Claimed weight
- 27 g apart
- 1,461 vs 1,488 g
- UK RRP
- £1,000 apart
- £2,400 vs £1,400
Rim depth
50 mm
36 mm
14 mm apart. Deeper is faster on the flat; shallower is calmer in crosswind and lighter uphill. Neither is simply better.
Internal width
21 mm
21 mm
Identical — both suit the same tyre widths.
External width
28 mm
28 mm
Governs how the rim and tyre meet the air, and frame clearance.
Shimano
Dura-Ace WH-R9270 C50
RRP £2,400
UCI mass-start road
Eligible — Eligible on the rules we assess
Shimano
Ultegra WH-R8170 C36
RRP £1,400
UCI mass-start road
Eligible — Eligible on the rules we assess