Shimano Dura-Ace R9100 groupset review (video) review

The full review of the much anticipated Shimano Dura-Ace R9100 mechanical groupset: as expected, it's great

Shimano Dura-Ace R9100
Cycling Weekly Verdict

Shimano Dura-Ace 9100 is undoubtedly an improvement over its predecessor. However, the difference is not earth shattering. If you already own Dura-Ace 9000, I would suggest you don’t need to rush out and buy the update as the biggest change is purely visual. I would also suggest that if you see a discounted 2016 bike for sale with Dura-Ace 9000, don’t be put off that it doesn't have the latest components. Dura-Ace 9000 was an excellent groupset and has clearly been difficult to improve upon. That said, the incremental improvements are all positive and I can say with confidence this is the best mechanical groupset I have used to date. SRAM Red 22 is lighter, but the shifting is less assured. Super Record is more romantic, prestigious and arguably cooler, but it doesn’t work as well. Ultimately all three are very good. Dura-Ace R9100 is a groupset worthy of the coveted Dura-Ace badge and adorning our dream builds.

Reasons to buy
  • +

    Great shifting

  • +

    Better braking performance

Reasons to avoid
  • -

    Small improvements to previous model

You can trust Cycling Weekly. Our team of experts put in hard miles testing cycling tech and will always share honest, unbiased advice to help you choose. Find out more about how we test.

Shimano Dura-Ace is intended to be the best groupset you can buy. Designed to meet the needs of professional racing, the Dura-Ace name carries with it a reputation as the pinnacle of cycling componentry and the latest groupset, Shimano Dura-Ace R9100, delivers.

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Oliver Bridgewood - no, Doctor Oliver Bridgewood - is a PhD Chemist who discovered a love of cycling. He enjoys racing time trials, hill climbs, road races and criteriums. During his time at Cycling Weekly, he worked predominantly within the tech team, also utilising his science background to produce insightful fitness articles, before moving to an entirely video-focused role heading up the Cycling Weekly YouTube channel, where his feature-length documentary 'Project 49' was his crowning glory.