Newly unveiled approvals from the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) this week confirmed that Shimano is adding wireless technology to its lineup, and the timing suggests it relates to new Dura-Ace.
In documents submitted by Bicycle tips, the FCC confirms Shimano’s use of a wireless module and a rear tracker with radio transmitter and receiver, as indicated in patents exposed end of last year.
The documents, found at FCCID.io, confirm that the two related devices include Bluetooth LE and ANT + wireless technology, and in particular, both have a third radio frequency titled ‘SHIMANO ORIGINAL’ at 2 478 MHz, indicating that the two units is able to communicate. via a closed – or private – wireless network, similar to how SRAM’s eTap works to prevent intrusion and interference.
The two documents also contain a ‘request for short-term confidentiality’, which effectively trusts the finer details up to 180 days from the date of consent for the granting of equipment. This authorization took place on 26 January, which means that it expires on Sunday 25 July. This is not to say that it will be a launch date, but we can be confident that we will know more by then.
What do we know?
It is surprising that Shimano has not officially announced anything at this stage, but there is enough evidence to support rumors and speculations.
The information contained in the FCC documents is evidence to support proposals shown in November’s patents. These patents have shown that wireless transmitters and receivers are added to the shifters and both derailleurs, and although there is currently no FCC certification regarding a front derailleur, the confirmation of a wireless module and a wireless backend indicates what both working on an original closed wireless network Shimano is indeed switching to wireless relocation.
Rumors abound that the new Dura-Ace will actually be semi-wireless with a wire connecting the front and rear trackers, similar to how FSA’s WE electric group set works. With an FCC approval for a forward that is conspicuous by its absence, it is speculated that the back track will house the brain to drive the forward. However, the inclusion of radio receivers in the front derailleur on these patents overshadows the argument.
The earlier patents also have the new Dura-Ace, but besides confirmed, 12-speed, with patent drawings showing a 12-speed cassette. It seems almost incomprehensible that Shimano would avoid this step, as SRAM and Campagnolo are already 12-speed (13-speed with Campagnolo Ekar), and XTR, XT, SLX and even Deore are 12-speed compatible.
The latest documents also indicate that a new battery will accompany the wireless rear derailleur. Rear-track test was performed in conjunction with a battery, given part number BT-DN300. The latest version of the Di2 battery is BT-DN110. It is a safe assumption that the new derailleur with three wireless frequencies will be more battery intensive.
Although the available evidence points everything in the direction of wireless shifting, it is noteworthy that the patents showed that Di2 cable ports were present on the shifters. This may add weight to the rumor that both sliders would be connected by a cable, but most likely the possibility is to enable satellite shifters (sprint), and perhaps even offer cross-compatibility with Shimano GRX, XT or XTR or backwards. compatibility with the current Dura-Ace.
When will it be launched?
Shimano is long overdue for its 100th anniversary on a dedicated commemorative page on Shimano’s website. The general assumption is that this date of March 23 will be marked by the launch of new Dura-Ace, but there is no evidence to substantiate this claim.
It’s still worth putting the date in your diary, because even if it’s not a new Dura-Ace, you can be sure that Shimano will notice something on the Centennial.