Posted on June 29, 2022 by Zach Overholt
Already known for their excellent disc brake technology, Shimano’s rotors are about to get even better. In conjunction with the launch of the new 105 group, Shimano is introducing two new rotors meant for road and gravel use that promise quieter, more consistent performance.
While the new rotors were launched at the same time as Shimano’s newest Di2 105 group, it appears that these will fill in at the Dura-Ace and Ultegra level with the RT-CL900 and RT-CL800 respectively. If you remember, when the newest Shimano Dura-Ace group was launched, it didn’t have a Dura Ace-specific brake rotor. Instead, the system borrowed one from the XTR mountain bike group.
Now it seems that both Dura-Ace and Ultegra will have their very own rotors complete with an updated Ice Technologies FREEZA design.
That of course refers to the proprietary 3-layer rotor construction that uses an aluminum core with stainless steel cladding on both sides of the braking surface. This cooling technology is said to result in overall heat reduction of up to 140ºC and a 10% increase in brake pad life.
The new rotor design claims to use a “more robust alloy carrier and optimized arm shape that reduces heat deformation of the rotor during hard braking.” In short, it should keep its form better under long descents preventing any ticking or rubbing noises. When combined with the wider pad spacing of the new Shimano road disc brakes, you should have an exceptionally quiet brake system.
Both rotors will be interchangeable, with the main difference being the addition of black heat dissipation paint on the cooling fins of the RT-CL900.
Zach Overholt is the Editor in Chief of Bikerumor. He has been writing about what’s new in the bicycle world for 12+ years. Prior to that, Zach spent many years in the back of a bicycle shop building and repairing nearly every type of bike, while figuring out how to (occasionally) ride them.
Based in Ohio, Zach is now slowly introducing a new generation to cycling and still trying to figure out how to fit the most rides into a busy schedule as a new dad.
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Heat dissipation paint for $25/wheel? Maybe it’s just me but that seems difficult to justify
Important spec for rotors, thickness. Some are 1.9 some are 2.1 etc. would like to see industry move to slightly wider standard such as 2.2
Tektro and some others are 2.3mm.
Shimano has been 1.8 (really 1.75) for ever. SRAM’s standard rotors are 1.8 (but really 1.85).
I’ve heard these delaminate under heavy breaking. I wonder if that’s been solved.
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