Newly discovered approvals from the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) confirmed this week that Shimano is adding wireless technology to its range, and the timing suggests it pertains to the new Dura-Ace.
In documents discovered by Cycling tips, the FCC confirms that Shimano uses a wireless module and a rear derailleur with radio transmitter and receiver, as indicated in patents discovered late last year.
The documents, found on FCCID.io, confirm that the two related devices contain Bluetooth LE and ANT + wireless technology, and most notably, both have a third radio frequency called ‘SHIMANO ORIGINAL’ at 2,478 MHz, suggesting that the two devices will be able to communicate over a closed – or private – wireless network, similar to how SRAM’s eTap works to prevent hacking and interference.
The two documents also include a “short-term confidentiality request,” effectively keeping the finer details in confidence for up to 180 days from the date of the granting of the equipment authorization. This authorization came on January 26 and will therefore expire on Sunday July 25. That’s not to say this will be a launch date, but we can rest assured that we’ll know more by then.
What do we know?
Unsurprisingly, Shimano hasn’t officially released anything at this stage, but there’s plenty of evidence to support rumors and speculation.
The information in the FCC documents is evidence for the suggestions shown in the November patents. Those patents showed that wireless transmitters and receivers were added to the shifters and both derailleurs, and while there is currently no FCC certification with regard to a front derailleur, the attachment of a wireless module and a wireless rear mech suggests both on an original closed wireless network work. Shimano is indeed switching to wireless shifting.
Rumors have circulated that the new Dura-Ace will actually be semi-wireless with a wire connecting the front and rear derailleurs – similar to how FSA’s WE electric groupset works. With an FCC approval for a front derailleur that stands out for its absence, it is speculated that the rear derailleur will house the brain to operate the front derailleur. However, the inclusion of radio receivers in the front derailleur on those patents casts shadow on this argument.
The previous patents would also be all but confirmed new Dura-Ace 12-speed, with patent drawings featuring a 12-speed cassette. It seems almost incomprehensible that Shimano would avoid this step, as both SRAM and Campagnolo already have 12 gears (13 gears with Campagnolo Ekar) and XTR, XT, SLX and even Deore are compatible with 12 gears.
The latest documents also suggest that a new battery will accompany the new wireless rear derailleur. The rear derailleur testing was performed in conjunction with a battery, given the part number BT-DN300. The latest version of the Di2 battery is BT-DN110. It is a safe assumption that with three wireless frequencies the new derailleur will be more battery intensive.
While the available evidence all points to wireless shifting, it’s worth noting that the patents showed that Di2 cable ports remained on the shifters. This could give weight to the rumor that both shifters would be wired together, but more likely is the ability to connect satellite (sprint) shifters, and maybe even cross-compatibility with Shimano GRX, XT or XTR, or backwards. compatibility with the current Dura-Ace.
When will it be launched?
Shimano has long been counting down to its 100th anniversary on a special anniversary page on Shimano’s website. The general assumption is that this March 23rd date will be marked by the launch of the new Dura-Ace, but there is no evidence to support this claim.
Nonetheless, it’s definitely worth putting the date in your calendar because even if it’s not a new Dura-Ace, you can bet Shimano will do something remarkable on its Centennial.