Dura-Ace C50 R9270 vs Ascent Zenith Elite Wheelset

Here is a comparison between two carbon road wheelsets with similar specifications. Both are 700C road wheelsets, with 50 mm rim height. The wheelset weight is is also similar as you will see below.

In this comparison, it is mainly about the physical characteristics of each of the wheelset. Let's check out the new Dura-Ace C50 R9270 wheelset, versus the previous Ascent Zenith Elite wheelset. For the detailed analysis of each wheelset, check out the individual posts via the links.

Dura-Ace C50 R9270 vs Ascent Zenith Elite wheelset! Different spoke lacing pattern as seen here.

Dura-Ace Cassette: 11 Speed R9100 vs 12 Speed R9200

On the latest Shimano road 12 speed drivetrain, the 11-30T cassette is still the most common cassette used. With a good gear range and also enough closely spaced gears, it is suitable for all-round road use if you pair it with a front double crankset.

From 11 speed to 12 speed, the 11-30T cassette has gained a sprocket, although the range is still the same. This means a tighter gear step in the middle of the cassette, which I will elaborate on later.

Let's check out some of the physical differences between the 11 speed and 12 speed 11-30T cassettes.

11 speed R9100 cassette on the left, vs the new 12 speed R9200 cassette on the right.

Dura-Ace Di2 Rear Derailleur: R9150 vs R9250

Time for a comparison between the new 12 speed Dura-Ace Di2 rear derailleur and the previous 11 speed Dura-Ace Di2 rear derailleur. On first glance, they look pretty much similar, but there are definitely some differences that are not obvious at first sight.

Left side is the new 12 speed rear derailleur, beside the 11 speed version on the right.

Focus Paralane: Phase 1 Assembly Completed

Phase 1 of the Focus Paralane 12 speed upgrade is finally completed! To be accurate, the upgrade was actually completed more than 6 months ago, but I only found the time to write about it now.

This is considered Phase 1 as the upgrade is not completed, as the new 12 speed Dura-Ace crankset is not yet available, so I am still using the older 11 speed Dura-Ace R9100 crankset. Since the pros are also using this older crankset with the new 12 speed groupset, I guess it works well enough not to be an issue.

Here are the pictures of the completed bike, with new 12 speed Dura-Ace components!

Dura-Ace R9270 hydraulic Di2 road shifters.