Throughout 2020, the fourth season of the Dura-Ace 9100's life cycle, rumors of the next Shimano Dura-Ace models have been steadily increasing. Despite these rumors, however, Shimano has been completely tight-lipped about the new groupset. The new groupset is expected to follow the naming structure of its predecessors and will be called the R9200, or perhaps the R9250 attached to the Di2 groupset.

Since the season resumed, suggestions and rumors have been flying around that the pros will test the new groupset at each Grand Tour, but the closest we have come was a new unbranded wheelset ridden by Shimano-sponsored Groupama FDJ and Team Sunweb.

Today, with the discovery of evidence suggesting that the new Dura-Ace Groupset is 12-speed and wireless, these rumors will be more vibrant than ever.

A patent discovered by CyclingTips contributor Alan Court shows a variety of features to support the claim, including a coin cell battery and wireless transmitter in the shifter and a wireless receiver in the derailleur, making up a 12-speed cassette

The patent is also shown to have a "shifter

The revelation of a patent related to the shifter has shown various proofs of the claims, but the final form is currently unconfirmed as it contains multiple variations. All of the above figures suggest a coin cell battery, either in the brake lever/shift paddle or in the hood body.

There is also mention of a power generating unit, which essentially means that the shift lever could self-charge, negating the need for a battery. The patent suggests that with the inclusion of a piezoelectric component, the technology would generate power using the movement of the shift paddles.

The patent also includes references to both cable- and hydraulic-actuated variants, suggesting that rim brakes will remain part of the Shimano Dura-Ace lineup, given the absence of Dura-Ace-level cable-actuated disc brakes. Rim brake purists rejoice.

Patents for both the front derailleur and rear derailleur show wireless receivers mounted on both, with a battery on each, similar to SRAM's eTap groupset. However, as has been widely rumored, another variation has also been patented with an entirely separate battery mounting that connects the front and rear shifters.

The patent for the 12-speed claim includes an image of a cassette. As for sprocket size, Shimano appears to be following SRAM's lead with a 10-tooth sprocket as the smallest option and a 48-tooth maximum, which is particularly suitable for off-road use.

Of the three major groupset manufacturers (Shimano, SRAM, and Campagnolo), Shimano is the only company that has yet to switch to 11 or more teeth in its on-road groupset. Shimano's off-road brands have 12 speeds, so it seems likely that another gear will be added to the new Dura-Ace.

Campagnolo's recently announced Ekar gravel loop set now has 13 speeds, while on the road the Italian brand's Super Record EPS remains 12 speeds SRAM is the most advanced in terms of technology, having already adopted wireless shifting technology for the second time

The Shimano brand's Super Record EPS remains a 12-speed.

Shimano will celebrate its 100th anniversary on March 23, 2021. As part of the celebration, it is widely expected that the latest Dura-Ace will be unveiled.

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