Shimano Ultegra Rd-R8000 Rear Derailleur

Shimano's Shadow technology has been a staple in their mountain bike rear derailleurs for years. This innovative design allows for a lower profile and positions the derailleur further inboard, protecting it from potential damage and enabling a more efficient chain path off the top jockey wheel in relation to the cassette. The R9100 group marked the first time Shimano brought this technology to the road side, and we're delighted to see its inclusion on the Ultegra RD-R8000 rear derailleur.

The RD-8000 is the crowning jewel of the new Ultegra group, and if you're building up or updating a bike, this group is a fantastic choice. The longer cage design offers an increased range, opening up the Ultegra group to adventure bikes and bringing the precision, durability, and value to a wider audience. Furthermore, if you're a Dura-Ace rider looking to expand your gear range, the long cage Ultegra derailleur and cassette are a simple and effective solution to conquer those long mountain passes.

The shifting performance of the Ultegra R8000 is impeccable, and the durability is exceptional. The performance gap between Ultegra and Dura-Ace is negligible, akin to the thickness of a tire in a bunch sprint. The main differences between the Ultegra R8000 and the Dura-Ace 9100 units are the use of an aluminum cage and a few other minor hardware details.

Two cage lengths are available for the R8000 rear derailleur: a short version compatible with 11-30t cassettes, and a long version for 11-34t cassettes. To ensure optimal performance, the R8000 rear derailleur works best when paired with R8000 or R9100 levers, making it a perfect addition to a full Ultegra bike or for those running Dura-Ace who want to utilize a larger cassette.

The Shadow design's more linear derailleur movement has allowed Shimano's engineers to create a shifter with a shorter throw, resulting in more precise and quicker shifts, even with the larger cassette ranges that are becoming increasingly common across various terrain, from tarmac to gravel. Additionally, Shimano has retained the barrel adjuster at the derailleur, which is a welcome feature for road shifters that typically lack adjusters at the levers.

In summary, the Ultegra RD-R8000 rear derailleur is a remarkable component that seamlessly blends Shimano's cutting-edge Shadow technology, exceptional performance, and durability, making it a standout choice for both Ultegra and Dura-Ace-equipped riders alike.

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