Zoals beloofd: de geschiedenis van Dura-Ace. In twee delen. Deel 1 loopt vanf het begin tot aan 1993, deel 2 beschrijft de transformatie van 9 naar de Dura-Ace 7800 10-speed.
1997 DURA-ACE 7700 (9-speed)For the DURA-ACE 7700 series, Shimano engineers focused on developing lightweight components with increased rigidity and durability. One of the most important features was a 9-speed cassette for betterwith an increased gear range. For the first time, it was possible to use a 11T sprocket for sprints, descents etc. The hubs had cup and cone bearings instead of cartridge bearings for smoother rolling and easy maintenance. The crankset had a hollow crank arm design: very light but still rigid and strong. The Dual Control Levers were entirely redesigned for better improved performance, lower weight and better a nice appearance. Also the brakes were more powerful and lighter than before. Shimano managed to achieve a weight reduction of over half a kilogram compared to DURA-ACE 7400 series! Again, a major step was taken in the development of high-end road racing components.
1998 25th Anniversary DURA-ACE groupset introduced as commemorative edition.
1999 Armstrong wins Tour de France
Lance Armstrong of the United States Postal Service Pro Cycling Team becomes the first Shimano sponsored rider to win the Tour de France. A victory he has repeated seven years in a row, all on DURA-ACE components.
2002 All jerseys in the Tour de FranceShimano sponsored riders claimed all four major classification titles in the Tour de France. Armstrong for General Classification; Laurent Jalabert for best climber; Robbie McEwen the green jersey for Points, and Ivan Basso for Best Young Rider. Four jerseys for Shimano Dura-Ace; a great wardrobe by anyone’s standard.
2003 DURA-ACE 7800 (10-speed + HOLLOWTECH II)
Three key words emerged as the theme for the Dura-Ace 7800 system: speed, smoothness and strength. Speed and smoothness resulted in effortless shifting, improved braking operation, enhanced ergonomics and an updated attractive feeling and design. Strength was focused on the critical need for lighter weight without sacrificing rigidity, durability or precision. “100% Power Transmission” was the goal pursued by the fusion of these three concepts.
This new Dura-Ace groupset included a 10-speed drivetrain and a HOLLOWTECH II crankset with an integrated bottom bracket for increased rigidity while saving weight. The crankset design was especially innovative and new for this period. It was soon adopted by many other manufacturers as it proved to be a really important technical improvement. Furthermore, there were some important ergonomical improvements, for example in the Dual Control Levers. The rear derailleur featured a wide link design for extra rigidity.