Amgen tour of California 2012

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Shimano Ultegra 6700 group

  • Shimano has infused the latest Ultegra 6700 group with many of the features introduced on Dura-Ace 7900.

    Shimano has infused the latest Ultegra 6700 group with many of the features introduced on Dura-Ace 7900.

    Photo credit © Emily Wren/www.emilywren.com

  • The pulley cage remains a durable forged alloy unit.

    The pulley cage remains a durable forged alloy unit.

    Photo credit © Emily Wren/www.emilywren.com

  • The updated Ultegra 6700 rear derailleur now sports a more faceted look.

    The updated Ultegra 6700 rear derailleur now sports a more faceted look.

    Photo credit © Emily Wren/www.emilywren.com

  • The revised Ultegra SPD-SL pedal is nearly without fault - entry and exit are smooth and positive, the stainless wear plates are easily replaceable, and there's a generous platform.

    The revised Ultegra SPD-SL pedal is nearly without fault - entry and exit are smooth and positive, the stainless wear plates are easily replaceable, and there's a generous platform.

    Photo credit © Emily Wren/www.emilywren.com

  • The new lever shape offers a flatter perch for your hands.

    The new lever shape offers a flatter perch for your hands.

    Photo credit © Emily Wren/www.emilywren.com

  • Shimano's Flight Deck computer is now far easier to install than before. Just pull back the hoods, remove the stock cap, and replace it with the Flight Deck version.

    Shimano's Flight Deck computer is now far easier to install than before. Just pull back the hoods, remove the stock cap, and replace it with the Flight Deck version.

    Photo credit © Emily Wren/www.emilywren.com

  • Shift internals are perilously exposed to the elements.

    Shift internals are perilously exposed to the elements.

    Photo credit © Emily Wren/www.emilywren.com

  • The outward cant on the lever makes for a slightly easier reach from the hoods.

    The outward cant on the lever makes for a slightly easier reach from the hoods.

    Photo credit © Emily Wren/www.emilywren.com

  • The newly concealed cables can be set either to the inboard or outboard side of the lever, though in either case there's a square edge placed right beneath your palm and more friction in the line than the old external routing.

    The newly concealed cables can be set either to the inboard or outboard side of the lever, though in either case there's a square edge placed right beneath your palm and more friction in the line than the old external routing.

    Photo credit © Emily Wren/www.emilywren.com

  • Brake cables are accessible only behind a cosmetic cover plate, which is annoyingly held in place with a tiny Phillips-head screw.

    Brake cables are accessible only behind a cosmetic cover plate, which is annoyingly held in place with a tiny Phillips-head screw.

    Photo credit © Emily Wren/www.emilywren.com

  • The new Ultegra STI Dual Control levers are a virtual dead ringer for Dura-Ace 7900 with a similar shape and carbon lever blades.

    The new Ultegra STI Dual Control levers are a virtual dead ringer for Dura-Ace 7900 with a similar shape and carbon lever blades.

    Photo credit © Emily Wren/www.emilywren.com

  • A wider link design borrowed from Dura-Ace cuts down on pivot slop but Ultegra will continue on with a heavier - but longer lasting - steel cage.

    A wider link design borrowed from Dura-Ace cuts down on pivot slop but Ultegra will continue on with a heavier - but longer lasting - steel cage.

    Photo credit © Emily Wren/www.emilywren.com

  • The non-driveside crank uses Shimano's familiar pinch-bolt attachment method.

    The non-driveside crank uses Shimano's familiar pinch-bolt attachment method.

    Photo credit © Emily Wren/www.emilywren.com

  • The new Ultegra crank is shapelier than before for a more dramatic appearance but the new lines also lend more chainring spider rigidity.

    The new Ultegra crank is shapelier than before for a more dramatic appearance but the new lines also lend more chainring spider rigidity.

    Photo credit © Emily Wren/www.emilywren.com

  • The deep-profile spider also contributes to the outstanding chainring rigidity.

    The deep-profile spider also contributes to the outstanding chainring rigidity.

    Photo credit © Emily Wren/www.emilywren.com

  • Carbon reinforcement on the back of the new Ultegra hollow outer chainring makes for a stiffer piece and vastly improved shift performance.

    Carbon reinforcement on the back of the new Ultegra hollow outer chainring makes for a stiffer piece and vastly improved shift performance.

    Photo credit © Emily Wren/www.emilywren.com

  • Shimano has carried over the directional chain design from the new Dura-Ace.

    Shimano has carried over the directional chain design from the new Dura-Ace.

    Photo credit © Emily Wren/www.emilywren.com

  • The new cassette shaves a couple of grams but otherwise provides the same silky-smooth chain movement between cogs we're used to seeing from Shimano.

    The new cassette shaves a couple of grams but otherwise provides the same silky-smooth chain movement between cogs we're used to seeing from Shimano.

    Photo credit © Emily Wren/www.emilywren.com

  • Just like with Dura-Ace 7900, the new Ultegra 6700 brakes offer a more positive feel and notably improved stopping ability in dry conditions.

    Just like with Dura-Ace 7900, the new Ultegra 6700 brakes offer a more positive feel and notably improved stopping ability in dry conditions.

    Photo credit © Emily Wren/www.emilywren.com