Shimano's Current Road Components: Release Year and Buying Time

Modified at: Feb 13, 2022

Posted at: Mar 19, 2021

We have compiled a list of the release years of Shimano's current components for road use, the expected announcements of the next models, and when to buy the current models.

Editorial Note: We earn a commission from partner links on cyclabo. Commissions do not affect our editors' opinions or evaluations.

Table of contents

DURA-ACE September 2021

The current DURA-ACE is the R9200 series, and it was announced in September 2021. The previous R9100 series was announced in June 2016, so it’s a span of about 5 years.

Based on the past trend, the next model is likely to be announced in 2025 to 2026, and since there is a long period of time until the new model is released, the new DURA-ACE, R9200 series compo is a “buy” compo for 2 or 3 years.

ULTEGRA September 2021

The current ULTEGRA is the R8100 series, which was announced at the same time as the new DURA-ACE R9200 series. The previous series, R8000, was announced in June 2017, so it is a span of 4 years. Incidentally, the previous series, the 6800, was announced in 2013, so it was released in a span of about 4 to 5 years, roughly the year after the DURA-ACE upgrade.

Based on the past trend, the next ULTEGRA model is expected to be released in 2025 or 2026.

105: 105 April 2018

The current 105 is the R7000 series and was announced in April 2018. The previous 5800 series was announced in 2014, so it was released in a span of about four years, roughly the year after the ULTEGRA upgrade, one level higher.

The new DURA-ACE and ULTEGRA were released in 2021, so based on the trend so far, the next 105 model will be released in 2022.

TIAGRA: April 2015

The current TIAGRA is the 4700 series and was released in April 2015. The previous 4600 series was announced in 2011, so it has been released in a span of about 4 years.

Based on past trends, the next TIAGRA model should be released around 2019, but since it was not announced during 2020, and since it is the only Shimano component for road bikes that is not in the R-series, it may be released soon.

SORA: April 2016

The current SORA is the R3000 series and was announced in April 2016. The previous 3500 series was announced in 2012, so it has been released in a span of about 4-5 years.

Based on the past trend, the next SORA model should be released around 2021, but it may not be because of the upcoming releases of DURA-ACE, ULTEGRA, TIAGRA, etc. in 2021.

CLARIS: April 2017

The current CLARIS is the R2000 series and was announced in April 2017. The previous 2400 series was announced in 2013, so a span of about 4 years.

Based on the past trend, the next CLARIS model should be released around 2021, but since DURA-ACE, ULTEGRA, TIAGRA, etc. will be released in 2021, and SORA, which is higher level than CLARIS, has not been announced yet, it may not be released in 2021.

When to buy Shimano’s current road-oriented components

The following is a summary of the release years of the Shimano road-oriented components we’ve looked at so far, as well as the anticipated release of the next models.

Grades	Current Models	Current Model Announcement Timing	Release Span	Next Model Announcement Forecast	When to Buy
DURA-ACE	R9200	Sep 2021	4 years	June 2021	○
ULTEGRA	R8100	Sep 2021	5 years	June 2021	○
105	R7000	April 2018	4 years	April 2022	x
TIAGRA	4700	April 2015	4 years	April 2021	x
SORA	R3000	April 2016	4 years	April 2022	○
CLARIS	R2000	April 2017	4 years	April 2023	○

As previously predicted, with the release of the new DURA-ACE and ULTEGRA in 2021, 105 and TIAGRA are likely to be the next upgrades.

On the other hand, you can buy current SORA and CLARIS componentry with relative peace of mind, as they are expected to be available in 2023 at the earliest, based on past trends.

Mechanics New Posts

What Is Shimano Shadow RD? Features and Benefits

What is Shimano’s Shadow RD used in their latest rear derailleurs? This article explains its features and the benefits of choosing Shadow RD.
Shimano Chain Compatibility for Road, MTB, and Hybrid Bikes

An overview of Shimano chain compatibility across road bikes, mountain bikes, and hybrid bikes. Includes guidance on how to choose the right chain for your drivetrain.
Shimano ESSA Lineup and Compatibility with Existing 8-Speed Parts

An overview of Shimano's newly released 8-speed component group "ESSA" and its compatibility with existing 8-speed parts.
SRAM Cassette Compatibility Guide

Compatibility guide for SRAM cassettes used in road and MTB bikes. Find matching drivetrains and wheels easily.
Compatibility Guide for SRAM MTB Components

A detailed explanation of compatibility between SRAM MTB components. This guide outlines which parts can be used together and which combinations are not compatible.
Road and MTB Sprockets Compatibility Overview

A guide to the compatibility between road and MTB sprockets, explaining whether they can be used together with different components.
Shimano CUES Cassette Compatibility Guide

A detailed guide to the compatibility of Shimano CUES series cassettes. Includes an overview of compatible rear derailleurs, chains, and wheels.
Shimano Hydraulic Brake Hose and Connector Standards Guide

An explanation of the differences between Shimano’s hydraulic brake hoses BH90 and BH59, the types of connecting bolts, and how to choose the right hose for your brake system—including key points to watch out for.
Types and Compatibility of Shimano Di2 Batteries

The Di2 battery is the core of the Shimano Di2 system, influencing the overall system layout. This article explains the different types and their compatibility.
Shimano Di2 Wire Types and Compatibility

Overview of Shimano Di2 electric wire types and their compatibility with Di2 components.
How to Identify Shimano Di2 Generations

Explains the generational differences in Shimano Di2 components and their compatibility. Includes a list of component series and their corresponding generations.
In-Depth Guide to Shimano 12-Speed Cassette Compatibility

A detailed explanation of the key compatibility factors when using Shimano's 12-speed cassettes—specifically the required wheel (freehub) and drivetrain, which differ significantly from previous 11-speed systems.
Perfect Guide to Shimano 11-Speed Cassette Compatibility

A detailed explanation of two key compatibility factors when using Shimano 11-speed cassettes: the required wheel (freehub) and drivetrain.
Perfect Guide to Shimano 10-Speed Cassette Compatibility

A detailed explanation of two key compatibility factors when using Shimano 10-speed cassettes: the required wheel (freehub) and drivetrain.
In-Depth Guide to Shimano 9-Speed Cassette Compatibility

A comprehensive explanation of two key compatibility factors when using Shimano 9-speed cassettes: the required wheel (freehub) and drivetrain.
Shimano I-SPEC Shift Lever Mount Standards Explained

A complete guide to Shimano's I-SPEC shift lever mount standards, covering features, differences between models, and compatibility.
Shimano Hydraulic Disc Brake Standards and Selection Guide

Unlike mechanical brakes that only pull a cable, hydraulic disc brakes come with various standards and technologies depending on the manufacturer. This article highlights Shimano’s hydraulic disc brake technologies and standards, along with key points to consider when selecting one.
Shimano CUES Components Lineup and Compatibility Guide

A comprehensive guide to Shimano's new CUES component group for MTB and lifestyle categories, including gear ratios, part lineup, and compatibility with traditional components.
TPU Inner Tube: Features, Pros, and Cons for Road Bikes and MTB

TPU inner tubes are gaining attention as the third force in bicycle tires. We summarize its features, advantages and disadvantages of using it on Road bikes and MTBs, and major manufacturers.
Shimano Mechanical Brake Levers for MTB and Hybrid Bike

Shimano mechanical brake levers are now few and far between. The following is a summary of the current model lineup, specifications, and compatible components.