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As the racing season approaches, minor equipment adjustments can make a significant difference. The right wheels, helmet, shoes, and cockpit setup not only boost aerodynamics but also improve power transfer, comfort, and control, helping you find those critical seconds on race day. Here’s a breakdown of the most impactful upgrades you can make to get road-race-ready.

Choose the Right Wheels for Your Course

SHIMANO’s DURA-ACE C36, C50, and C60 wheels are built for specific race scenarios, letting you tailor your setup to the day’s terrain:

  • C36 (36mm depth) - The lightest option (approx. 1,350g per set), ideal for climbing stages and punchy accelerations. The shallow profile helps reduce weight and increases responsiveness on steep ascents.
  • C50 (50mm depth) - The versatile all-rounder (approx. 1,460g per set), balancing aerodynamics and climbing ability. Perfect for racers who want one wheelset that can do it all.
  • C60 (60mm depth) - The aerodynamic powerhouse (approx. 1,570g per set), best for flat and rolling terrain where speed and reduced drag are critical.
Shimano Road bike race ready upgrades
Shimano Road bike race ready upgrades

Each set features tubeless compatibility, optimized rim profiles, and SHIMANO's renowned hub technology, ensuring smooth and efficient performance, regardless of the course.

Go Aero Without Overheating: Lazer Vento KinetiCore Helmet

The Lazer Vento KinetiCore is designed to cut through the wind while keeping you cool. The aero-optimized shape reduces drag, while KinetiCore’s integrated impact protection system boosts protection without excess bulk. Strategic vent placement channels air efficiently, so you stay ventilated even at high race intensity. The result is aero gains without overheating, perfect for long summer races.

Shimano Road Racing upgrades
Shimano Road Racing upgrades

Maximize Power Transfer: S-PHYRE RC903 Shoes

Every watt counts on race day. SHIMANO's S-PHYRE RC903 road shoes deliver stiff, lightweight carbon soles for unmatched power transfer. Dual BOA® dials ensure a precise fit, while the shoe's supple upper hugs the foot for added comfort on long stages.

 

For an extra aerodynamic edge, add SHIMANO’s S-PHYRE shoe covers, smoothing airflow across your feet in time trials and sprints.

Shimano Road Bike race upgrades
Shimano Road Bike race upgrades

Aerodynamics Meets Comfort: PRO Vibe Aero Handlebar

Handlebars aren’t just for control, they’re a key aerodynamic factor as a leading surface on the bike. The PRO Vibe Aero carbon handlebar is designed to reduce drag while providing vibration damping for enhanced comfort on rougher roads. Its sleek integration with SHIMANO Di2 cabling keeps your cockpit clean, letting you stay aero and focused deep into the race.

Gain an Advantage with Di2 Satellite Shifters

Tactics and positioning win races, and quick access to gears plays a significant role in that. With SHIMANO Di2 satellite shifters, you can shift from the tops while climbing or from the drops while sprinting. No matter where your hands are, your shifting responds instantly, keeping your cadence smooth and your attack timed to perfection.

Shimano DI2 remote switch for Dura-ace race ready upgrades
Shimano DI2 remote switch for Dura-ace race ready upgrades

Getting road race-ready isn’t just about training harder, it's about upgrading smarter. Whether you're climbing mountains, sprinting for the line, or racing an all-around course, SHIMANO's DURA-ACE wheels, Lazer helmets, S-PHYRE shoes, PRO handlebars, and Di2 shifting solutions help unlock your best performance.

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