Description
Shimano Dura-Ace C36 Wheelset – built for the climbs
The Shimano Dura-Ace C36 wheelset is the lightest wheel in the new WH-R9370 range. At 1,172 g a pair, it is 178 g lighter than the Dura-Ace R9270 C36 it replaces. So it jumps when you stand up on a climb, and it settles quickly when the road tips down again. Shimano kept the rim at 36 mm for a reason. The depth keeps weight low, yet the new profile still tests 7% more aerodynamic than the previous model.
Carbon spokes are the big change for 2026. Shimano runs 18 in the front wheel and 21 in the rear, in a dedicated layout for each. As a result, the wheel stays stiff under a hard sprint or a steep pitch. And it does that without the weight of a steel build. The hubs are new too. They use cup-and-cone bearings, which any good mechanic can service and adjust. Plus, the rear hub has a direct-engagement freehub, so the wheel picks up the moment you press on the pedals.
Key features
- Rim depth 36 mm front and rear; 23 mm internal width, 29.4 mm external
- Pair weight 1,172 g (front 523 g, rear 649 g)
- Carbon spokes: 18 front, 21 rear, with OPTBAL 2:1 lacing on the rear
- Hooked tubeless rim, designed around 28–30 mm tyres and rated to 45 mm
- Cup-and-cone hub bearings for easy servicing
- Direct-engagement freehub, 12-speed HG spline L2 (road 12-speed only)
- Center Lock disc mount, 140 mm rotor compatible
- 12 mm E-Thru axles: 100 mm front, 142 mm rear
- Full details on Shimano’s WH-R9370-C36 page
Who is the Dura-Ace C36 wheelset for?
Riders who race or ride hilly courses, and who want the lightest option in the range. If your rides are flatter and faster, look at the Dura-Ace C50 or C60 instead. All three share the same hubs, rim width and tubeless design. So you can also mix depths front and rear.
What’s in the box
First, choose a front wheel, a rear wheel, or the pair. Every wheel also comes with a tubeless valve. The price does not include tyres, disc rotors or a cassette. Also, each wheel runs tubeless or with a tube.
When can I get one?
Shimano Australia expects the first C36 stock in mid-December 2026, although Christmas freight could push that into January. So pick your wheel above and press Notify Me. Then we will email you the moment it lands.
Buying a Dura-Ace wheelset from Port Melbourne Cycles
Every Dura-Ace C36 wheelset we sell comes through Shimano Australia, so the warranty is local. So once they land, we can fit them the same day. Then we set them up tubeless, swap your cassette and rotors across, and check the rotor spacing. Not sure which rim depth suits you? Contact us or drop into the shop at 107 Bay Street, Port Melbourne.
