Leaked Shimano patent hints at 13-speed fully wireless groupset

Shimano patent
(Image credit: Shimano)

In a Shimano patent uncovered by Better Shifting and detailed on its Instagram account, a new, fully wireless, 13sp groupset is hinted at that could well be the new Dura-Ace. 

While a patent doesn't in any way guarantee a product will go into production, it at least hints at the general direction. In wireless terms, Shimano currently lags behind Campagnolo and Sram in that its electronic groupsets still rely on a partially wired connection. Bringing true wireless to Dura-Ace would bring parity on that front, and a 13sp rear cassette would also bring it level with Campagnolo as far as the number of sprockets go. 

Will Jones
Senior Tech Writer

Will joined the Cyclingnews team as a reviews writer in 2022, having previously written for Cyclist, BikeRadar and Advntr. He’s tried his hand at most cycling disciplines, from the standard mix of road, gravel, and mountain bike, to the more unusual like bike polo and tracklocross. He’s made his own bike frames, covered tech news from the biggest races on the planet, and published countless premium galleries thanks to his excellent photographic eye. Also, given he doesn’t ever ride indoors he’s become a real expert on foul-weather riding gear. His collection of bikes is a real smorgasbord, with everything from vintage-style steel tourers through to superlight flat bar hill climb machines.