The Shimano Dura-Ace WH-R9270-C50-TL is the flagship 50mm carbon tubeless rear wheel — lighter than the previous C40 yet more aerodynamic, making it the ideal all-rounder for criteriums, road racing, and fast training rides. Built around Shimano's latest R9270 Dura-Ace platform, it delivers race-winning performance in a package designed to work flawlessly with 12-speed disc-brake drivetrains.

Highlights

  • 50mm full-carbon tubeless-ready rim — 787g rear wheel weight
  • 21mm internal / 28mm external rim width for optimal tyre performance
  • OPTBAL 2:1 rear spoke lacing — 16 spokes drive side, 8 spokes non-drive side for balanced tension
  • Direct Engagement freehub for increased drivetrain rigidity and power transfer
  • 12x142mm thru-axle, Centre Lock disc brake mount
  • Compatible with 700×25–32c clincher and tubeless tyres
  • Shimano 12-speed HG12 (HG-L2) freehub body included
  • Tubeless rim tape pre-installed

Carbon Rim & Aerodynamics

The C50's full-carbon rim profile is engineered to deliver 5 watts less aerodynamic drag compared to the previous C40-TL generation, while simultaneously saving weight. The 50mm depth strikes a proven balance between aerodynamic efficiency and crosswind stability for a wide range of road conditions. The 21mm internal rim width supports modern wide-profile tyres and maximises the aerodynamic tyre-to-rim interface.

OPTBAL Spoke System & Hub

Shimano's OPTBAL (Optimised Balance) rear spoke pattern uses a 2:1 lacing ratio — 16 bladed straight-pull stainless steel spokes on the drive side and 8 on the non-drive side — to equalise spoke tension across the asymmetric rear flange geometry. The result is a more durable, stiffer wheel that resists fatigue under sprint and climb loads. The Direct Engagement freehub provides near-instant power transfer and is engineered exclusively for 12-speed Shimano road cassettes.

Compatibility & Fit

Designed for road and gravel bikes with 12mm rear thru-axle (12×142mm) and Centre Lock disc brake mounts. Compatible with Shimano 12-speed HG12 (HG-L2 spline) road cassettes only — not compatible with older 11-speed or HG freehub bodies. Accepts 700c clincher or tubeless tyres in 25–32mm widths. Centre Lock rotor (sold separately) required.

Shimano Dura-Ace components are covered by a 3-year warranty against defects in materials and workmanship from the date of original retail purchase. Shimano wheels carry a 1-year warranty. Please retain your proof of purchase. For warranty support, return the item to Tune Cycles.

  • 50mm full-carbon tubeless-ready rim
  • Rear wheel weight: approx. 787g
  • Internal rim width: 21mm / External rim width: 28mm
  • OPTBAL 2:1 rear spoke lacing (16 DS / 8 NDS) — bladed straight-pull stainless steel
  • Direct Engagement freehub for maximum drivetrain stiffness
  • 12×142mm rear thru-axle
  • Centre Lock disc brake mount
  • Compatible with 700×25–32c clincher and tubeless tyres
  • Shimano 12-speed HG12 (HG-L2) freehub body
  • Tubeless rim tape pre-installed
  • 5W aero drag reduction vs previous C40-TL generation
SpecificationDetail
Rim Depth50mm
Internal Rim Width21mm
External Rim Width28mm
Rim MaterialFull carbon fibre reinforced polymer
Wheel Weight (rear)Approx. 787g
Spoke PatternOPTBAL 2:1 (16 drive side / 8 non-drive side)
Spoke TypeBladed straight-pull stainless steel
Axle Standard12×142mm thru-axle
Brake MountCentre Lock disc
FreehubShimano 12-speed HG12 (HG-L2 spline)
Tyre Compatibility700×25–32c clincher / tubeless
ETRTO21-622
Tubeless ReadyYes (rim tape pre-installed)
ColourBlack
Part NumberWH-R9270-C50-TL-R
SKU SHM-EWHR9270C50LREDB
Barcode # 4550170890773
Brand Shimano