Shimano posted two apps at the end of January, WY7-3GK1 for a rear gearbox and WY7-927A for a wireless module (gearbox). Unfortunately, the juiciest parts of the applications, including images with the components that are approved, are hidden behind a confidentiality agreement between the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) and Shimano, but there are still many things we can get from the news.
What we already know
To date, Shimano has never launched a wireless group for field or off-field use. Shimano made the first foray into mountain biking in electronic switching with Di2, a wired system that was first launched at the XTR level in February 2015, and the XT version will take place 22 months later, in November 2016. The system it never took off massively and, although it was in the race by the drivers of the XC World Cup, you did not often see it on the bikes of many bettors. This is supported by the fact that we have more than two years in the current life of the XTR and it remains only mechanical.
The next big shakeup came in February 2019, when SRAM launched its AXS wireless system. SRAM has been providing wireless eTap transmission for road bikes for several years now, but this was the first time the completely wireless switch was made to mountain bikes.
With SRAM up front on the wireless front, it seems very likely that Shimano has been working on a project for a few years and we are becoming more and more convinced that Shimano is likely to give up some kind of wireless transmission this year. This is supported by patents for both a Dura Ace (road) wireless group and an electronic drip station filed by Shimano in the last three months.
What can we say about the application?
As I said above, the privacy agreement between Shimano and the FCC prevents us from seeing exactly what’s going on here, but there are still a few clues scattered everywhere. First, the only things approved are a changer and a module. This essentially means no front derailleur and suggests the possibility that it is a wireless version of the XTR and not a road group. Yes, some road bikes now go on the 1x transmission route, but the professional riders have only dealt with the configuration and with limited success. We can’t see Shimano launching what would be a top product, without the students showing it at the highest level.
Other things to mention are that both components operate on the same frequency (2,478 Mhz), so they are most likely part of the same range of products. It also works with both Bluetooth, which will most likely be used for software updates and settings control, and with ANT + for communication between devices.
When can we expect more news?
Well, the earliest we guarantee we know more about is in 180 days (July 26), when the confidentiality agreement is lifted between Shimano and the FCC. However, Cycling Tips also speculates that something could come sooner. Shimano celebrates its 100th anniversary in March 2021 and built it with a series of videos and a mini-site, with a countdown to … something. What better way to celebrate that anniversary with a product that takes it from a mechanical to a wireless era?
Alternatively, if a new group of wireless XTR groups has entered, we have no doubt that the pilots supported by Shimano will test it from now until the racing season. We will be watching the professional bikes from now until the beginning of the season to see if we can notice anything out of the ordinary. We contacted Shimano for more information, but they told us that they “keep the rumors and suggestions tight.” We will update you with more information as they enter.