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Bayern Rundfahrt
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On Test: Shimano Dura-Ace 7900 group, March 11, 2009

Shimano's latest Dura-Ace group is a big step forwards
Photo ©: James Huang
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The new STI Dual Control levers
Photo ©: James Huang
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Last year's dip in the top of the lever has been replaced
Photo ©: James Huang
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The newly carbon brake lever is canted outwards
Photo ©: James Huang
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Shimano uses an annoying cover plate
Photo ©: James Huang
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Shortening the reach leaves an unsightly gap -
Photo ©: James Huang
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Derailleur housing now runs beneath the handlebar tape
Photo ©: James Huang
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Running the derailleur housing in front
Photo ©: James Huang
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The shifter internals are dangerously exposed
Photo ©: James Huang
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The new Flight Deck computer
Photo ©: James Huang
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The new crankset is undoubtedly one of the stars of the group
Photo ©: James Huang
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The deep-profile spider arms and incredibly expensive outer chainring
Photo ©: James Huang
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The heavily relieved spider keeps the weight down.
Photo ©: James Huang
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Shimano retains last year's arm attachment method.
Photo ©: James Huang
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The revised front derailleur cage is wider than before
Photo ©: James Huang
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Revised front derailleur pivot geometry
Photo ©: James Huang
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Rear shifts are as impeccably smooth and precise as before.
Photo ©: James Huang
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The carbon fiber pulley cage is curiously flexy
Photo ©: James Huang
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Braking is superb with the new calipers
Photo ©: James Huang
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Aggressive yet careful machining
Photo ©: James Huang
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Shimano probably could have made the new calipers lighter
Photo ©: James Huang
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The asymmetrical chain is exceptionally quiet
Photo ©: James Huang
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Cassettes have only been mildly revised
Photo ©: James Huang
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Shimano has greatly expanded the range
Photo ©: James Huang
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