For years, the Shimano Dura-Ace C24 wheels have been among the most appreciated by riders seeking lightness and smooth performance. After an accident irreparably damaged the original rims, I decided to evaluate which components could still be salvaged. The Shimano Dura-Ace hubs, the true protagonists of this project, proved to be perfectly reusable: they showed no play, abnormal wear, or irregularities on the bearing surfaces. This led to the idea of fully rebuilding the wheelset, this time using high-profile carbon rims.
During the disassembly of the hubs, the superior quality of the Dura-Ace series became evident once again. Shimano’s cone-and-ball bearing system, still considered a benchmark for smoothness and precise maintenance, demonstrates its full superiority when serviced. The internal surfaces were perfectly intact, with no signs of pitting or corrosion, confirming that the materials and surface treatments are of premium quality. A complete cleaning, fresh grease, and precise cone adjustment were enough to restore the hubs to optimal operating condition.
For the wheel reconstruction, I chose Light Bicycle R55T rims. They feature a 55 mm profile, an external width of 25 mm, and a weight of only 415 g per rim. This makes them an ideal choice for achieving a high-performance wheel while keeping the overall weight competitive. For the lacing, I used Sapim CX-Ray spokes, which need no introduction, along with aluminum nipples.
At the end of the assembly, the total weight of the pair stabilized at 1417 g, a remarkable result considering the 55 mm profile. The smoothness achieved is typical of well-adjusted Dura-Ace hubs: fluid, silent, and consistent even after long rides. The combination of high-quality hubs and modern carbon rims produces a wheelset with performance comparable to the Shimano Dura-Ace C60 R9100, but with a more personal and handcrafted character.
This project demonstrates how Shimano Dura-Ace hubs are extraordinarily long-lasting and suitable for wheel rebuild projects. In today’s cycling world, where the tendency is often to replace rather than repair, salvaging high-quality components not only saves resources but also highlights the mechanical essence of cycling. A well-built wheel, using appropriate components, continues to deliver reliable and satisfying performance for many years.
Technical Data
Shimano Dura-Ace Hubs (C24 series)
- Front hub weight: 131 g
- Rear hub weight: 256 g
- Bearing system: cone and ball
- Freehub body: Titanium
Light Bicycle R55T Rims
- Profile height: 55 mm
- External width: 25 mm
- Single rim weight: 415 g
Spokes and Nipples
- Spokes: Sapim CX-Ray
- Nipples: Aluminum
Total Wheelset Weight
- Complete wheelset: 1417 g
For high-resolution photos, visit the Flickr album.