It seems like half the world expected Shimano to unveil a new Dura Ace (7900) at the 2007 shows. Usually that's what happens, they bring out a new XTR one year, and the new DA the following. That didn't happen.
My theory is that Osaka wanted to see what the impact of the Sram stuff would be and to gauge what was needed for DA based on the favor that Force and the rumored Red group were receiving. It seems that Shimano will care even less about what the Italians are doing than they have in the recent past, and toe the line - largely - against Sram for dominance of the OE market.
So, now that they have a good idea of what is needed to beat or compete with the Chicago boys, there is a good bit of speculation about what will be coming this summer (i.e. at the Tour). What is "known" is that there will be two groups - DA7900 and eDA. for those of you (like me) that are not so interested in powered transmission, the 7900 group holds the most appeal. Rumors are consistent that the carbon crank will take a swan dive and be replaced by a lighter, stiffer alloy crank with a hollow forged spider and arms. Carbon should also make it's first appearance on the rest of the group's parts. Other little niceties - like better ergonomics for the STI levers (darn them - it's harder to improve the ergonomics with new Hudz if they did it themselves), and hidden shift cables from the STI levers will also be included, I hear. As a matter of fact, I am so excited about the new DA group that I've abandoned my Campy-Only credo and set up one of my bikes with DA (the 7800 version) for the first time in about 8 years.
And from what I hear about the new Record and Chorus groups, more bikes will follow as soon as 7900 is available...
Wait, did I say new Campy groups???
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