Shimano patents a new derailleur hanger and aims for a 1x13 groupset

The eternal competition between Shimano and SRAM could add a new chapter following the publication of a patent that reveals a two-arm derailleur hanger system and the possible arrival of a wireless 13-speed transmission. The application, identified as US 18/653358, shows an unprecedented concept from the Japanese brand that could transform the way its future Di2 groups are attached to the frame.

Shimano patents a derailleur hanger with a design halfway between UDH and SRAM's Full Mount

The document, recently discovered by Pinkbike in patent databases, describes a hanger that holds the derailleur between two metal arms, instead of anchoring it to one side of the frame as in traditional designs. This system contrasts with SRAM's Full Mount, where the derailleur forms a single block that attaches to the frame on both sides of the dropout. In Shimano's case, the two pieces "embrace" the derailleur body directly and not the frame, offering additional structural reinforcement.

The base of the assembly maintains compatibility with the UDH (Universal Derailleur Hanger) standard, widely adopted among frame manufacturers. Everything points to this new configuration aiming to increase rigidity and shifting precision, two aspects that are already critical in current electronic transmissions.

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Although this extra rigidity could go against what Shimano has always defended, the idea that the hanger should bend or break to protect the derailleur, it could also reduce misalignments after impacts and improve alignment in high-precision systems.

Beyond the hanger design, the same patent document explicitly mentions a transmission with thirteen cogs in the cassette and a motor integrated into the derailleur itself, which clearly points to a new generation of fully wireless Di2 groups.

The illustrations included in the application show details more akin to a road or gravel derailleur than to a mountain bike model, leading many to believe that Shimano could be preparing to enter the high-end gravel segment with a 13-speed electronic group. However, it is not ruled out that this architecture could also extend to mountain biking at a later stage.

The arrival of a 13-speed could position Shimano against rivals that have already taken the step, such as SRAM with its T-Type transmissions or Rotor, expanding the range and reducing jumps between gears, an evolution particularly attractive for competitive gravel.

For now, it is merely a patent, with no official confirmation from Shimano. But the appearance of the document coincides with the recent renewal of the XTR, XT, and Deore Di2 groups, which suggests that the Japanese brand is already advancing its next technological move.

If the design goes into production, we could be looking at a new anchoring standard that combines compatibility with UDH, greater structural rigidity, and a generational leap towards 13 electronic and wireless cogs.