Smoother, more responsive levers do little if the components they work with don't improve alongside them, so we weren't surprised to see Shimano revisiting its dual-pivot rim brake design while quietly overhauling Dura-Ace for this year. The resulting Dura-Ace BR-9100 Brake Calipers make their entrance boasting a new steel bridge between each caliper arm pivot, which reduces flex for more consistent braking power when you're slamming on the levers. The bridge contributes to the calipers' enhanced modulation and more fluid, linear behavior across the braking curve, working in tandem with the levers to provide responsive stopping power whether you need to lightly temper your speed or pull up quickly to miss a crash. On the aesthetics side, Shimano subtly reduced the gap between each arm to create sleeker lines that align with the rest of the groupset's classy styling.