Product Review

When we think of Ultegra 6800, we're immediately filled with thoughts of its enviably good looks. And before we start to sound superficial, let's note that those looks are backed up by intelligent design and ever-improving functionality throughout the entire groupset. Ultegra is genetically blessed, to be sure, right down to the Ultegra 6800 11-Speed Outer Chainring. As the star of the groupset, the Ultegra crankset deserved far better than just a standard chainring thrown on it. Shimano did right by its second-from-the-top groupset, and using its Hollowglide technology and aluminum's storied durability, the brand crafted the Outer Chainring with its signature mix of reliability and longevity. A hollow construction shaves valuable grams without sacrificing stiffness, while offering more efficient power transfer and more precise, responsive shifts. Though Shimano doesn't reveal the exact measurements of its top-secret BCD, we do know that its chainrings are universally compatible throughout its 11-speed drivetrains. So, even if you're waiting to have full Ultegra bestowed on you by sponsors, you can still run an Ultegra chainring on your 105 11-speed crankset, though not if you're still riding on 10-speed.