Another gruppo comparison (but a new one I think); Ultegra vs. Ultegra SL

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The new Ultegra SL sure looks nice, but is it much better than regular Ultegra?

colour and a few grams... else same same.

Depends on how much you want the shinier, newer, and improved color... :rolleyes:

I ride Campagnolo, so I will always pay more to ride the nicer group (I know I am a sucker).

The shifters are meant to be DA internals.

For me I can tell the difference between the DA action and Ultegra.

The weight saving is small, but the price increase is small also. For me the action is more of a selling point. Next year DA will have brand new internals and Ultegra SL (or what ever it is called then) will likely continue the same parts for the shifters (for at least one more year).

Just think of it as a minor face lift for Ultegra.

The new Ultegra SL sure looks nice, but is it much better than regular Ultegra?
The price comes at an incremental differential.... :p Ultegra SL is better than Ultegra but it's not quite Dura Ace.

That said even plain old Ultegra is better than what Merckx rode - so stop whinning about equipment and spent 7 hours a day in 53x15. :)

Given that both major component makers (Campagnolo and Shimano) are rumoured to be introducing major new bits and pieces in their lines soon, it may be worthwhile to wait a while and see what they come out with.

Or, if you are sensible and not concerned by marketing trends, just go out and get what you prefer now... :)

Or, if you are sensible and not concerned by marketing trends, just go out and get what you prefer now... :)Or, if you are really sensible and not concerned about trends, wait until the new changes are made, and then buy the things that are current right now at a discounted rate.

Or, if you are really sensible and not concerned about trends, wait until the new changes are made, and then buy the things that are current right now at a discounted rate.Touche'. :)

Ultegra is discontinued for 09, with SL replacing it full-time. They're doing this because there will be two DA groups in 09, one at a price point higher than current.

There you go, wait for early 2009 and pick up an 'old' 2008 group for a good price as it is discontinued!

Given that both major component makers (Campagnolo and Shimano) are rumoured to be introducing major new bits and pieces in their lines soon, it may be worthwhile to wait a while and see what they come out with.

Or, if you are sensible and not concerned by marketing trends, just go out and get what you prefer now... :)

7900 is more than a rumor but since you ARE in Italia, what have you heard about Campagnolo? Other than electronic, which I roll my eyes about.

Ultegra is discontinued for 09, with SL replacing it full-time. They're doing this because there will be two DA groups in 09, one at a price point higher than current.

7900 and 7900'e', electronic, both of which are gonna be expensive. Decent writeup on Cyclingnews.com about 7900. Ders not compatible with 7800 but we'll check to see.

The price comes at an incremental differential.... :p Ultegra SL is better than Ultegra but it's not quite Dura Ace.

That said even plain old Ultegra is better than what Merckx rode - so stop whinning about equipment and spent 7 hours a day in 53x15. :)

It IS about the motor....I wonder how long before ultegra will change to 7900 spec(2010?), making that range ders obsolete, as 7800 is going to become.

7900 is more than a rumor but since you ARE in Italia, what have you heard about Campagnolo? Other than electronic, which I roll my eyes about.Apparently electronic is for 2009 or 10, they have to make the wires disappear and the hide the battery. :)

I have heard that there will be significant refinements to the Record group. Whether this is true or wishful thinking, I have no idea.

It's all just smack for junkies. My 9sp DA works just fine.

Cripes! That stuffs' gotta be nearly 10 years old! Maybe I should upgrade? ;)

It's all just smack for junkies. My 9sp DA works just fine.

Cripes! That stuffs' gotta be nearly 10 years old! Maybe I should upgrade? ;)


Waterford with 1987 Campagnolo C-Record, right down to the friction shifters and 7 speed freewheel.

It's all just smack for junkies. My 9sp DA works just fine.

Cripes! That stuffs' gotta be nearly 10 years old! Maybe I should upgrade? ;)
Maybe you should start making carbon frames as well!!

Are you selling more Ti or steel frames these days?

Maybe you should start making carbon frames as well!!

Are you selling more Ti or steel frames these days?You mean like this? :)

Equal Ti to steel sales atm, but it varies month-to-month.

Thylacine, heck of a nice paintjob on that frame. Not for me (more of the classic, one color kind of guy here) but very eye-catching!

Waterford with 1987 Campagnolo C-Record, right down to the friction shifters and 7 speed freewheel.
Peter, we are still waiting for the pictures of your ride!

... unless I missed something...