Ultegra 10 Availability

zspen said:

I've started the shopping process for my next bike and I'm getting conflicting information about the availability of the new Ultegra 10 components. Many of the dealers still have bikes on the floor with Ultegra 9. I can understand that for 2004 bikes but I have also seen 2005 bikes with Ultegra 9 - even though the manufacturer's website or brochure says they will have Ultegra 10. When I've asked I've gotten the following responses:

"They're offering both 9 and 10 this year. We don't have 10 in stock but can get it for an additional charge."

"Ultegra 10 won't be available on this brand until later this year."

"We can't sell the 10 until all the 9's are gone."

I know Shimano has had trouble meeting the demand for the new Ultegra, but after reading a rave review on the Ultegra 10 I don't want to pay full price for a new bike and not get the latest. Anyone have any insight? By the way, the smaller manufacturers seem to have the 10. It's the big names (Trek, LeMond, Specialized, etc.) where I've yet to see the new stuff.

Generally, top-end models from big manufacturers spec their bikes with DA10. The other high-end bikes are spec'd with Ultegra9. This draws line (DA vs. Ultegra) between the 'meant for the pro' and the 'elite level cyclist' bikes. With the introduction of the Ultegra10, this "line" became blurred. I think that manufacturers are having a hard time on where to put the Ultegra10, and whether people would buy it if put on particular bike.

Some bike shops do offer the Ultegra10, but not on stock bikes. They usually swap out the stock components on the bike from a separate Ultegra10 groupset, for a premium of course.

Personally, I would have no need for the Ultegra10 on a new bike right now, as I'm quite fine with a 9s drivetrain. I'll just be upgrading to the Ultegra10 when the time comes.

Just my $0.02 worth.

BTW, Giant offers Ultegra10 on their TCR Composite line. giant-bicycles.com030.000.000.aspOpen ↗

Eventhough I would probably perform the same with 9 or 10, if you're spending good money why not look for the latest? If you're getting a great price on the 9 equiped bikes then it's O.K to me but if not look for the 10, after a while if you don't do it your bike will seem outdated eventhough is new and you'll be on the market for a 10 set. Just MHO.

I was in the same situation as you. I ordered the Trek Madone SL 5.2 with Ultegra 10 back in November when I saw it on Trek's website. The LBS said that it could take anywhere between a week and a month. So I waited and waited for the bike to come in. After a month, I emailed Trek's customer service and asked them what's up. They wrote me back right away and the demand for bikes with the new Ultegra is huge so I had to wait a bit longer.

I was getting impatient since the shop was getting in Madone's with Ultegra 9 in. I was tempted to just get the one of those since they were about $400 cheaper, but my Madone SL finally came in.

The Madone SL is sweet and definitely worth the wait. The Ultegra 10 is a huge improvement. After you get it dialed in, the rides smooth and it feels like you have an infinite amount of gears to work with. The shifter/levers feel more like DA's too. I would test ride the frame you want and order the one with Ultegra 10 and just wait for it to come in.

BTW, upgrading from 9 to 10 will cost you more than $400 (Levers, chain, cassette):eek: So better wait a while and get the 10 group.

Solanog said:

BTW, upgrading from 9 to 10 will cost you more than $400 (Levers, chain, cassette)

Where'd you see them for that price?

We have 9 and 10 version of the Madones in my shop. The 9s came out first because the frames were ready and there was no telling when Shimano was going to ship their stuff. But I can tell you this, if your local shop doesn't have it, you'll have to wait...Trek is bone dry.

If you're in the Atlanta area though, come see us.

andrello said:

Where'd you see them for that price?

OOps sorry I was thinking Dura Ace, but Ultegra will be around 325-350. Dura Ace, at jensonusa and beyondbike.com.
Dura Ace will be around: $600

Solanog said:

OOps sorry I was thinking Dura Ace, but Ultegra will be around 325-350. Dura Ace, at jensonusa and beyondbike.com.
Dura Ace will be around: $600

At JensonUSA the Ultegra levers alone are $365.
http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product.aspx?i=SL603B00
If you upgrade the bare mininum (i.e., levers, chain, cassette and rear derailleur) it will cost $560.

andrello said:

At JensonUSA the Ultegra levers alone are $365.
http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product.aspx?i=SL603B00
If you upgrade the bare mininum (i.e., levers, chain, cassette and rear derailleur) it will cost $560.

I think 9spd rear derailleur will do the job with 10spd. Anyway better wait and buy the 10spd bike.