Ultegra v. Dura Ace

Quoted message said:

My question is: what is most peoples' experience with the
difference between the two component groups? Is a bike
equipped with Dura Ace worth the extra $1,000 as compared
to a similar bike equipped with Ultegra?

If the only difference between the two is Ultegra vs
DuraAce, then I'd say that's quite a steep price to pay for
the upgrade. I would put the money into the frame & wheels
first, and then go for the rest of the components.

But I think the answer also depends upon whether you're
looking for a double or triple. In the double crankset
arena, I feel the new 10-speed DuraAce has definitely made
great strides over prior equipment. But for a triple, I
actually find the Ultegra triple to be more reliable than
the DuraAce version, and both have the same number of gears.
The only thing you give up with the Ultegra is a 39t middle
chainring, which I don't see as that big a deal.

--Mike-- Chain Reaction Bicycles
chainreactionbicycles.comchainreactionbicycles.comOpen ↗

"Raoul Duke" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

I am in the market place for a new bike and I am
considering the differences between Ultegra and Dura Ace.
I used to race road bikes (Cat
IV) about12-15 years ago, and my old bike was equipped
with Dura Ace components. I really loved Dura Ace
compared to the old Shimano 600

(which

Quoted message said:

I undertand was replaced by Ultegra).

My question is: what is most peoples' experience with the
difference between the two component groups? Is a bike
equipped with Dura Ace worth the extra $1,000 as compared
to a similar bike equipped with Ultegra?

I would like to get back into racing and triathlons, but I
am primarily interested in riding on weekends and one or
two times during the week. I want something that will last
for a lot of years. Is Dura Ace much more durable than
Ultegra?

Any feedback will be greatly appreciated.

Regards,

RD

Raoul Duke said:

I am in the market place for a new bike and I am
considering the differences between Ultegra and Dura Ace.
I used to race road bikes (Cat
IV) about12-15 years ago, and my old bike was equipped
with Dura Ace components. I really loved Dura Ace
compared to the old Shimano 600

(which

Quoted message said:

I undertand was replaced by Ultegra).

My question is: what is most peoples' experience with the
difference between the two component groups? Is a bike
equipped with Dura Ace worth the extra $1,000 as compared
to a similar bike equipped with Ultegra?

I would like to get back into racing and triathlons, but I
am primarily interested in riding on weekends and one or
two times during the week. I want something that will last
for a lot of years. Is Dura Ace much more durable than
Ultegra?

Go with Ultegra. For one thing, Ultegra shifters can be used
with EITHER a double or triple crankset; Dura-Ace is one or
the other (and the DA triple system is strange).

Secondly, DA has already gone to 10-speed. It may be tough
getting replacement parts for 9-speed. And DA 10-speed stuff
is way overpriced.

I've used DA shifters and they work fine, but so do 105
shifters. Some DA stuff may be a wee bit smoother and more
durable than Ultegra, but not enough to worry about.
Neither shifter is repairable. Mostly DA is just a little
bit lighter.

If I had it to do over again I would probably either get
Ultegra or Campy Centaur or Chorus. But I refuse to go to a
10-speed system. Nine is MORE than enough.

I certainly wouldn't choose one bike over another based on
the component group. Many more important things to consider
(wheels, frame, fit, clearance issues, etc.).

Art Harris

Quoted message said:

If I had it to do over again I would probably either get
Ultegra or Campy Centaur or Chorus. But I refuse to go to
a 10-speed system. Nine is MORE than enough.

If a 10-speed cassette would give me a 12-29, I'd have it on
my bike tomorrow. I'm not doing Sonora Pass with a 39/27
again. The alternative is an FSA or other compact crank with
a 50/34, but I really don't understand why, with 10
sprockets, they didn't allow a bit wider range.

--Mike-- Chain Reaction Bicycles www.ChainReaction.com

"Arthur Harris" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Raoul Duke said:

I am in the market place for a new bike and I am
considering the differences between Ultegra and Dura
Ace. I used to race road bikes

(Cat

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

IV) about12-15 years ago, and my old bike was equipped
with Dura Ace components. I really loved Dura Ace
compared to the old Shimano 600

(which

Quoted message said:

I undertand was replaced by Ultegra).

My question is: what is most peoples' experience with
the difference between the two component groups? Is a
bike equipped with Dura Ace

worth

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

the extra $1,000 as compared to a similar bike equipped
with Ultegra?

I would like to get back into racing and triathlons, but
I am primarily interested in riding on weekends and one
or two times during the week.

I

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

want something that will last for a lot of years. Is
Dura Ace much more durable than Ultegra?

Go with Ultegra. For one thing, Ultegra shifters can be
used with EITHER a double or triple crankset; Dura-Ace is
one or the other (and the DA triple system is strange).

Secondly, DA has already gone to 10-speed. It may be tough
getting replacement parts for 9-speed. And DA 10-speed
stuff is way overpriced.

Agreed. It's breathtakingly expensive. (Ugly too.)

Quoted message said:

I've used DA shifters and they work fine, but so do 105
shifters. Some DA stuff may be a wee bit smoother and more
durable than Ultegra, but not enough to worry about.
Neither shifter is repairable. Mostly DA is just a little
bit lighter.

How many riders of 10-speed Dura Ace are going to be happy
when they're told they have to replace their
stratospherically expensive shifters instead of repairing
them? Dura Ace 10-speed is going to help retailers sell a
lot of Campy Centaur and Record components.

Quoted message said:

If I had it to do over again I would probably either get
Ultegra or Campy Centaur or Chorus. But I refuse to go to
a 10-speed system. Nine is MORE than enough.

I certainly wouldn't choose one bike over another based on
the component group. Many more important things to
consider (wheels, frame, fit,

clearance

Quoted message said:

issues, etc.).

Hear hear.

Quoted message said:

The only thing you give up with the Ultegra is a 39t
middle chainring, which I don't see as that big a deal.

For me, the 39T middle ring was the only reason I opted for
the Dura-Ace.

After having ridden for decades using a 53/39 double, I
didn't want to change my normal gearing setup but did
desire to add third ring for the 3 to 4 times a year I wish
to use it.

Regards,

Chris Neary [email hidden]