Ultegra v. Dura Ace

[Excelsior]

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) about
12-15 years ago, and my old bike was equipped with Dura Ace components. I really loved Dura Ace compared to the old Shimano 600 (which 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.

[Iain Westy]

Word from the Shimano rep. at worlds last year was that some DA components are actually less durable than their Ultegra counterparts. If you want light weight go DA. If you want best durability go Ultegra.

[richGD]

What is the weight difference between the two... assuming one installs the complete group?

[*lostindark*]

04 Chorus 10, there, two two digit numbers and one word...
top that. Most (All?) of the carbon of Record at usd400 less.....

OK with 9 speed? Or do you just have to have 10? DA is the only current
Brand S offering in 10, Ultegra is suposed to be out next year.. (?)

That being said I have one of each, Ultegra 9 and Chorus 10. Which is best? Shit they both work really nicely. You mind looking at the Brand
S cable routings or do you like the cleaner (IMHO) routings of Brand C? My right ultegra shifter is a bit sloppy after 3000 miles, but still works. The Campy levers feel a bit small, but all in all I like the chorus better (Qualifier, the Chorus is brand freaken new with 25 miles on it...).

My .02... If your not a full blown gearhead or a Pro racer, Ultegra or
Chorus (even Centaur..) will be just fine.

As always this is an uncompensated opinion, YMMV.

FB - apologises for making this another Campy v Shimano thread.

[bigphish7]

Three words and a number: Campy Record Carbon 10

[Treesong]

When someone else is paying the bills ... Dura-ace or Record ... when YOU are paying the bills, Ultegra or Chorus. If money is not a problem get the lesser and upgrade wheels!! Maybe get DA shifters they do have a very different feel to them ... you'll have to adjust out the 10'th cog which is a hack.

[hukkedonfonics]

It's sort of a matter of taste. I had the second set of DuraAce STI shifter in the area and I thought that they were the cat's meow. I've since had several bikes with Ultegra on them and although the quality is every bit as good in my opinion, they feel totally different. Ultegra doesn't "click" like DuraAce and I don't like that.

But more to the point - most of my bikes have been switched to Campy for years. Campy levers feel better, shift at least as well (for a triple they shift quite a bit better in my estimation) and the Centaur group is priced about like an Ultegra group and I'd rate it better than Ultegra or even
DuraAce in operational characteristics. DuraAce is good stuff, no doubt, but you don't gain much going to DuraAce.

[Ben Yackley]

First of all, please accept my appreciation for stating "used" correctly.
You don't know how many people come in here and say "I use to ..."

Second, two words: Campy Chorus. However, since you remind me of myself five years ago, if you have the money and you live where people care, you'll impress your friends with Dura-Ace. If you care about value, Ultegra should be just fine. And no one with their head screwed on straight will snub their nose at "U."

Jim "Nothing Like Campy" Flom

[Excelsior]

v. Ultegra. I am persuaded to go with Ultegra and use the $1000 savings to upgrade various components.

[bigphish7]

On 04/02/2004 08:14 PM, in article