Dura Ace vs. Ultegra? More Confussion--

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2009-08-25 12:27 PM

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Subject: Dura Ace vs. Ultegra? More Confussion--
Another question regarding bike build.Dura Ace vs. Ultegra?How much of a difference would I notice?Can get a 2009 P2, with DA for 2900?Good deal?Or grab a felt b12 somewhere on-line?Ahhh more confused then ever!!

2009-08-25 12:32 PM
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Subject: RE: Dura Ace vs. Ultegra? More Confussion--
You would notice almost zero difference.  There are usually better places to spend the money if you are at all budget constrained.
2009-08-25 12:36 PM
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Subject: RE: Dura Ace vs. Ultegra? More Confussion--

Dura Ace is a little nicer than Ultegra but quite a bit more expensive.  WIll it make a performance difference?  Very little if any at all.  DA is maybe more prone to breaking if you are not a light cyclist, too.  It's your call on whether to pay the extra bucks.  My road bike is equipped with Dura Ace.  My tri bike has Ultegra.  I can't tell any quality difference between the two sets of components when I am riding.  I am happy with both bikes.

2009-08-25 12:45 PM
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Subject: RE: Dura Ace vs. Ultegra? More Confussion--
JohnnyKay - 2009-08-25 1:32 PM You would notice almost zero difference.  There are usually better places to spend the money if you are at all budget constrained.


x2. Functionally you'll never notice the difference.

Unless a couple hundred grams means something to you; DA is lighter (12-15% for the grouppo). And DA will have slightly better wear characteristics and correspondingly an additional year of warranty (3 vs. 2).

Here's more than you will EVER want to know.

https://www.bikesportmichigan.com/features/dura-ace-ultegra.shtml
2009-08-25 12:50 PM
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Subject: RE: Dura Ace vs. Ultegra? More Confussion--

I actually notice a big difference. I have small hands and the Dura-Ace levers are narrower and easier to use for me.

2009-08-25 12:51 PM
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Subject: RE: Dura Ace vs. Ultegra? More Confussion--
jeng - 2009-08-25 1:50 PM

I actually notice a big difference. I have small hands and the Dura-Ace levers are narrower and easier to use for me.



Heh. That's good. Took me a second, but I got there.


2009-08-25 1:36 PM
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Subject: RE: Dura Ace vs. Ultegra? More Confussion--
highenuff - 2009-08-25 12:27 PM Another question regarding bike build.Dura Ace vs. Ultegra?How much of a difference would I notice?Can get a 2009 P2, with DA for 2900?Good deal?Or grab a felt b12 somewhere on-line?Ahhh more confused then ever!!


The DA P2 also has a better crank (FSA SLK Light MegaExo Carbon, retails for ~$500), bottom bracket, and saddle (fi'zi:k Arione Tri2) than the Ultegra model, so it's not just the DA you're getting for the higher price. Whether or not those things are worth the marginal cost to you is a personal decision.

IMHO $2900 isn't that bad a price for the DA model, only $200 more than the MSRP for the Ultegra.

Added bonus: the DA is red and silver, and everyone knows red bikes are faster!
2009-08-25 2:16 PM
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Subject: RE: Dura Ace vs. Ultegra? More Confussion--

The Ultegra SL is so close to the last generation DA that Shimano had to re-design the DA so they could continue to market it as a better more costly group.  The newest DA has quite a few changes in the system.  The levers feel more like Campy levers now and it does work better overall than Ultegra.  Plus there is a weight savings.

If you are comparing the last generation DA to Ultegra, I would definately save some money and go with Ultregra.  If you are looking at the new gen DA and have money (I don't), then check out the DA and see how they feel to you when you ride the bike.  It usually is more costly to swap out components later and you would be "state of the art" with the new DA.

Or you can get your hands on the DA electric!!!!

2009-08-25 2:20 PM
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Subject: RE: Dura Ace vs. Ultegra? More Confussion--
Gregkl - 2009-08-25 2:16 PM

The Ultegra SL is so close to the last generation DA that Shimano had to re-design the DA so they could continue to market it as a better more costly group.  The newest DA has quite a few changes in the system.  The levers feel more like Campy levers now and it does work better overall than Ultegra.  Plus there is a weight savings.

If you are comparing the last generation DA to Ultegra, I would definately save some money and go with Ultregra.  If you are looking at the new gen DA and have money (I don't), then check out the DA and see how they feel to you when you ride the bike.  It usually is more costly to swap out components later and you would be "state of the art" with the new DA.

Or you can get your hands on the DA electric!!!!



My P2 came with the 7900 DA, with the enhancements of which you speak, including carbon derailleur cages. The LBS did have some 2009 P2s on the floor with 7800 DA.

2009-08-25 2:30 PM
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Subject: RE: Dura Ace vs. Ultegra? More Confussion--


My P2 came with the 7900 DA, with the enhancements of which you speak, including carbon derailleur cages. The LBS did have some 2009 P2s on the floor with 7800 DA.


How do you like it? 
2009-08-25 2:45 PM
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Subject: RE: Dura Ace vs. Ultegra? More Confussion--
Gregkl - 2009-08-25 2:30 PM

My P2 came with the 7900 DA, with the enhancements of which you speak, including carbon derailleur cages. The LBS did have some 2009 P2s on the floor with 7800 DA.


How do you like it? 


Love the bike, components are smooth as silk, crank is stiff and responsive, that saddle is the most comfortable nosed saddle I've ever ridden.

But frankly if my LBS was selling the Ultegra model in red I probably would have saved the money.
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