Dunbar wrote:
aaronechang wrote:
There is a difference between all of the groups and it's not just weight and price. If 105 is just a heavier version of Ultegra, and Ultegra is just a heavier version of Dura Ace, then by logic 105 should have the same performance of Dura Ace? Of course not. The question is - are the differences worth the additional price to you? If your riding / racing needs are such that the answer is no or you don't even notice any differences than yeah get the cheaper one.
I've not ridden 9000 but I would guess there's little to no difference in shift quality between it and 68000 (and thus 5800.) I also couldn't feel a difference between 5700 and 6700 back-to-back when I owned 5700 and rode a loaner bike with 6700 for 3 weeks. Braking was slightly better on 6700 but I wasn't sure if it was the calipers, pads or cables. What you're getting is weight savings and better build quality. I had a 1.5 year old 5700 shifter start to die on me but fortunately Shimano warranty covered it. I doubt you would have that problem with Dura Ace.
OP, if a compact crank works for you here's a screaming deal on 5800 group for $332.
http://www.merlincycles.com/...-cassette-80109.html WOW! thanks for the link. I went with the 6800 group because the 5800 didn't have 170mm crank length.
For $583, I got a full Ultegra 6800 groupset and a free set of Conti GP 4000sii clinchers. That's one hell of a deal considering I got to select the crank gearing and length, not to mention cassette I wanted. I look forward to upgrading the bike. Now I have a spare group for a winter beater build I have been wanting to do for a while now.
"4 wheels move the body, 2 wheels move the soul"