I would buy a Dura-Ace rear derailleur.

the best pulleys are worth about one watt over the standard Shimanos.
OTOH $60 isn't much. might be worth it just for the fun of it.. I've been tempted.

You could buy the friction facts test but saving around a watt is in the ballpark. I believe the 105 derailleur has one pulley with a bearing and one with a bushing, A pulley with a bushing uses about a half watt more than one with a bearing.

Why is a DA derailleur better than a new 105. I'm certainly not arguing just very interested. If it's worth it I will. For that matter what about ultrgra? I see a ton of those at races?

I just upgraded for $30.00. Like others have said it is bearing vs bushing. Can I tell the difference so far? No. Have I spent $30.00 more frivolously? Yes.

I agree! What the heck I've spent that much on the new chain. I'm just interested why it was recommended to just buy a dura ace derailleur?

IIRC the DA RD comes stock with bearings instead of bushings. From my experience I purchased an inexpensive pair of jockey wheels with bearings off Amazon for a 105 RD once and did not notice any difference over stock jockey wheels. Not a great investment.

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"It never gets easier, you just go faster."
-Greg LeMond

Thanks for sharing that experience...I may just throw some in there anyway so that the chain and pulleys are new. UPS just delivered the Rock n Roll gold. Looks interesting?

How did you decide on Rock n Roll Gold. If you are going to spend the eight bucks you might as well buy the Rock n Roll Extreme. It tested better than gold via likely the same source you heard about Gold from.

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If you want a super clean drivetrain, go for the paraffin-dip-waxxed chain - it's amazing! You can grab the chain with your hand full-out and have no chain tattoo.

Lilly Lube tested better than Rock n Roll Extreme and just as clean, if not cleaner if you don't want to go the wax route. Easier to apply too.

I picked it because it's the best of both worlds. I did a lot of research and came up with that decision...heck I'd had gone with the extreme if it would get to me keep up with Sebastian!😂😂

I considered that.....I believe it was by Molten. Too much labor...🍷🍻

Virgin candle wax, crockpot.
Lasts longer, no cleaning required after initial chain degrease and cheap as the big candles you buy for cheap.

It's faster than lubing, believe it or not. If you 'do it right', for a lubed chain, you should be cleaning your chain well with a chain tool or other method for lubing, and then lubing them link by link so you make sure the lube is where it's supposed to be.

WIth the wax, it's turn on crockpot with wax and your chain in it (no chain cleaning required!) , come back in 15-30 mins (depending on how much wax), pull it out, wipe the extra off quickly with a paper towel, and mount. It's great! The dirt/crud comes out in the wax bath and settles to the bottom.

(I'm not using the Molten wax company's protocol - I'm just using straight paraffin without any additives.)