If you're trying to build that Soloist up to be solid, but affordable, go full Ultegra with a Dura-Ace rear derailleur...Dura-Ace front derailleur only if you live in a hilly area and will be shifting the chainring a lot.

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Portside Athletics Blog

I sort of agree with SwBkRn44, but I would use all Ultegra drive and shift components and use the Dura Ace shifters. I personally think they shift a bit better. (If you keep your rear der. clean and lubed you can't tell the difference between Ultegra and DA. At least I can't).

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Azby

There are some differences between the two levers.

According to Shimano (I just phoned them to ask) the primary differences are:

• Dura-Ace levers have a 3 year warranty, Ultegra are covered for 2 years.
• Dura-Ace levers use several different materials than Ultegra in the body and the rotating ratchet mechanism that enhance their durability. As a result, a Dura-Ace STi lever will last longer and be more crash resistant (although crash damage is not covered in Shimano's warranty).
• Dura-Ace STi dual control levers are slightly lighter than Ultegra.
• The shiny finish on Dura-Ace and the pewter powder coating also add cost to the levers but enhance their overall appearance.
• There is no difference in "throw" or acctuation distance between Ultegra 10 speed and Dura-Ace 10 speed STi dual control levers.
• The current Ultegra ST-6600 series STi dual control lever is based directly on the design of the ST-7800 Series Shimano Dura-Ace STi dual control lever.

I hope that helps! Shimano does have a consumer inquiry toll-free line at 1 800 423 2420.

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Tom Demerly
The Tri Shop.com

thanks Tom

so... if I understand correctly:

DA10 is pretty much exactly the same as Ultegra10 except they're slightly lighter, shinier and have one more year under warranty.

I think the more durable / crash resistant thing sounds like kind of a red herring.

You missed the most important part - rotation of the shifter.

To the original post, I'd really take a look at SRAM due to ergonomics. I actually prefer the DA shifting, but the ergo of the SRAM is extremely comfy to ride.....

After riding Ultegra shifters for the last 7 years I have moved to DA and they shift much better than the Ultegra ever did.

I think that likely had a lot more to do with 7 years of technological improvement, rather than line labels.

Thanks tom and everyone else..... I guess it really doesn't matter


I'll just see what i can find on ebay.


Grant

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Grant
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I would say more due to the fact that if the Ultegra levers were 7 years old they were probably worn out and anything would have seemed better.