It is a shame that people recognize the difference between Dura-Ace 10 speed and 9 speed as just being one gear.
Realistically, that is the most insignificant of the many technical differences and upgrades from 9 speed to ten speed.
These differences are much more significant than the addition of a single cog:
- Lighter.
- Crank uses solid chanrings that are significantly stiffer side to side than 9 speed resulting in much faster, quieter shifts with less lever travel (particularly important with long cable length, bar-end shifters in aerobars). Benefit: It is much easier to shift 10 speed from the small ring to the big ring using a bar end shifter and the new Dura-Ace 10 speed crank and chainrings. The shift happens faster and requires less lever travel.
- Bottom bracket integrated into crank assembly for increased strength and durability and lighter weight.
- More durable rear derailleur with some forged components.
- Stiffer front derailleur with forged body parts.
- Better barrel adjusters on brake calipers.
- Narrower, lighter, easier shifting chain.
The difference between Dura-Ace 9 and Dura-Ace 10 is not one cog. It is a significant leap in shifter, drivetrain, crank and bottom bracket technology with features and benefits that are a significant and tangible improvement over previous 9 speed versions.
Tom Demerly
The Tri Shop.com