“Realistically, the opportunity for performance gains of 105 vs Dura Ace on a tri bike are negligible, 105 is really good stuff”
I saw this in another thread, and have wondered before. Does DA or Ultegra make more of a difference in different applications? I’d think the only place it might matter would be in the shifting. I own 2 bikes w/ Ultegra- 9 and 10 speed. My front shifter on the 9-sp is dying, but I’ve owned the bike since early 2001. For durability, Ultegra certainly seems to have done the trick- I learned to road ride on this bike (ham-fisted shifting), and raced it for years.
I think the only place where you’ll notice a difference are in the STI’s. You won’t even notice a difference in the rear derailleur (I use close to full DA anyway, just because it is shinier)
Ultergra to DA, not so much of a difference…
From 105 to Ultegra to DA the FD and RD are noticebly different, but the brakes are just about the same. There is only DA level bar end shifters, but if you’re looking to STI shifters, the difference between the two is negligible and some actually like 105 better due to the revised shape.
Bob
The DA shifters are reputadely the only ones not to rattle on rough surfaces.
And yes, it’ll make more difference in road racing. In a TT (or tri I guess) you don’t have to worry so much about shifting, sharp braking, or weight.
Exactly, better, lighter parts in the DA STI shifters. No argument there. But, ergonomically, I actually liked the 105 a bit better and if I had to chose weight over money it would be a tough call.