I’m looking at a set of race wheels (well buying really) and I need to get a 9spd cassette. Any opinions on if Dura Ace is worth the extra money? Also any comments on Sram’s version? Most of the bike and all of the shifting are Ultegra components. Thanks
Kevin
.
hmm, ultegra cogs spin just fine but the lock ring on the Dura ace is definetely nicer! Granted you only see it when you look close, but dura ace is lighter and has TITANIUM cogs which makes it worth it simply cause it’s cool. I train on Ultegra and race on a DA mainly because when I needed an 11-23 for a race my lbs only had DA, but it’s definitely cooler and lighter and maybe even smoother.
hmm, ultegra cogs spin just fine but the lock ring on the Dura ace is definetely nicer! Granted you only see it when you look close, but dura ace is lighter and has TITANIUM cogs which makes it worth it simply cause it’s cool. I train on Ultegra and race on a DA mainly because when I needed an 11-23 for a race my lbs only had DA, but it’s definitely cooler and lighter and maybe even smoother.
So…the tolerances are the same for DA 10 and DA 9…no shifting problems?
I train on DA and race on SRP Titanium.
never had any problems with tolerance. You can actually use, Tiagra, 105, Ultegra 9 and Dura Ace 9 interchangeably. Hell I have a Ultegra 9 rear derailer on my roard bike, Dura Ace 10 derailer on my tri bike (set up for 9 speeds) and use Ultegra and Dura Ace 9 wheels on both bikes interchangeably. Never had any problems.
hammydad,
You have been advised that the DA titanium cassette is cool and lighter by a few grams. You should also bear in mind that titanium is a softer metal than steel and the DA cassette will wear significantly faster than the steel Ultegra cassette. And not on the order of 10-15% faster but more like 100-200% faster on the titanium cogs if you use them much. I don’t thing Shimano even makes their 11 or 12 tooth cog in titanium because there is so little metal and teeth to handle the power transfer. Neither does Campy.
So is it worth it? You have to be the judge. But is helps to be informed rather than misled with only part of the facts.
My tri bike is full Ultegra - road bike is full DA10 speed. If you are asking, get the Ultegra - absolutely no difference in shifting and very little in weight for the money. The DA9 to 10 rear cogs DO have a slightly different spacing and are not entirely interchangeable. Works, but slight skip shifts and jumps when climbing/standing hard.
Thanks Ben,
Thats what I was wondering about. Much more concerned about durability, even on race wheels, than weight. Guess I’ll get Ultegra and save my money.
Kevin
.