Bicycle Mechanics - How many miles do you expect to get out of your STI shifter (Rear cogs) .?

I must have a least 10,000 miles on my Ultegra (Rear) derailleur handlebar shifter. It has shown signs of refusing to click into another gear, particularily when going to a smaller cog...Have to really push hard on the handle...Some say 10,000 miles and change it...What is your experience? 10,000 miles and about 3 years..

I would expect far more than 10K miles. I have 9K+ on my drivetrain and it shows no sign of wear. But ... it depends upon how clean you keep your chain. If you let grit and junk get in there, it wear down not only the chain, but the cassette and chainrings as well. FTR, I'm on my second chain.

Best.

Cycle Freak..By shifter I mean the lever on the handlebars...IT's internal mechanisms are pretty touchy..My source is a mechanic at a LBS...Just a fear, because I have noticed some resistance to shifting.
OF course, this mechanic takes care of his bike on a schedule far in excess of anything the average cyclist does. Real preventative action to keep his bike like New.

The unofficial STI makeover is to flush its guts with WD-40. Google on "STI WD40 flush" and read all about it. Apparently it works for many people -and is an excellent use of the miracle fluid. It's certainly worth a try before buying a new one.

[QUOTE=cyclezealot]By shifter I mean the lever on the handlebars...IT's internal mechanisms are pretty touchy.QUOTE]

Sorry, misread your post.
My Ultegra shifters have 9+K on them. They appear to be working fine. I have changed the cables and housings once and will do it again this December. Edge Cyclesport did "flush" out the DuraAce on my Medici (she's retired) by injecting some degreaser into the mechanism, tilting the bike a little and letting it drain. It worked somewhat. That DA 6 season on it so it probably needs changing (if it gets unretired).

Best.

I have two pairs of "first generation" 105 levers, with the flat, round front, as opposed to the pointy nose "next generation" levers. The left lever of both pairs died after about 25,000 miles each, and both right levers are starting to get sloppy after about 30,000 miles each. I've just bought some new 9 speed Dura-Ace levers and I hope to get as many miles out of them