EMT5911

Hello everyone. Just a quick question. Does anyone know what the differences are between all the different Ultegra models? I will be using my tax return to buy most of the group. Levers, cranks, fr/rr derailleurs, brakes, cassette. I would like to buy the top-of-the line for that group. I wish I could afford Dura Ace but.... Oh yeah I run a dble chainring.

Thanks,

Z.

mtnbiker4791

There is Ultegra and Ultegra SL. The SL being the dark colored one and weighing just a hair lighter than Ultegra

fordfasterr

just spend a little more and get the DA.... why bother.

orangepaint

Go Ultegra or go DA. The finish of SL and the small weight savings aren't worth it.

Quiz Man

Were there no performance improvements with the SL ie shifting?

ginsoakedboy

I've read that the SL is about 97 grams lighter for the entire group as compared with standard Ultegra, but that 45 of those grams are saved in the brifters. That means less than 2 oz of weight savings accross the entire rest of the group (and I'm talking the full group - headset, hubs, everything). Hardly seems worth the extra $$$ unless the aesthetics of the "ice grey" finish appeal to you.

sean3089

The sl gruppo is 15$ more expensive than the regular Ultegra. Weird.

Al1943

What do you have now? how many speeds on the cassette?

EMT5911

I am currently running the full 2003 105 drivetrain 9 spd

Al1943

Since you're buying the entire group just get what you want. If you needed to you could replace your old shifters, cassette, and chain with the new 10-speed stuff and then do the rest later. The old derailleurs and crankset should work fine. It's up to you.

DMF 

A little more??

DMF 

The idea that the higher-cost groups are functionally better is a widespread myth. You're paying for a) bling factor, b) lower mass (weight), and c) increased fragility. Unless you're a racer there's no point b).

For a noticeable improvement on your current bike, upgrade the wheelset.

Or just buy a new bike.

AndrewP

After upgrading the wheelset and tires, upgrade the shoes.

rideon7

I can tell you this. Yesterday I weighed a pair of Shimano 105 brakes and Shimano BR-6500 brakes and the total difference between the two types was 14 grams! You can take a look at the price difference and decide if it's worth paying the extra money to save 14 grams.

operator

Disagree. For noticeable improvement, upgrade the engine.

You may want to rethink this upgrade. You're literally replacing your entire bike for 1 more gear. Unless you're racing, it really isn't worth it. Then again, it's your money.

HillMut

You WILL notice a difference in functionality between shimano 9spd and 10spd. Mostly in the shifters. Even 10spd 105 will feel better than 9spd.
What kind of bike do you have?

operator

The only case where this is true is when you aren't maintaining your ****.

DMF 

+1 (I must be getting slow ... (witted!) not to have written that one myself.)

DMF 

The difference isn't so much in the function but in the ergonomics. Esp. the 10-speed brifters are more comfortable to the hand.

But n.b. - I wasn't talking about the difference between generations, but between groups within the same generation. Like what will 10-speed DA get you over 10-speed 105? Answer: poorer.

HillMut

Whatever, I maintain my bikes well and spend a lot of time keeping them in top shape. There is a difference between how the levers feel when you shift, and the distance you need to move the lever itself.
Like DMF said, the 10spd hoods are a different shape; I like it, some don't. I Also agree that the differences between the 10spd groups are small, but I'm sticking to my statement that the difference between the 9spd and 10spd groups is noticeable.