Difference between Ultegra and Dura Ace Derailleurs?
 

What is the difference between Ultegra and Dura Ace Derailleurs?

Just the name

I thought DA was lighter and used differant bearings.

For 9 speed, about 19 grams and $25, and more poseur points.

the bearings are different than the ultegra, i ask because i ordered one early december and it was backorerd forever, my lbs said they would match performance price of 50 bucks but couldnt get one either but would keep trying. i asked about the dura ace and 30 bucks more later i left with the dura ace, the materials are different and the one bearing is ceramic or something.

The Ultegra has sealed ceramic bearings too. The main and maybe only difference is weight.

While I dont know the specific differences between the two, you can be sure its more than weight and price. In general, Dura-Ace components have higher grades of materials used in the pivot points. This gives the components more longevity and better long term performance due to less 'slop' in the pivots over time. There tends to be more forgings and less castings of a components individual parts as you move up in any companies line.

If the only difference is weight, where does the reduction come from? Its not from shaving and drilling!!!!

As an example, I have a Dura-Ace headset with a titanium oxide coated fork race....Hmmm....dont ever recall Ultegra having one of those....

Dura Ace is lighter that dosen't mean it will last longer. How long do you need a rear derailleur to last? You can buy 2 Ultegra derailleurs for the price of one Dura Ace. I wonder which would last longer?

I don't have anything against Dura Ace but all the good riders I know don't use it(riders that buy their stuff). I also know a couple that have Dura Ace and the bike never sees the road.

Feltup...I've seen Shimano components evolve first hand from the initial launch of the first index systems in the early to mid-eighties to the current day. I can tell you first hand that Dura-Ace components last longer.

I pay for my own components myself and have a combination of 105, Ultegra, and Dura-Ace on my road bike. I have a variety based on the importance I place on the individual component. The rear derailleur being at the top of my list.

I to know many riders with full Dura-Ace equipted bikes that sit around as well. Thats OK, some people like to have nice things for the sake of having them. Heck, one of my co-workers just bought a Porsche 911 convertible and he never 'gets on it'. (I get on him about that!!) Its what he wanted, he enjoys it, and thats all thats important.

Remember, some people just want to 'Be like Mike'.....or Lance, or....

Its all good by me.

bump

bump for what?

Actually there is a big difference in D-A and Ultegra triple front derailluers because of the difference in chainring sizes. In 9-speed D-A chainrings are 53-39-30, Ultegras are 52-42-30. In 10-speed D-A's are 53-39-30 and Ultegras are 52-39-30.