Shimano Ultegra vs SL - shifters
09-10-08, 04:21 PM
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robusto400
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Shimano Ultegra vs SL - shifters
Hi - would appreciate a little feedback regarding whether choosing the Ultegra SL series shifters over the regular Ultegra series is really worth the increased costs. I am upgrading from 105's (banged then up in a little accident 
) and have seen really cheap close out prices (Nashbar) on on the basic series but not SL. I am aware of the better "looks" and weight difference of the SL but want to know if they actually perform better (I have heard both sides). I currently have the regular Ultegra RD and would add regular FD as well. I am a recreational rider (60-80 miles per week) so the weight difference is not that significant to me. Thanks.
) and have seen really cheap close out prices (Nashbar) on on the basic series but not SL. I am aware of the better "looks" and weight difference of the SL but want to know if they actually perform better (I have heard both sides). I currently have the regular Ultegra RD and would add regular FD as well. I am a recreational rider (60-80 miles per week) so the weight difference is not that significant to me. Thanks.
09-10-08, 04:47 PM
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For $150 the price seems hard to beat. I saw the Nashbar ad, and i'm thinking that perhaps Shimano will do something to revamp standard Ultegra, maybe a new finish or something.
The cheapest i've seen the SL shifters has been from PBK, and that's for a double. For the roughly $60 difference, i'd go with Nashbar and get the Ultegra set for $150.
The cheapest i've seen the SL shifters has been from PBK, and that's for a double. For the roughly $60 difference, i'd go with Nashbar and get the Ultegra set for $150.
09-10-08, 06:17 PM
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robusto400
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I read a review on Bicycling.com for the SL Crankset. It compared crankset to the orignal Ultegra series but added this last comment.
[I]On the road the two versions are indistinguishable in performance-mainly because the original is so good and the SL is equally flavored. Put a bike on the weight scale and you'll be pleasantly surprised at the weight savings. Add in the SL shifters (where the biggest performance gains are realized) and you'll be clicking in style.
Another question - will I experience any significant improvement with the Ultegra shifters over my current 105"s (which operate well I think). Other articles I have read seem to suggest the new Ultegra design in just short of Dura Ace (but not as light weight).
[I]On the road the two versions are indistinguishable in performance-mainly because the original is so good and the SL is equally flavored. Put a bike on the weight scale and you'll be pleasantly surprised at the weight savings. Add in the SL shifters (where the biggest performance gains are realized) and you'll be clicking in style.
Another question - will I experience any significant improvement with the Ultegra shifters over my current 105"s (which operate well I think). Other articles I have read seem to suggest the new Ultegra design in just short of Dura Ace (but not as light weight).
