david95618

I'm planning to buy a new bike this year, and am leaning toward the Specialized Roubaix Comp triple. This bike is currently equipped with the 9 speed Ultegra. But I keep hearing how nice the new Ultegra 10 speed is. My LBS tells me the Roubaix will not be shipping with the 10 speed until next season. So...

1. What are the advantages of the Ultegra 10 vs the 9?
2. Do you think it's worth waiting for, or worth buying a different bike which comes with the 10 speed?

By the way, I'm not a racer, but I am planning to do some centuries this year and have entered the lottery for a spot in the Death Ride. Thanks for any advice you can provide.

Brett 12

To me the biggest advantage is the 39T middle ring (front derailleur is made specially for it). 39T middle means you will have easier time getting away with 28T or 26T granny for death ride.

Most people say a ultegra 9 speed can shift to a 39T middle but it isn't as smooth as a derailleur made for it. (DA 7703 or ultegra 6603)

clfjmpr44

I have just purchased a new bike and had the option of going with the Ultegra 9 or holding out for the Ultegra 10. I ended up going with the nine for two reasons:
1.The hop up to 10 was $130 more (already broke the bank with the new steed); and
2. Ignorance is Bliss....

55/Rad

Both my 9 and 10 work real well. Both are shiny and pretty. One has an extra gear, the other is cheaper. One is older school, the other is latest technology. From a glance, it's difficult for other riders to distinguish one from the other (except the crank) and most won't care anyway.

That said, the things you put your hands on - the shifters - can offer you some help.

The 10's feel nicer in my hands.

55/Rad

kevinmcdade

I agree. The first thing I noticed was the better feel of the hoods. I also notice that the 10 shifts a little bit smoother and faster but it could just be mental. I still love my Ultegra 9 even though I don't ride it much since I equipped my LOOK with Ultegra 10. IMO, the Ultegra 9 is still great stuff...

edmaverik

Depends on your bang for your buck. I have Ultegra 9 on training bike and I have no complaints.

RiPHRaPH

one thing i noticed is that ultegra doesn't make a 11-21 cassette. i like running a tight cassette. the d/a 10sp comes in 11-21, but the ultegra comes in 11-23.

the 10sp is awesome. the shifts are precise and clean.

but i remember my 9sp ultegra being the same ~ 20,000 miles ago.

Velo Dog

Wait, wait! I'm still asking myself "Are eight speeds really better than seven for the kind of riding I do?" And I think the answer is "No."

2manybikes

Is my 1970's Schwinn Continental outdated in some way? It's a ten speed.

alanbikehouston

Yeah, for years, I've kicked around the notion of switching my bikes from their current six or seven speed set-up to an eight speed set-up. Just never could think of a compelling reason to do so. It is a rare day that I would use four speeds.

And, during the decade I was thinking about it, eight speeds have become an "endangered species".

I guess if I "think" long enough, I can miss out on nine speeds too.

my58vw

I HAD Ultegra 9 Speed and went to DA10. I can tell you there is a difference, not only for the 9 vs 10 deal but for the way the shifters work (nearly the same) and the way the drivetrain works, it is marketly better. Of course I do not know how much is the difference from ultegra to DA...

Pat

The 9 speed requires a more expensive chain then the 8 speed. I understand that the 10 requires and even more expensive chain. I have seen all the changes. Going from 5 to 6 was great. 6 to 7 was good. 7 to 8 was fine. 8 to 9 was not that big of a deal. I don't think that going from 9 to 10 is going to make much of a functional difference. I put a lot of miles on a bike and I go through a significant number of chains so I would just as soon not have to fool with that.

Scoz

I would take the 10 speed for the shifters alone.

I want to get a Roubaix with 10 speed also, anyone know why they arent being released with Ultegra 10 spec?

crank'n

This avo whilts at the bike shop i spotted a complete bike with a ten speed Da running gear for $2200, a giant me thinks, well if the ten speed drivetrain bought seperatly is app $1500 retail, the bike must be a heap of crap? other than the drivetrain.