Originally Posted by
DaveSSS
There is only one part that may actually lasts longer and that is the BB bearings. The CULT bearings are unlike any other ceramic bearing used on bikes and only require oil for lubrication. If you buy Chorus and wear out the bearings, they can be replaced with SR bearings, later.
There is also one ceramic ball bearing on the lower jockey pulley, compared to Record that has two ceramic bushings and Chorus that has two standard bronze bushings. The ceramics are intended to reduce friction more than increase life.
The SR parts cost a lot more and shave very few grams from the total weight. Chorus is a far better deal. You can buy the whole group for about $1100 from Ribble. The SR group costs $1960. It's not worth $860 more. The Record group isn't worth over $500 more, either. It used to be more like $300 more, which was tolerable.
There is no reason you should have to accept all SR parts; you can mix and match as you please. I never buy anything but Chorus cassettes because they cost about 1/3 as much as SR and last twice as long.
http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/groups..._GS&type=RIBMO
http://www.shinybikes.com/bike/Groupsets/
Dave is right on track here. I purchased Chorus 11 because it was $800 and change less than SR. And yes, when the jump was perhaps $300, no as big a deal. But the $500 for Record and $800+ for SR is probably money not wisely spend. If you have the budget, put it into better wheels.