Originally Posted by
patentcad
The Scott Addict R2 has Ultegra 6700 and it's not hard to the bike down to sub 16 lbs with clinchers. That bike lists for $3300.
If you want to step up to the Scott Addict R1, the price doubles (almost) to $6500. Here's what that additional $3200 gets you:
A 100 gram lighter frame.
A 60 gram lighter fork.
Ksyrium SL wheels (upgraded from the Elites on the R2)
Dura Ace 7900.
In comparison the Ultegra spec R2 is a screaming bargain. But a similar relationship exists across most bike lines, the Ultegra bikes are often the best deal overall. The discrepancy in the Scott line seems rather glaring; it may be because that R2 seems priced kind of aggressively, some other brands get more for their Ultegra bikes, but most seem to fall in that $2500-$3500 range with 6700 these days.
I own a bike with Dura Ace 7900. I think the Ultegra actually shifts better. Feels like a pro bike in every respect. Pretty light too.
It's a testament to the bike weenie proclivity for overspending to save a few grams. Thank God I'd never stoop to that.
As I get older, I recognize these diminishing returns. My Rival bike is as light as my Dura Ace and I prefer the ergonomics of Sram. I also own 6700 and yes it does shift better than 7900 because as you know, they rushed 7900 to market and refined 6700 before release. From you example above of grams savings, you can easily spend 1/3 less money on new bars, seatpost, skewers, saddle and even wheels to save the weight difference. All my bikes are in 16.5 lb range without fancy wheels.