Originally Posted by
jimc101
Go ride with a high end groupset then come back and say it wasn't nicer. Over the last 10 years having ridden with all levels but Tiagra on the road, Dura Ace is the best, followed in the order they descent. Having a bike fitted with Shimano 2200 will be fine if not racing or doing any distance, the better ergonomics, stopping power, crisper shifting etc is noticeable under heavy use, and the weight can make a difference on hills.
I don't dispute Ultegra or Dura Ace would be nicer than the Tiagra I'm currently using, the question for me isn't so much whether it's nicer but whether it's sufficiently nicer to warrant the extra cost.
The weight may make a difference on hills but for heavier riders it's probably going to be fairly trivial.
For durability, at Dura Ace / XTR level, have found these to be no less durable than any other, they may cost more initially, but when you come to upgrade, they also hold their value better than the lower end parts, which can off set the initial cost.
Good to know the durability is at least as good. I must admit I prefer the thought of paying £18 for a cassette than £180, but I guess the shifters and derailleurs and stuff outlive many chains and cassettes.