20K Km on 2005 Veloce no issues other than replacing a right shifter damaged in a crash. 20k KM on my current 2009 Centaur shifter no issues. Over 30K Km on the rest of the rest of the 2007 drive train no issues. As with any component a little maintenance keeping parts clean and lubed goes along way. Change my chain every 5-6k KM and cable every 10 K KM. Going up the ladder doesn't give you more durability, for the most part just lighter parts.