Originally Posted by
cthenn
Disagree about FD especially the DA 9000 FD. That thing is beautiful, shifts are as easy as rear shifts, even going up to the big ring. The new design and shift operation is totally different than other Shimano stuff. Two trim positions for each ring as well. It's way different, and a major improvement.
I had 6700 stuff, and it was a step down from 6500, especially the shifting. First gen under-tape cable routing for the Ultegra line and it showed. Much cleaner looking, but practical operation was not very good. Shifting up on the FD was really stiff.
But the DA 9000 group is ridiculously good. You can certainly argue the value and pricing (I got a price that I felt comfortable paying), but the operation is a massive improvement to anything I've used before in the Shimano line.
A man who knows his groupsets. Well stated. DA 7900/6700 was a huge disappoint. I thought both were awful. DA 9000 is wonderful as you say and as good as Campy which I believe it terrific. OP...honestly there are many schools. Depends on your background. Some guys aren't plussed by any decent groupset but others are particular like me. So YMMV. 2010 Centaur I believe is the best groupset for the $$ on the planet...especially if you buy out of the UK. For new Campy, I wouldn't go below Chorus because Campy should include multiple shifting which is a great option. So Chorus or Record. Athena also has the crappy Power Torque cranks which don't hold a candle to Ultra Torque.