Originally Posted by jhota
as for cost/benefit, i'd never spend my own money on DA. Ultegra, sure. but i would spend it on Record (if i could afford it). mainly because the finish of the parts is so spectacular, rather than any real performance upgrade.
Sometimes it is a combination of things. I installed a Record bottom bracket in my new build last night and I was blown away. Not only is the BB light and sexy looking with its carbon fiber body, but when I spin the cranks with the bike on the repair stand, they just keep going and going and going. Great bearings. The BB doesn't even show on a bike but I have a really good feeling about my new build just because of it. How you feel about a bike is intangible but important too.