Originally Posted by
mobilemail
If you're buying used stuff, avoid 9 speed dura ace. They had little pawls that wore to failure much earlier than anticipated. The last I heard they are not rebuildable. (If I'm wrong someone please tell me, I have a patient.) The 9 speed ultegra I have are much better. I can't comment on any other DA or ultegra version.
I have had very good luck with 9 speed Dura Ace Sti Shifters. I am running 2 pairs since 1999. I just flushed and cleaned one pair and it is working flawlessly. (Must be lucky)
also:
Stripping Shimano Dura-Ace 9-Speed STI Levers