MyTi

Anyone riding old groups not impressed after trying a new group. I was going to get a new bike with ultegra r8000 groupset. I was surprised shifting performance and feel was about the same as the 6500. Both are nice, quick and smooth to me. The ergonomics was notably better on the r8000, and the hydraulic version gave amazing brake confidence. Been riding a vortex litespeed and was going to spend close to 3k on this carbon bike outfitted with an r8000 group. But I was so underwhelmed by what felt like the same tech just couldn't justify the purchase in the end. Might still buy the carbon bike but I guess for a 3k bike with the latest ultegra I was expecting a huge leap.

colnago62

Racing Dan

Mechanical rear shifting was perfected a long time ago. Just keep up with maintenance. Front shifting is getting better. Heck, these days even tiagra 4700 with the original crank is good. If you want to take a huge step up, then take the plunge and get DI2. Hydro brakes is an other big leap forward, although Im not sure carbon, DI2 and hydro all fit in a $3k budget.

Campag4life

Can you tell us how you feel the ergonomics have improved between 8000 Ultegra and 6800?
Any noticeable difference in shape of hoods and hood comfort?
Thanks

stevoo

One nice thing is the redesign of the FD on 8000. Frame cable exit point no.longer plays any role in FD operation. The old design was "challenged" on many frames. The 8000 FD is different to set up but the pull geometry more than makes up for that.

Zaskar

Short of eliminating the need for trim on the FD, I don't see how shifting could be improved over 6800. It's that good. I have 6800 on a couple bikes and 8000 on one. I love the 6800 and the 8000 feels about the same. I do like the improved cable routing of the 8000 - especially, without any drop in performance.

69chevy

Huge leap from great to what?

Dean V

Exactly!
The main achievement has been the move to a closer spaced cluster and hidden cables and still retaining the great shifting.