hiker88

Hey all,

I had a '92 Waterford with Dura Ace 7700. The previous owner of the Waterford put the Dura Ace components on some time when they first came out which I think is around 97 or 98. Since I've owned the bike, I've had to replace a few chains, chain rings and I think once I replaced the rear cassette. I always kept Dura ace components with the upgrades

I had planned to keep the Waterford and to buy a new bike last fall but then I had a bad accident on the Waterford and wrecked it.

After the accident I decided I really didn't want to give up the Waterford, so I worked with a lbs and Waterford to have a newer version of the bike made. Amazingly enough, Waterford had all the original specs, paint colors and decals for my bike.

I had all the old components put on the bike and here is where I am at. Since this is going to be my only bike for quite some time, I've been thinking about a 10 speed cassette. The shifters either from age (10+ years) or the accident, will occasionally pop loose inside when I try to shift. Also, I can only upshift the to the large chain ring if I pedal with very little force. I've adjusted it quite a few times, and I think from what I've read before this means I may need a another new chain or chain ring. I think the current chain and chain rings have 3-5 years of steady riding on them.

So I think I am at the point where it might be worthwhile to buy a build kit. Plus, I have a brand new frame and fork, and I wonder if the bike might feel a bit more fresh with new components. I think if I were to stay with Shimano, I would consider Ultegra. I know the bike has DA now, but I'm thinking that performance-wise maybe modern Ultegra is just as good as 10 year old DA? Plus I think Ultegra is the better value point.

I was also considering Sram because I have smaller hands and I think on SRAM you can adjust the handle play - is that true? If I were to get SRAM, I think I would go with the equivalent of Ultegra which I think is Force.

I'm not opposed to going with DA if people think I will be really disappointed w/Ultegra or Force, but I thought I would get some opinions first. Thoughts?

kimconyc

If you do go with SRAM, seriously consider getting SRAM Red shifters.

It's worth it to pay up for the shifters because the Red shifters have zero-loss for the right shifter (rear) whereas Force and Rival do not.

If you are buying a package groupset, where this is not an option, ignore what I said...

StefanG

I only have experience with Shimano components, so can't comment on the SRAM option. I agree with you that today's Ultegra group should be similar if not exceed "vintage" DA with regards to performance and potentially weight.

However, that said, I'm also one of those people who refuses to buy a new car as it looses $3k+ when you drive it off the lot, so prefer to let someone else pay for that and pick up a "nearly" new car for 10 - 20% off. I do the same thing with my bikes/components.

I'd take a hard look at ebay / Craigslist at what used DA 7800 is going for (personally, I don't believe the 7900 group's price justifies its small advantages over the 7800 group). I picked up a "nearly new" full 7800 group for $700 a few months back. The used Ultegra groups don't seem to go for much less than used DA for some reason. If you're one of those people who has to buy "new", then I'd definitely go Ultegra, or potentially 105 as the modern day 105 is pretty good for casual/non-competitive riding.

Just my opinion.

hiker88

I know just enough to be dangerous. Can I drive a 10 speed cassette with DA7800? I hadn't thought of that. That would be an upgrade for me.

Urthwhyte

Yes

AngryScientist 

if your not set on any one group, dont rule out campagnolo stuff. chorus or record 11-speed is absolutely excellent.

hiker88

Could I keep my front derailleur and cranks if I went with DA7800?

SSRI

with a brand new frame, lets go with some new parts. like what others said you can get some really good deals on the 7800 stuff.
yes your da 7700 crank and ft derailleur would work with 7800. you might want to get a 7800 r/d to match the shifters. but why do a half a$$ upgrade
if you are going to use any of your old parts and that is a big if
did you consider going back to dt shifting? you can keep most of your 7700 stuff all you need is the downtube shifter and brake levers.
9 speed downtube shifting would be very suitable for your classic frame.
I like mine (but is not my only ride)

MegaTom

The biggest thing I learned from Bike Forums about upgrading is that unless you are some sort of pro racer and/or can drop every sole on this board like a sack of bricks, then upgrading your components is a huge waste of time and money.... and even more so if you are considering something better than what your detractors are riding.

hiker88

I definitely plan on going with the 7800 rear derailleur. As for the dt shifters, the new bike is a 2009 S22. If down tube shifters were even an option, I didn't opt for them. Besides, just becuase the bike is steel doesn't mean I don't like to race it in the weekly world championships. There are probably lot's of people that are comfortable taking their hands off the bars to shift in the pack, but I'm not one of them.

It'll probably just come down to whatever combination of used DA I can find someone selling on ebay.

ericm979

Usually true, but if you're on 10 year old stuff and it's getting worn out, that's different.


Hiker88, you can mix and match most Shimano. 7900 uses different pull ratios for the brakes and front derailleur, but if you stick with 7800 you can use 6500, 6600, 7700 or 7800 components, although you do need to match the shifters "speeds" to the cassette and chain. Front derailleur cage width for 10sp is narrower than 9sp but it'll work. I suggest Ultegra cassettes- the DA ones are much more expensive and don't shift any better, they just weigh a bit less.