Any major differences between the 2011 and the current? 2011 had under the bar cabling too I hope?

10sp vs 11 sp is the most obvious, but also 6800 is based upon dura ace 9000 which is supposed to have far superior shifting, revised ergonomics for the shifters (shape, throw and pressure required to shift etc)

Sorry, my error. I should have asked differences between 2011 and 2012. Don't want 11 speed. I think wheels need to be changed?

Shimano Di2 came out in 2011 (often referred to as Ui2). But Ultegra 6700 came out in 2009. So is your question about Ultegra 6700 from 2009? Or the Di2/Ui2 from 2011?

Either way, Beaker's response is pretty spot on.

Sorry, should have been specific. Mechanical Ultegra 2011 to 2012, any differences?

Does the 2011 Ultegra have under the bar wrap gear cabling?

Groups don't come out in model years like bikes do. You are asking about Ultegra 6700, it was produced from 2009 until this year when the 11-speed Ultegra 6800 came out. There is no difference between 2011 and 2012, or 2009 and 2012 for that matter, except for a new color choice released in 2012. Ultegra 6700 has under-the-tape routing, as does 6800... Ultegra 6600 does not.

Color choice, and the 'A' rear derailleur, which allows for larger ratio cassettes, otherwise as noted, Shimano don't normally change parts within a groupset, untll the complete groupset is replaced (2-4 year lifespan normally), even the change of color is unusual for Shimano

I like my Ultegra, works great and found it easy to work with as I installed it myself and learned how to dial it in at the same time. I am looking forward to getting 6800 this winter/ early spring on a Felt F4. I liked 105 as well.

I'd go with Ultegra 6800 if I was in the market now. Shift quality is supposed to be significantly improved over 6700. Dealer cost on 6800 is supposed to be cheaper than 6700 too.

I went from Ultegra 6700 to DA 9000. The difference is night and day, and if the new Ultegra is even close to the DA 9000, it'll be a major upgrade. The shifting on 6700 was really stiff, didn't like it at all. Especially the FD. There are a few online sellers I've seen that sell the new Ultegra for a very low price. So if you are thinking of buying 6700, compare prices to the new one. It's probably worth it to spend a little more for the new Ultegra.

Thanks guys. Just that I am getting a good deal on a bike built with the 6700 Ultegra.

Yeah, I just faced that same conundrum. I opted to spend more to get more with the new 6800, but the 6700 is Shimano Ultegra after all and at least on the 2013 bike I rode, sheesh, it shifted and braked and cranked fine! I could like a new bike with 6700 Ultegra.

If you really want to get geeky with it, and look at resale (retained) value, the 6700 bike had better be a good deal new, however, because it will have a bit of a stigma in the marketplace as a used bike."Everybody knows" 6800 is way better. The Internet hath spoken; there WILL be a line drawn there.

First ride today with the 6700, after 2 years with SRAM Force [before that I had the older Ultegra]. It's soft and shifts really smoothly. Only thing I miss is the ability to pull the shifter towards you when in the drops. The crankset looks gorgeous though.