On 24 Jun 2006 05:26:43 -0700, wrote:



Great question! The 9-speed 105 STI levers I have work very well indeed
with my Ultegra rear derailleur and Dura-Ace cassette. I use an HG-53
chain (is that about 105 level?).

Maybe weight and snob appeal are the main differences?
Of course, that would be it. My desire to be a snob drove me to buy
the Dura-ace components. Never mind that most people don't know, care,
or can tell the difference. There must be someone I'm impressing? And
of course the feeling of superiority when riding with those
components, all you inferiors, get out of my way.

In reality the DA shifter has a longer warranty, 3 years vs 2 years.
And with the 9-speed series[maybe 10 too, haven't checked], the DA has
ball bearings, while the others use a simple bushing. I was using
Tiagra before going to the DAs, and the DAs have a more precise feel
to them and the finish is much nicer.. There is nothing wrong with the
Tiagras, they did their job.

Performance or Nashbar, one of the two, have had some really good
deals on DA 9-speed triple levers at around $249 a pair.

Weights according to shimano's web site:
D-A ST-7800 419g
Ultegra ST-6600 490g
105 ST-5600 weight not given
Tiagra ST-4400 (9-speed) 490g


Life is Good!
Jeff