Shimano Shifters & Derailleurs--What are the practical differencesbetween model lines?

Buying a new bike recently was an experience in getting non-answers. I
tried to ask the dealers what is the difference(s) between Dura Ace,
Ultegra, 105, etc. but got no concrete answers. So here is the
question: asked from cost, will I be able to notice any better,
quicker, quieter shifting on a bike with Dura Ace, Ultegra, etc
shifters?

On Aug 2, 9:13*pm, StanW wrote:
Buying a new bike recently was an experience in getting non-answers. I
tried to ask the dealers what is the difference(s) between Dura Ace,
Ultegra, 105, etc. but got no concrete answers. So here is the
question: asked from cost, will I be able to notice any better,
quicker, quieter shifting on a *bike with Dura Ace, Ultegra, etc
shifters?

IMHO, any *major* feel in shifting differences between two bikes
equipped with Dura Ace and 105 is going to be due to the way the bike
is dialed in. Even Tiagra/Sora can be dialed in to shift pretty darn
nicely.

On Aug 2, 7:13*pm, StanW wrote:
Buying a new bike recently was an experience in getting non-answers. I
tried to ask the dealers what is the difference(s) between Dura Ace,
Ultegra, 105, etc. but got no concrete answers. So here is the
question: asked from cost, will I be able to notice any better,
quicker, quieter shifting on a *bike with Dura Ace, Ultegra, etc
shifters?

The differences will be in weight, which is only tangentially related
to performance. I defy anybody to tell the difference between DA & 105
based solely on shifting speed & noise, given, like Landotter said,
equal quality of setup.

On Aug 2, 10:58*pm, Hank wrote:
On Aug 2, 7:13*pm, StanW wrote:

Buying a new bike recently was an experience in getting non-answers. I
tried to ask the dealers what is the difference(s) between Dura Ace,
Ultegra, 105, etc. but got no concrete answers. So here is the
question: asked from cost, will I be able to notice any better,
quicker, quieter shifting on a *bike with Dura Ace, Ultegra, etc
shifters?

The differences will be in weight, which is only tangentially related
to performance. I defy anybody to tell the difference between DA & 105
based solely on shifting speed & noise

You bet--and then there's the issue of what's the brand of cogset,
chain, lube, and cranks. But if they're all reasonable quality and
not defective, a good wrench can make them sing.

"Hank" wrote in message
...
On Aug 2, 7:13 pm, StanW wrote:
Buying a new bike recently was an experience in getting non-answers. I
tried to ask the dealers what is the difference(s) between Dura Ace,
Ultegra, 105, etc. but got no concrete answers. So here is the
question: asked from cost, will I be able to notice any better,
quicker, quieter shifting on a bike with Dura Ace, Ultegra, etc
shifters?

The differences will be in weight, which is only tangentially related
to performance. I defy anybody to tell the difference between DA & 105
based solely on shifting speed & noise, given, like Landotter said,
equal quality of setup.

Add to that the vanity factor and the size of your bank account. Same
holds true with Campy for the most part.

Chas.

In article f5d99450-bea3-4e96-aa02-
,
says...


Buying a new bike recently was an experience in getting non-answers. I
tried to ask the dealers what is the difference(s) between Dura Ace,
Ultegra, 105, etc. but got no concrete answers. So here is the
question: asked from cost, will I be able to notice any better,
quicker, quieter shifting on a bike with Dura Ace, Ultegra, etc
shifters?
As a general observation I would go no lower than 105. Ultegra, Ultegra
SL, and Dura-Ace will be lighter, look cooler and be more and more
expensive. Unless you've been riding a long time you won't notice a
difference. Sora doesn't seem to stay in tune well, Tiagra is ok for the
money but is only on low end bikes. I've heard it said from Shimano
Reps that its silly to use Dura-Ace for every day riding and training,
Ultegra is fine and I think good stuff.

Of course having said all that I use DA7700 and 7800 parts on my bike
cause I got a good price on them, except for the crank which is an FSA.

On Aug 2, 8:13*pm, StanW wrote:
Buying a new bike recently was an experience in getting non-answers. I
tried to ask the dealers what is the difference(s) between Dura Ace,
Ultegra, 105, etc. but got no concrete answers. So here is the
question: asked from cost, will I be able to notice any better,
quicker, quieter shifting on a *bike with Dura Ace, Ultegra, etc
shifters?

No. Perhaps some durability increase with ultegra when compared to DA
and 105. 105 not as 'tight', tolerance wise and DA lighter, racing
type gear so not as durable. But when new, no difference.

On Sat, 2 Aug 2008 19:13:24 -0700 (PDT), StanW
wrote:

Buying a new bike recently was an experience in getting non-answers. I
tried to ask the dealers what is the difference(s) between Dura Ace,
Ultegra, 105, etc. but got no concrete answers. So here is the
question: asked from cost, will I be able to notice any better,
quicker, quieter shifting on a bike with Dura Ace, Ultegra, etc
shifters?
No. The different levels perhaps feel different, but all shift well.