Originally Posted by
Kindaslow
Being able to afford any bike part might not be that uncommon in this age group, but I do not believe some of the choices are worth it. I really like Ultegra, and do not see any reason to buy Dura Ace. But, I am not a road bike guy by nature. As I wrote above, I do not know if I would go full XTR. Having an all matching group is not that important to me. I would only buy Campy if building an Italian bike. So, the extra work or extra money is not changing that for me. I try to pick by what is likely to max out my enjoyment and not be a waste.
To me all hobbies are suppose to cost money and you should spend as much as your budget allows to enjoy the hobby. If you see Dura Ace or XTR as wasting money, then that means it is wasting money (to you). To me, as good as Ultegra and XT is, they just don't have the bling factor and sweet finishing that Dura-Ace and XTR have. I have never regretted buying Dura-Ace and XTR.