Shimano Ultegra rx800 - any long term experiences?
12-29-18, 01:47 PM
#1
Sunshine
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Shimano Ultegra rx800 - any long term experiences?
Looking into getting it as a replacement for my 5800 gs + wolftooth setup.
Does the clutch eliminate slap or just reduce it a bit?
Does the clutch eliminate slap or just reduce it a bit?
12-29-18, 10:10 PM
#3
Sunshine
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12-30-18, 12:27 AM
#4
Senior Member
Just got mine. I will try to report after a few miles down the road. Had to get it online. Most shops didn't know what I was talking about
12-30-18, 01:02 AM
#5
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I just got mine, and took it out for a ride, and the slap has been eliminated. Slap on bumps didn't really bother me that much since I wrapped the chainstay in an inner tube, and didn't really notice or hear it. What bothered me with RD-R8000 was slap from when I am spinning in a tall gear going fast, then I stop spinning, and the inertia of the cassette slaps the chain back and forth. This probably would not be a significant issue with 11-32 cassette, but I put a heavier and wider 11-40 cassette, and it was annoying me quite a bit once I noticed it, especially since it happened on even smooth rides, sometimes with every stroke if I wasn't spinning continuously. When I put RX-800 on I had high expectations, and was initially disappointed to still have this issue. But then I realized I forgot to turn the clutch on 
Once I rectified that, my problem was solved, very happy with it. I took it off some curbs, and it was dead silent too. Highly recommended. Shifting is slightly higher effort, but still crisp and probably not something you'll notice after a few minutes.
Once I rectified that, my problem was solved, very happy with it. I took it off some curbs, and it was dead silent too. Highly recommended. Shifting is slightly higher effort, but still crisp and probably not something you'll notice after a few minutes.
12-30-18, 02:45 AM
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With the clutch on, it is "higher effort" when shifting to the larger cogs on my cassette (32T and 36T). There is also a louder "clunk" when shifting with the clutch on, perhaps due to increased stiffness in the RD. I used to just leave it off when I do pure road rides but now I just leave it on all the time except when changing wheelsets.
12-30-18, 02:01 PM
#7
Senior Member
I just got mine, and took it out for a ride, and the slap has been eliminated. Slap on bumps didn't really bother me that much since I wrapped the chainstay in an inner tube, and didn't really notice or hear it. What bothered me with RD-R8000 was slap from when I am spinning in a tall gear going fast, then I stop spinning, and the inertia of the cassette slaps the chain back and forth. This probably would not be a significant issue with 11-32 cassette, but I put a heavier and wider 11-40 cassette, and it was annoying me quite a bit once I noticed it, especially since it happened on even smooth rides, sometimes with every stroke if I wasn't spinning continuously. When I put RX-800 on I had high expectations, and was initially disappointed to still have this issue. But then I realized I forgot to turn the clutch on Once I rectified that, my problem was solved, very happy with it. I took it off some curbs, and it was dead silent too. Highly recommended. Shifting is slightly higher effort, but still crisp and probably not something you'll notice after a few minutes.
Once I rectified that, my problem was solved, very happy with it. I took it off some curbs, and it was dead silent too. Highly recommended. Shifting is slightly higher effort, but still crisp and probably not something you'll notice after a few minutes.
12-30-18, 02:31 PM
#8
Full Member
01-01-19, 08:59 AM
#10
Senior Member
Even though I have rarely had an issue with chain slap on my road bike, I think every road RD will have a clutch eventually. There's no downside and plenty of upside.
01-02-19, 11:28 AM
#11
Chases Dogs for Sport
I've got the Di2 version, so shifting is the same as before. To be honest, I didn't have a problem with chain slap before so, most of the time, I leave the clutch in the "off" position in order to have less drag on paved roads. If I know I'm going to be on the rough stuff, I turn the clutch on. If I had it to do over again? I probably wouldn't buy it. I don't get much, if any, additional benefit from it compared to the standard Ultegra GS Di2 rd.
01-02-19, 02:30 PM
#12
Senior Member
I only have a few rides on mine but I am very happy so far. Noise is significantly reduced on technical trails and the ability to switch the clutch off for road riding makes it a no-brainer for me. As others have mentioned there’s a little more resistance on downshifts, mostly when in the big ring, otherwise it’s smooth shifting as usual.
