zachv81

I know these have both been reviewed much in the past, but what is everyone’s take long term after using the Ultegra, or DI2 for a while? Does any difference stand out other than weight and price? Any other real world observations?
I‘ll be using an Easton EC 90 50-34 crank regardless, and an 11-30, or 11-32 in the back.
I saw GCN’s comparison of them and that was helpful. Just looking for any more info to help make the call on which direction to go.

colnago62

I have Dura Ace and Ultegra DI2. For me, they function the same as far as shift quality. I would go with Ultegra

noodle soup

+1

I have Dura-Ace Di2, but tested an Ultegra Di2 bike for about 60 miles on Sunday. Other than the gearing combination on the demo bike I didn't notice any difference.

If you want to use a big 11-34t or 11-32t cassette, Ultegra allows it, but Dura-Ace has a max of 11-30t

WhyFi

Between this and the other thread, I would just advise you to buy the DA if you've got the coin - spending more for DA is something that may make you feel a little uneasy when you click "submit order," but I get the impression that the "what if?" will gnaw at you for a lot longer if you go with Ultegra.

WhyFi

I know that Shimano is notoriously conservative on their max spec with the mech RDs, is Di2 more of a stickler? Do you need to program which cassette you're using or something?

Also, I assume that the OP could mix and match and use a longer cage Ultegra with DA everything else?

noodle soup

I have 9070 DA which states a max 28t cog. It absolutely will not work with a 32t cog without the use of a Road Link, but I haven't tried a 30t cog.

9170 DA might work with a larger cog, but I haven't tried it.

Atlas Shrugged

I have a 9170 Dura Ace Groupset and obviously it works great. I have used it with a 11-32 cassette without issues, just make sure chain length is set up correctly. But to try something different I ordered a Ultegra GS cage and mounted it on the Dura Ace derailleur and it works without issues on a 11-34 cassette. I am sure it would easily work on a 11-36 cassette as well.

noodle soup

that’s good to know.

mwat

For me value comes down to $/mile. Save the money and enjoy.

NumbersGuy

As has been stated, other than weight and the fact that Ultegra offers more gearing options, performance is exactly the same. Even Shimano themselves directly state this. Dura Ace utilizes highest cost materials and manufacturing processes to save weight, where Ultegra saves significant cost at the expense of modest weight increase meeting the same performance specification. DI2 programming is exactly the same.

If you have the funds or are racing then by all means go with Dura Ace, but for the vast majority of riders, I don't believe you'll get much benefit from the saved grams, and would likely be better served to take those additional funds and allocate them elsewhere if you're intent on spending them.

Seattle Forrest

I've been very happy with Ultegra Di2. Mechanical DA has slightly better front shifting, but with electronic they're exactly the same (performance, not weight).

Weight makes no difference on flat ground, except accelerating, and the weight difference is minor. Unless you're spending significant time riding uphill Ultegra is pretty compelling.

zachv81

OP here,
Thanks for the good input. This isn’t going to be a straight up climbing machine, although I do much climbing where I live, but more of an all road bike to try to do it all with.

I’ve committed to so far on this build using an Easton EC90SL crank, and now an Ultegra rear derailleur with clutch, 11-32 cassette.

Looking at the remaining parts in the bundle if I went with DA, I’d end up with quite the mix of parts. By using DA front derailleur, brakes, and levers this will save 3.4oz / 98 g. Not worth it to me and I’m going to stick with Ultegra.

thanks again for the good support!

eduskator

R8070 is just fine. For me, I don't see the need of having a Dura-Ace system given how expensive it actually is (Someone needs to pay for Shimano's R&D, right?).

If you have a few minutes to spare, there are of lots of videos on YT explaining the difference between Ultegra & Dura-Ace.

popeye

Ultregra 8000 and DA 9000 cranks are failing at about a year. Google.

noodle soup

Hyperbole much?

Yes a few have failed, but it's nowhere near as common as you are saying.

colnago62

He is not using Shimano cranks

popeye

It's not hyperbole when it happens to you or rather my 68 yo wife who barely makes 400 watts on a good day. I'm on
DA and waiting.

colnago62

You should switch cranks to different brand it you think Shimano isn’t safe

popeye

You're telling me what I should do? I will continue to watch mine closely as they show cracks before failing. Try
telling that to the guy who was injured.

noodle soup

it's still hyperbole to say that it happens at 1 year. I would have broken mine(both sets) years ago.

popeye

Noodle take a little walk over to the ebay wildside and note how MANY left side only Ultegra cranks are available. Why do you think that is?

noodle soup

I'm not denying that the cranks have failed, but a few failures doesn't mean that it's common. I've been in the business for many many years, and still never seen one in person, or had a customer say that it happened to them.

popeye

Fair enough but I can't help but remain gun shy. It was not power induced in her case it was cycles, 200-250 mi/wk over a year and a half. The glue that holds the two halves together was totally ineffective.

colnago62

That sounds like a good plan. I broke a Dura Ace Crank, though mine sheared off on the non drive side. Shimano sent me new crank and all was good. I don’t ride Shimano cranks currently, but wouldn’t hesitate to put them back on the bike.

Seattle Forrest

​​​​​​I bet some are from people who bought a left only power meter?