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Ultegra vs. Ultegra

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Ultegra vs. Ultegra

Old 10-11-19, 09:29 AM
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mrblue
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Ultegra vs. Ultegra

Hello,

I have Ultegra 6800 on one bike and Ultegra R8000 on another. Both mechanical shifting.

I've noticed the R8000's rear derailleur shifting isn't as snappy/smooth as the 6800. I can't seem to dial in the rear derailleur on the R8000 to get the nice, smooth, snappy shifting I'm getting on the 6800. Has anyone else noticed this?

Don't get me wrong, the R8000 does shift well and is a nice groupset. It just doesn't seem to shift as well as the 6800.

Just for the record, both rear derailleurs are short cage, the exact same make/model frame is used on each bike, and the derailleur hangers are straight/aligned, on both bikes, properly. The groupsets are not mismatched--full Ultegra 6800 & R8000, respecively. Same model chain (Shimano) used on both bikes. So in essence, aside from the groupsets the bikes are identical.
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Old 10-11-19, 09:34 AM
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Originally Posted by mrblue
Hello,

I have Ultegra 6800 on one bike and Ultegra R8000 on another. Both mechanical shifting.

I've noticed the R8000's rear derailleur shifting isn't as snappy/smooth as the 6800. I can't seem to dial in the rear derailleur on the R8000 to get the nice, smooth, snappy shifting I'm getting on the 6800. Has anyone else noticed this?

Don't get me wrong, the R8000 does shift well and is a nice groupset. It just doesn't seem to shift as well as the 6800.

Just for the record, both rear derailleurs are short cage, the exact same make/model frame is used on each bike, and the derailleur hangers are straight/aligned, on both bikes, properly. The groupsets are not mismatched--full Ultegra 6800 & R8000, respecively. Same model chain (Shimano) used on both bikes. So in essence, aside from the groupsets the bikes are identical.
Same cassette size? I've had r8000 on two bikes now, short and long cage RDs and they both shift great, but I have no experience with 6800 to compare. I assume the cable routing is the same on both bikes since they're the same frame/model, same bars as well? I've noticed differences in shifting with different bars/cable routing.
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Old 10-11-19, 09:41 AM
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Steve B.
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I'd look at the easiest and cheapest fix which is swap the cable, watching to see if the existing is binding, ferrule not seated, etc...
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Old 10-11-19, 11:47 AM
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The cassettes are the same in that they are both 11-28, but one is branded Ultegra 6800 and the other is Ultegra R8000. Yes, bars are identical on both bikes.
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Old 10-11-19, 11:48 AM
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Originally Posted by Steve B.
I'd look at the easiest and cheapest fix which is swap the cable, watching to see if the existing is binding, ferrule not seated, etc...
Yes, I have replaced the cable/housing on both bikes with the same type (Shimano Ultegra with the polymer coating).
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Old 10-11-19, 11:49 AM
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I noticed the R8000 RD cage is slightly longer than the 6800 cage (even though they are both labeled as short cage). I wonder if this could be why the shifting on the R8000 is less snappy/smooth.
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Old 10-11-19, 12:32 PM
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Just swap the RDs onto one bike to confirm to eliminated routing/housing issues. Are the shifters the same? Is the B-screw position the same? Chain length?
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Old 10-11-19, 08:09 PM
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My 8 is much, MUCH nicer than the 68.
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Old 10-11-19, 09:36 PM
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You have identical bikes with just different versions of Ultegra?
Seems redundant.

I have redundancy, but not like this. How do you decide to ride one vs the other since they are basically the same?
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Old 10-12-19, 08:32 AM
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I don’t think it is particularly unusual for similarly built bikes to feel slightly different. But in this case, the bikes are not even identical, so I would expect to notice at least slight differences in feel. You are comparing two different groupsets. The specs have changed for better or worse — hopefully better, of course. Additionally, I assume the 6800 is older and more worn in with more logged mileage which in and of itself could account for the difference in feel. But if you are not happy with the performance of the 8000 recheck and readjust everything again. And don’t forget the B screw adjustment for the distance between the cassette cogs and pulley wheels.

Good luck!
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Old 10-12-19, 09:44 AM
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Disconnect the cable and feel it as you shift. The polymer crap can cause problems.
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Old 10-12-19, 12:11 PM
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Originally Posted by mstateglfr
You have identical bikes with just different versions of Ultegra?
Seems redundant.

I have redundancy, but not like this. How do you decide to ride one vs the other since they are basically the same?
Yes, it does seem redundant. However, originally the one with R8000 was built with Campagnolo Potenza. After three failed rear derailleurs I gave up on Campy and switched it for the current R8000 set up. The wheels on the two bikes are different. One bike has Zipp and the other has Mavic.

Which one do I decided to use? Typically, I choose the one with R8000. Only because it has the Zipp wheels on it and I prefer the sound of the rear hub. I find the Mavic rear hub to be a little too loud.
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Old 10-12-19, 12:22 PM
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Originally Posted by redlude97
Just swap the RDs onto one bike to confirm to eliminated routing/housing issues. Are the shifters the same? Is the B-screw position the same? Chain length?
Thanks for you suggestions. You know, I had totally forgotten about the B-screw. I turned that a couple of times and it seems to have made a difference for the positive.

Thanks again!
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