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Dura Ace 50th Anniversary Group?

Old 09-07-22, 06:53 PM
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Dura Ace 50th Anniversary Group?

So over the past few months I’ve been acquiring a few pieces of what is arguably one of, if not the, nicest groupsets ever created: The Dura Ace 25th Anniversary group, released in 1998. Polished to a mirror finish and with subtle, yet tasteful graphics, it may be the epitome of the polished alloy parts era.

Dura Ace’s 50th anniversary is next year. What do you think Shimano will have in store for this major milestone for their flagship group? Given the reality of today’s parts (materials, finishes, etc.), is it possible for the 50th group to surpass the 25th in aesthetics, or just functionality?
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Old 09-07-22, 06:59 PM
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you have all that and no pics? i know this is a family forum but...
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Old 09-07-22, 07:06 PM
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Pictures are all over the internet of the 25th Anniversary group, but if you want to see it in all its glory, this is one of the best sites:

https://cyclingtips.com/2018/12/bike...sary-groupset/
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Old 09-07-22, 07:30 PM
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I have a feeling it is not going to look as good as we want it to look. Campy 50th was super sexy but their 80th anniversary was so modern and just didn't really look great.

I would love to see a lovely 7400-esque groupset with all the modern trappings maybe like the GRX silver groupset but even nicer.
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Old 09-07-22, 07:36 PM
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I guess I’m thinking of the Campy group when I think of the ultimate 50th Anniversary group,

Sort of funny Shimano used a gold “25” for the group; but then again, since the entire group was silver, maybe not.
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Old 09-07-22, 07:43 PM
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Originally Posted by veganbikes
Campy 50th was super sexy but their 80th anniversary was so modern and just didn't really look great.
Just looked up the Campy 80th group. You’re so right.
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Old 09-07-22, 08:15 PM
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I own a new and unused 25th Dura Ace headset. Too bad they didn't improve their crappy bearings.
It does, however, complete an entire gruppo of unused 9-speed components.
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Old 09-07-22, 08:18 PM
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Originally Posted by roadcrankr
I own a new and unused 25th Dura Ace headset. Too bad they didn't improve their crappy bearings.
It does, however, complete an entire gruppo of unused 9-speed components.
I don’t know… the headset seems fine to me. Thought about converting to ceramic then thought again. What are the issues?
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Old 09-07-22, 09:13 PM
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Originally Posted by smd4
I don’t know… the headset seems fine to me. Thought about converting to ceramic then thought again. What are the issues?
Cartridge bearings, not sealed. These can be rebuilt, so there's that. Just seem a little chintzy to me.
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Old 09-08-22, 02:21 AM
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Perhaps they will release a super limited run of 100 complete sets of 12 speed Di2 in a polished finish.
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Old 09-08-22, 07:12 AM
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I'm having a hard time imagining how they would take the "Terminator" looking current Dura Ace Di2 and turning it into a work of art.
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Old 09-08-22, 07:40 AM
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Originally Posted by smd4
Pictures are all over the internet of the 25th Anniversary group, but if you want to see it in all its glory, this is one of the best sites:

https://cyclingtips.com/2018/12/bike...sary-groupset/
After a while wouldn't that turn all black around the teeth and elsewhere and not look so great?
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Old 09-08-22, 07:56 AM
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Originally Posted by prj71
After a while wouldn't that turn all black around the teeth and elsewhere and not look so great?
Not if properly cleaned and maintained.
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Old 09-08-22, 10:05 AM
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Following the link from smd4 makes me want a Zullo more than any anniversary Shimano group. These special 'anniversary' products, whether they be components or bikes, are more for collectors. Really, ...do they ride or perform any better = of course not.

Somehow a Zullo in my collection would need Italian componentry. But it definitely pops with white saddle and tape.

Needs to be one size larger to be perfect, kinda like the below which only has C-Record era Campa CdA






.....besides for most of us it is about getting the stuff out in the real (dirty!) world
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Old 09-08-22, 11:10 AM
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Originally Posted by roadcrankr
Cartridge bearings, not sealed. These can be rebuilt, so there's that. Just seem a little chintzy to me.
I have what I thought was a 7700 headset, but I believe they actually just re-used the 7410 headset. Which makes sense with such a minimalist component. I think for the anniversary group, they only changed the printing on the outside to white. What seems chintzy?
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Old 09-08-22, 11:25 AM
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Originally Posted by Wildwood
These special 'anniversary' products, whether they be components or bikes, are more for collectors. Really, ...do they ride or perform any better = of course not.
Perform better? You're right, of course. They do not perform any better.

In the case the case of the 25th Anniversary group, however, many of the parts are lighter due to the use of more titanium, and in the case of the rear derailleur, it is more durable because of the use of stainless steel pivot pins. And above all, they do look better, at least to me. Is there anything wrong with that? I know there are cyclists who don't care what their bikes look like. I, however, prefer my bike to look as nice as I can make it.

I can't imagine what could be done to the current DA group to commemorate the 50th Anniversary. Perhaps some gold-plated bits, like the Campy 50th? I am looking forward to seeing what they come up with.
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Old 09-08-22, 11:44 AM
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The cartridge bearings, buddy, the bearings.

Originally Posted by smd4
I have what I thought was a 7700 headset, but I believe they actually just re-used the 7410 headset. Which makes sense with such a minimalist component. I think for the anniversary group, they only changed the printing on the outside to white. What seems chintzy?
Yes, Shimano repurposed the 7410 headset with a little shine and special decals.
I find the cartridge bearings a bit chintzy. It's difficult to locate an aftermarket sealed-bearing set that fits perfectly.
Without a perfect fit, the set can chafe around and make an annoying creak.
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Old 09-08-22, 11:49 AM
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Originally Posted by roadcrankr
Yes, Shimano repurposed the 7410 headset with a little shine and special decals.
I find the cartridge bearings a bit chintzy. It's difficult to locate an aftermarket sealed-bearing set that fits perfectly.
Without a perfect fit, the set can chafe around and make an annoying creak.
Yeah, that makes sense. Thanks!
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Old 09-08-22, 12:23 PM
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Originally Posted by smd4
I, however, prefer my bike to look as nice as I can make it.
Guess ya got me there.

But when riding it as intended, the cosmetics are a tertiary (or lower) consideration in the moment... YMMV


this pic has the longer stem, lower position, clipless pedals, newer $$$ tires and better saddle = each more important (in the moment ) than cosmetics.
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Old 09-08-22, 05:47 PM
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Well, I can’t see much of my bike when I’m riding. But yes, my mileage varies.

A bike to me is more than something just to ride. A classic road bike can be a feast for the eyes. I enjoy spending time studying my bike, examining the details of the parts and hand-made frame; the lustre of the paint. I’ve spent hours deciding which part would best match my aesthetic.

I also enjoy bike maintenance. Installing and adjusting the upgrade parts I get. Cleaning, polishing, waxing. Enjoy all of it.

So, for me, riding is only one part of this hobby/sport that I enjoy.
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Old 09-08-22, 06:16 PM
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I couldn’t agree more with the sentiments expressed above. My road bike is more than a bike it’s a work of art. Some people take pride in their landscaping, others an antique car, for me it’s my bikes. Personally I wish they still offered a silver or shiny top tier groupset. A few years back I built up a Soma steel road bike with silver 105. Hardly top tier but it had a classic look.
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Old 09-08-22, 06:28 PM
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I don’t know enough about modern DA and what it’s made of, but could Shimano use a highly polished, very dark anodizing, almost like a black chrome? Something to really set the parts apart? Or is there too much carbon fiber used?
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Old 09-08-22, 06:32 PM
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I still opine it is about the ride over a classic look.
Newish or oldish

CF or lugged vintage steel

Or newish lugged steel

Zeus isn’t all the same Zeus component group on this 1972 with metric R531, but the ride rules.

And when you hit all the right comfort spots pedals/shoes, saddle/shorts, gloves/handlebar in a comfortable geometry the looks fall by the wayside….

…..with 27mm tubies

i confess we may sometimes get caught up in tradition…….



….until everything comes together on the road with a frankenpractical build, around Columbus SL, that bends traditional ‘classic’ in a funky, wonderful way. A salad from Italy, France, Suisse, Japan - may get a British racing saddle. Horror! Drilled Japanese.

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Old 09-08-22, 06:46 PM
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Originally Posted by Wildwood
I still opine it is about the ride over a classic look.
Sure, that’s ok.

Not to me though.

I find nothing aesthetically redeeming in 99.99% of modern bikes and components.
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Old 09-08-22, 07:47 PM
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So you are camping with the 'there are no more bicycle components, but a whole mess of technologically advanced parts', crowd?
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