Dura Ace 9000 vs Ultegra 6800

[parco]

I test rode a bike this weekend with Ultegra 6800. The group functioned well enough but I found something lacking in the finish of the parts. I am used to the polished finish and the flat black seemed kind of cheap looking to me. This may have been discussed here already if so please forgive me but aside from cosmetics is Dura Ace 9000 worth the extra money?

[miguel]

You can look onto the shimano stec website and sit through the intorductions to both groups. Finish, weight, and cost are different in each of those. There are also differences in the hood material and parts in general. 6800 is the best value, 9000 is the best.

[Gummee]

6800 is the best value, 9000 is the best.

Owning both, I'll agree with this

M

[bcroslin]

Do a search in this forum. This topic has been covered extensively.

[Lanternrouge]

I have both. I do feel like I can notice a little bit of difference in shifting between the two with the 9000 feeling a little firmer at the levers and a tiny bit faster in shifting (though maybe it is in my head). The 9000 parts look a lot nicer and the difference in aesthetics is bigger than any difference in performance. I don't think the 9000 is necessarily worth paying twice as much for a group from a performance standpoint, but if you can afford paying more and will use it enough to feel like you get your money's worth, you should get the 9000.

[oldpotatoe]

I test rode a bike this weekend with Ultegra 6800. The group functioned well enough but I found something lacking in the finish of the parts. I am used to the polished finish and the flat black seemed kind of cheap looking to me. This may have been discussed here already if so please forgive me but aside from cosmetics is Dura Ace 9000 worth the extra money?

No, IMHO but 'worth' is a big word. I had the choice of all 3 EPS groups and chose Athena, since a bunch of carbon isn't a priority to me.

If it's function get 6800 or even 5800. If it's about looks, finish, type stuff get 9000.

Kinda like the Chorus/Record/SR gig since finally, all 3 shimano top groups only differ via materials, finish.

[Anarchist]

It's a bike for gawd's sake.

[Chris]

It's a bike for gawd's sake.

True. "It" is a bike. The experience it provides is something wholly different.

[pinoymamba]

True. "It" is a bike. The experience it provides is something wholly different.

that's deep...

9000 so you are not left wondering.

[bcroslin]

I've ridden both and own 2 bikes with 6800. Mechanically, the two groups are EXACTLY the same. There is no difference. 6800 is about 250 grams heavier and it's not chromed out. That's the difference. And that's not my conclusion, it's the conclusion of the regional Shimano rep I know. If you have to have a group that is Shimano's lightest and most expensive mechanical group buy 9000. If you want to save $600 and don't care about the weight and the look of Ultegra buy 6800.

For the record, 9000 is a little too blingy for my taste but I also like murdered-out bikes so what do I know.

[bcroslin]

True. "It" is a bike. The experience it provides is something wholly different.

I know some people will think your statement is esoteric trolling but it's one of the truest things I've read in this forum.

[jimoots]

If 6800 was available in two-tone black/dark grey, it would be the best-value and best looking groupset ever.

I have 9000, have ridden 6800. It's a pretty close call in terms of performance if you ask me. It just depends how much $600 means to you.

[oldpotatoe]

If 6800 was available in two-tone black/dark grey, it would be the best-value and best looking groupset ever.

I have 9000, have ridden 6800. It's a pretty close call in terms of performance if you ask me. It just depends how much $600 means to you.

Nope, that goes to Chorus, whether it be 2014 or 2015...

[jimoots]

Nope, that goes to Chorus, whether it be 2014 or 2015...

You say potato, I say shimano. I say potato, you say campagnolo.

:banana:

[jr59]

Nope, that goes to Chorus, whether it be 2014 or 2015...


wouldn't that be an Athena group with Chorus shifters?

[stephenmarklay]

You say potato, I say shimano. I say potato, you say campagnolo.

:banana:

Ok thats a bit funny.

[oldpotatoe]

You say potatoe, I say shimano. I say potato, you say campagnolo.

:banana:

please