mini-upgrade choice: Ultegra 6800 or 8000?

[tv_vt]

I have 9 speed shift systems on most of my bikes (brakes and cranks are newer). After trying out a bike with Ultegra Di2 6870, I am thinking of upgrading to 11 speed mechanical, mainly because I like the shifter ergonomics a lot more.

Am wondering if 6800 or 8000 mini-upgrade kit have substantial selling points that recommend one over the other. Both are under $500 for a 5 piece upgrade kit (shifters, FD, RD, cassette, chain) at Excel.

Any comments or recommendations? SRAM is out for this round, but I guess I could use Campy with 11 speed Shimano cassettes. I do want to use an 11-32 cassette which may rule out Campy, though.

Thanks for any info.

[Lanternrouge]

The ergonomics of the 6870 shifters are different from the 6800. For me, the main noticeable difference is that the 6870 shifters are thinner at the hoods. I have heard the ergonomics of the 8000 shifters are better than the 6800s, but I have only used the 9150 shifters (on a borrowed bike) from the latest generation. If I were you, I would probably get the 8000 series just to have the newest stuff and I think the 8000 series looks better. Either way, you should be happy since the stuff works really well. The front derailleurs are a bit finicky to set up, though I've heard other people complaining about both series.

[jtbadge]

I think the first gen 11 speed stuff looks better, especially on older frames, so personally, I'd go 6800. A couple of summers ago, a full groupset (inc. crank, bb, cables, everything) was under $500, probably going to be tough to find that deal anymore.

That said, if you're not set on one, get whatever's cheaper.

[Black Dog]

Originally Posted by tv_vt

I have 9 speed shift systems on most of my bikes (brakes and cranks are newer). After trying out a bike with Ultegra Di2 6870, I am thinking of upgrading to 11 speed mechanical, mainly because I like the shifter ergonomics a lot more.

Am wondering if 6800 or 8000 mini-upgrade kit have substantial selling points that recommend one over the other. Both are under $500 for a 5 piece upgrade kit (shifters, FD, RD, cassette, chain) at Excel.

Any comments or recommendations? SRAM is out for this round, but I guess I could use Campy with 11 speed Shimano cassettes. I do want to use an 11-32 cassette which may rule out Campy, though.

Thanks for any info.

Not at all. Campy offers 11-32 and the potenza mid cage and centaur RDs are designed to accept 11-32 cassettes.

[yashcha]

I think the 8000 is a better deal because they used the Shadow technology on it. Apparently it allows for a lower profile and places the derailleur further inboard, keeping them out of harm's way and allows a better chain path off the top jockey wheel in relation to the cassette. Allegedly.

[thirdgenbird]

Originally Posted by Black Dog

Not at all. Campy offers 11-32 and the potenza mid cage and centaur RDs are designed to accept 11-32 cassettes.

Chorus now has a medium cage option too. New record and super record 12 are a single cage length that accommodate a 32t. In short, you can run a 32t on every Campagnolo mechanical groupset.

[pasadena]

Originally Posted by tv_vt

Am wondering if 6800 or 8000 mini-upgrade kit have substantial selling points that recommend one over the other. Both are under $500 for a 5 piece upgrade kit (shifters, FD, RD, cassette, chain) at Excel.

no brainer- 8000

shadow rear mech - they've had it on the mtb's for a while and it's great
improved front mech -
improved shifter ergonomics
a lot of details and I think it looks better as well

[jumphigher]

My bike is 9spd DA, but if I were changing to 11spd I'd get the newest stuff if that was an option. Might as well get the latest if it's gonna cost about the same.

[Big Dan]

I really like 5800 over 6800.
Call me crazy.

[R3awak3n]

normally I would say campy but for that price I will say get the 8000. It is not as nice as chorus but it works very well.

[oldpotatoe]

Originally Posted by tv_vt

I have 9 speed shift systems on most of my bikes (brakes and cranks are newer). After trying out a bike with Ultegra Di2 6870, I am thinking of upgrading to 11 speed mechanical, mainly because I like the shifter ergonomics a lot more.

Am wondering if 6800 or 8000 mini-upgrade kit have substantial selling points that recommend one over the other. Both are under $500 for a 5 piece upgrade kit (shifters, FD, RD, cassette, chain) at Excel.

Any comments or recommendations? SRAM is out for this round, but I guess I could use Campy with 11 speed Shimano cassettes. I do want to use an 11-32 cassette which may rule out Campy, though.

Thanks for any info.

Potenza..shifters, ders(long cage)....use a shimano 5800 cogset and chain..done..go ride.

[Davist]

I'd go with 8000 due to the new front derailleur, doesn't have that "long arm" that the 6800 does. The 6800 FD is reportedly a bit finicky and requires a special tool for set up. I'd be mostly concerned about the longer arm and tire clearance, had one on my old bike it was close even with long chainstays. I think 8000 levers are a bit nicer, too.

[quattro]

I'm in the same boat, looking to sell my Dura Ace 7800 group and upgrade, I think, to either a 6800 or 8000. My group is full DA 7800 except for a 6800 compact crank which I like very much. Can't decide if the extra $$ is worth going to the 8000 group. I'll be curious what group tv_vt decides to go with. I also have DA 9000 mechanical on another bike and works very nice!

quattro

[chiasticon]

Originally Posted by jumphigher

if I were changing to 11spd I'd get the newest stuff if that was an option. Might as well get the latest if it's gonna cost about the same.

this. if you like Shimano, do that. if Campy, do that.

[skouri1]

Can anyone comment on the câble fraying issue? Reported with 9000
Is it an issue?
I hear a tight bend in the shifter was shredding those expensive shimano cables prematurely but my friends with the stuff have not reported problems...

Presumably if it's not already fixed with 6800 it's fixed now with 8000...?