Dura-Ace 10sp vs. 9sp

[mikem]

Considering Dura-Ace - do I really NEED 10 speed? I see the chains and cassettes are WICKED expensive, so just wondering what it really buys me for non-racing.

Esp. since there's a large price diff if I can pick up a new group from last year's 9 speed offering.

Thanks!

 

[JTE83]

I'd rather save money and get 7700 cassettes, front derailleur, and STI shifters. Then I'd get the 7800 brakes and 7800 rear derailleur. But truthfully, I'm building a bike right now and I got 7700 Front derailleurs, 7700 Shifters, a 7700 12-27 cassette, 6600 Brakes, and a 6500 Rear Derailluer that I know fits a Polar Power Output kit bolt. Also a 6500 BB and an FSA Superlight crank.

I would never pay $430.99 retail for those 7800 shifters. If I had to I'd buy them new on ebay. It's too bad JensonUSA doesn't give good pricing on Shimano parts anymore.

I think 10 speeds are too much - and 9 speed gear sometimes has the chain searching for a gear.

 

[mikem]

Thanks for the tips!

My goal with this is to get the newer shifters due to ergonomic changes (they seem more comfortable, but I never tried the 7700's). Opinion?

 

[JTE83]

Thanks for the tips!

My goal with this is to get the newer shifters due to ergonomic changes (they seem more comfortable, but I never tried the 7700's). Opinion?

I tried the 6600 shifter at a bike in a bike shop and they do seem to shift and have better action than the 6500 and 7700 shifters. Don't get used shifters on ebay - I got ripped off buying really worn out shifters on ebay. Only buy new shifters on ebays, used if you can return them.

 

[PeterF]

I'd rather save money and get 7700 cassettes, front derailleur, and STI shifters. Then I'd get the 7800 brakes and 7800 rear derailleur. But truthfully, I'm building a bike right now and I got 7700 Front derailleurs, 7700 Shifters, a 7700 12-27 cassette, 6600 Brakes, and a 6500 Rear Derailluer that I know fits a Polar Power Output kit bolt. Also a 6500 BB and an FSA Superlight crank.

I would never pay $430.99 retail for those 7800 shifters. If I had to I'd buy them new on ebay. It's too bad JensonUSA doesn't give good pricing on Shimano parts anymore.

I think 10 speeds are too much - and 9 speed gear sometimes has the chain searching for a gear.

You can get a set of Campy Record 10 levers for $299.99 in carbon. I'm not trying to start an argument, but Campy Record 10 cost less than DA 10 (ExcelSports.com). Plus Campy has been doing 10 speed longer and the spare parts are readily available. I would give it a look before you decide. I was thinking about DA 9 when I built my bike, but didn't want to spend full price on a groupset that may not be availible in the near future.

 

[mikem]

Actually Peter, I did consider Campy, but wouldn't I have to change my wheel hub (Mavin SSC SL's, currently running Ultegra 9sp)? Would LOVE to have carbon.

 

[PeterF]

Actually Peter, I did consider Campy, but wouldn't I have to change my wheel hub (Mavin SSC SL's, currently running Ultegra 9sp)? Would LOVE to have carbon.

You can change the free hub body for about $60 (USD). American Classic also makes a 10 speed Campy-compatible cassette that can be used on a 9 speed Shimano hub. When I built my bike I already had a set of Ksyrium Elite (Shimano), which is why I looked at DA 9 first. I ended up picking up a set of Campy Protons for less than $400 and I will eventually pick up the American Classic cassette so I can use my Ksyriums as a back up set. I had been a Shimano guy for about 10 years and this is my first Campy bike. After only a couple hundred miles, I can honestly say I'm hooked on Campy. Fantastico!