I know, this topic has had a good go-round, but the focus was blurred somewhat with mention of non-topic discussion of ultegra, chorus, and the relative prices and benefit of all. let us move on.
So now i offer a rating system, with categories on a 1 to 5 scale, 1 being no good, 2 ok, 3 good, 4 very good, 5 excellent.
the categories to apply this 1 to 5 scale:
1. ergonomics: how well does the stuff fit, shifting access
2. weight: less is better
3. durability: crash repair, rebuildable or not, long term usage
4. precision: how intuitive is control, how consistent is feedback
5. style: the waters are a a bit judgemental here but...
6. resale: what can you expect over time
in this way we can objectively rate the top groups without diluting the task at hand too much with sentimental subjectivity.
my go at this is far from the last word, but i am trying to make up my mind (talk about your "luxury problems"😉 and i flashed back to how a simular checklist was made to decide on which house to live in. this is, after all a decision on par in the grand scheme of things to any cyclist.
d/a 7800:
1. ergonomics 4
nearly perfect, i feel the shape could be tweaked to fit larger hands a bit better or else i would rate a 5. there are more hand postions available than record.
2. weight: 3
record is less, and when we are talking the best, no holds barred, then this becomes magnified in relative importance.
3. durability: 4
i would not doubt d/a could last longer than record without needing shifters rebuilt, but when you do you bought it all, not just a spring or two.
but the bb brgs are easy at least.
4. precision: 4
the only things that keeps it from 5 are the lack of multi shift and trim capability, and the r. derailer travel occuring throughout the lever travel rather than decisively at the end as with record.
5.style: 2
d/a 7800 is kinda space age but looks more and more oddly out there to me.
6. resale: 2
d/a 7800 is in demand right now, but down the road, with new itterations, it will become increasingly devalued. witness the older shimano (AX for example vs. super record) prices on the collector demand market.
the score for record:
1. ergonomics: 3
w/ 7800,total finger tip shifting is superior for me. it is always right there, no jostling.
but record does postion the wrist more comfortably in some cases, as when close to the bars.
2. weight: 5
less is better.
3. durability: 5
this stuff can be rebuilt. most everything and easily. goes for hubs too.
it coud be argued the cassettes are prone to wear but maintainence could equal this out to an extent.
4. precision: 5
the shifting feedback is more exact than vague, as it happens instantly at the end of the travel, rather then progressively throughout the lever travel as with da 7800.
also the thrust bearings in the ergos 'n brake calipers.
5. style: 5
sure the visual appeal may be over rated and non functional in some cases with the use of carbon, but talk about eye candy.
may be more important to the all ital bikes.
6. resale. 5
down the road, collectors and riders will seek this stuff out. has to do with practical rebuild-ability as much as enthusiastic passion perhaps.
total scores:
d/a7800: 19
record: 28
consider the gauntlet swung, what say you?