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updates | July 10, 2026

How much better is Dura Ace than Ultegra?

Although Dura Ace is considered to Shimano's out-and-out performance groupset, surprisingly, Ultegra is generally deemed to be much more versatile, mainly because of the lower range of gears that it offers. While Ultegra cassettes go all the way up to 34 teeth, Dura Ace cassettes only go up to 30 teeth.

Does a Dura Ace cassette last longer than Ultegra?

If the Durace has better longevity, I might be willing to pay for the pricier cassette to save a couple of grams. A Dura Ace cassette will not last longer, in fact the titanium cogs will wear more quickly. If longevity is the goal, then Ultegra is the answer.

Is Dura-Ace the best?

Two years, over 10,000 miles, one conclusion: Shimano's Dura-Ace 9000 mechanical group is the best human-powered drivetrain the world has ever seen. If you're a weight-weenie, look to SRAM, home of the best weight/cost ratio in the industry.

Why is Dura-Ace so good?

The top-of-the-line Dura-Ace group will be the lightest, and it will use expensive and exotic materials like titanium and carbon fiber more liberally. Certain components will feature more extensive machining. The rear derailleur is a good example. Compared to a 105 derailleur, the Dura-Ace derailleur has less material.

Are Dura-Ace pedals worth it?

Serviceability, low weight, durability, and ease of finding spares all add up to a flagship product that is easily one of the best road bike pedals on the market, and since Shimano components can often be found with great discounts online, you'll likely be able to buy them for cheaper than the competition too.

31 related questions found

What is the difference between Ultegra and Dura-Ace pedals?

The main difference between Shimano's 105, Ultegra and Dura-Ace pedals is the weight. The top-end Dura-Ace pedals have an injection modeled carbon-composite body. They weigh 228 g. Ultegra pedals are only slightly heavier at 248 g with the 105 pedals coming in at 265 g.

Who purchased speedplay?

Wahoo has announced that it has acquired the pedal brand Speedplay. This is Wahoo's second large acquisition in recent times, following its purchase of indoor training app The Sufferfest earlier in the year.

Can you mix Dura-Ace and Ultegra?

Thus, an Ultegra (6800/8000) 11-speed chain can be used with a Dura-Ace (9000/9100) 11-speed cassette. Similarly, there is no need to match the level of the chain and cassette to the rest of the groupset, so a 105 (5800) 11-speed cassette can be used with a Dura-Ace (9000/9100) 11-speed groupset.

What is Dura-Ace made of?

For example,the brackets of the Ultegra model made of a glass fibre resin, whereas Dura-Ace is made with a carbon fibre resin. Interestingly, Ultegra actually receives a greater amount of free stroke adjustment than the Dura-Ace model, meaning riders should be able to get a more comfortable set up.

Is 105 better than Ultegra?

There is no longer any real technological difference between 105 and Ultegra, and the only real difference is that Ultegra is a lighter groupset. That means we have 2 answers to the question of 105 versus Ultegra. If you want to make, a cash value judgment go for 105 if you want to save weight go for Ultegra.

How long does Dura-Ace chain last?

If you wear your chain/cassette combo you can easily get a year's (5000kms) riding out of them in all conditions. If you just want to change your chains, trust the measurement tool or bargain for 1200-1400 kms as a rule of thumb.

Which is better 105 or Dura-Ace?

Shimano 105 is considered Shimano's first performance groupset, and for many people it is the best option in combining performance, value and longevity. Ultegra is next and is very similar to Dura-Ace in terms of performance, though Dura-Ace is lighter.

How much is Dura-Ace?

Price and availability

A complete Shimano Dura-Ace R9200 groupset will retail for £3,631.87 / $4,398.86. Stock will become available from October 2021 and Shimano foresees no delays in production or delivery.

How many miles can a Dura Ace cassette?

If those cogs are used a lot, they will wear out quickly. I've had severe wear on Ti cogs after only 4,000 miles of use. With a steel cog cassette, I expect it to last trough the life of the 3-4 chains in a rotation. With Shimano chains that might only be 9-12,000 miles.

How long does a Shimano Dura Ace cassette last?

Lifespan is hard to predict... The life of any cassette depends on riding conditions and how often you maintain your bike and replace your chains. If you replace your chain at 1,500 miles (use inexpensive chains), your cassettes won't wear as fast.

Is Dura-Ace a Shimano?

DURA-ACE is Shimano's best road bike groupset. It is about perfection. About striving for the ultimate in everything you do. It's made for those who never compromise.

Are Dura-Ace crankset carbon?

Shimano has unveiled details of the new FC-7800C carbon fiber Dura-Ace crankset, which allies an aluminum core with a carbon-fibre shell to creat a lightweight and rigid construction.

Is Dura-Ace Di2 better than Ultegra Di2?

It also means that Dura-Ace Di2 will age better than Ultegra Di2, keeping that new-bike feeling far longer into its life. So if you ride your bikes for 10 years, and expect to keep the same group that whole time, Dura-Ace Di2 may be the way to go. Second, Ultegra Di2 is a bit heavier, but not by much, as noted above.

Does Campagnolo cassette work Shimano?

Yes. Campagnolo wheels are compatible with both Shimano and SRAM components. In order to use Campagnolo wheels with any drivetrain on the market, Campagnolo produces two kinds of freewheel bodies: one specific for Campagnolo drivetrains (from 9 to 11 speeds) and one for non-Campagnolo drivetrains (from 9 to 11 speeds).

Does Ultegra work with 105?

There's no reason why you can't use an Ultegra cassette with an otherwise 105 groupset, or vice versa. With both 105 and Ultegra, the largest sprocket you can officially use is a 34-tooth, although in truth you can go much larger than that; we have gear systems with 11-40 cassettes that work very happily.

What happened to Speedplay?

Speedplay pedals are back and there's a power meter coming. In 2019, GPS and indoor training brand Wahoo acquired pedal maker Speedplay and today the brand has announced a refreshed range of four road pedals, with a power meter pedal option to follow later in the year.

Are Speedplay pedals better?

Speedplay say that they deliberately choose a more fiddly system to get better performance. They use three bearings and it needs more maintenance than standard pedals. But, they claim the cost of extra maintenance enables them to get a better performance.

Is Speedplay owned by Wahoo?

SPEEDPLAY,now owned by Wahoo Fitness, is a brand of clipless road cycling pedals. Wahoo Fitness re-engineered the lollipop pedals for increased durability and easier setup and maintenance.

How much do Dura-Ace pedals weigh?

Shimano gives an official weight of 228g for its Dura-Ace pedals, although we measured ours at 239g. That compares to 248g for both previous generation Dura-Ace and new Ultegra 6800 pedals (which we've not yet tested).

What cleats go with Shimano 105 pedals?

The Shimano 105 pedals come packaged with a set of yellow cleats. Replacement cleats are readily available. Shimano also sells cleat covers, to reduce cleat wear when walking and reduce the risk of slipping on smooth, hard or damp surfaces. Shimano 105 pedals run on a steel spindle and cartridge bearings.