Last Updated on September 16, 2022
When did Ultegra 6800 come out? A lot of people ask this question, but there’s only one answer: Shimano didn’t release this group for years. Shimano changed that by adding an extra cog to the Ultegra 6800, making it the workhorse of the component world. But how well does it stack up against Dura-Ace 9000?
Shimano ultegra 6800
When the Shimano ULTEGA 6800 came out, it was quite the big deal. In addition to its 11-speed drivetrain, it boasts positive mechanical shifting, a shorter lever throw, and a dual pivot brake. Its design and performance have been clearly influenced by the Dura-Ace 9000 groupset. The groupset uses a four-arm chainset and an 11-32 cassette, which is compatible with hand-built wheels.
Shimano knows how to make an impression and this comes through when you unbox the groupset and see all the parts for the groupset. There’s nothing quite like the rush of unpacking a new groupset, especially one this high-end. Especially when you know the price tag is well under $1000. Shimano is also selling their own Shimano transmitter for the E-tube system, which will broadcast gear information to compatible cycling computers.
The Ultegra 6800 comes with an 11-speed groupset and an asymmetrical four-arm crankset, which are similar to the Dura-Ace groupset. The Ultegra 6800’s 4-arm design is similar to the Dura-Ace’s, but offers half the friction. Moreover, it works with standard and compact chainrings.
While the Dura-Ace groupset was the first to offer the most precise shifting, the Ultegra 6800 benefited from the trickling-down of the technology. It is lighter than the Dura-Ace, and offers superb shifting. Furthermore, Ultegra allows you to shift between multiple gears at the same time. In addition to the aforementioned benefits, the Ultegra 6800 is also a lightweight groupset and can be used on a bike.
The brakes on the Ultegra 6800 are similar to those on Dura-Ace, but they feature a dual pivot design. This design eliminates the mounting bolt, and enables equal tension on both arms. Plus, the arms are closer to the rim, enhancing modulation. As you can see, the Ultegra groupset is a solid choice for any cyclist.
The Ultegra 6800’s shift mechanism is similar to that of the Dura-Ace, but it features a shortened lever stroke. It uses a new spring mechanism for the shift lever, which makes it feel more positive and offers better feedback. Unlike the Dura-Ace, it uses a proprietary polymer shift cable to reduce mechanical drag. The result is that it’s easier to shift, even on a carbon fiber bike.
As with any groupset, the Ultegra 6800’s outer chainring is designed for versatility. With its varying spacing, the chainset can accommodate a variety of rings, including triple and double. It also supports cyclocross rings. For a full-size crankset, the Ultegra 6800 has a standard BCD of 110mm, which is an excellent fit for most road bikes.
Although Ultegra and Dura-Ace components look similar, the Dura-Ace crank is a much stiffer option. Its higher-quality bearings reduce drivetrain friction and improve rider comfort. The Dura-Ace components are finished in “mirror black” – a high-gloss black with a touch of sparkle. Photos of the actual components do not do it justice.
Shimano 105
The Shimano 105 Ultegra is the gateway to the company’s high-end road gear. Its components are identical from the lowest to the highest groups, although the chains and rotors will become marginally lighter as you move up. All groups share hydraulic disc brake calipers, although the Dura-Ace group features larger cooling fins. Shimano claims that this reduces brake-related temperature by 50 degrees Celsius.
The Shimano 105 Ultegra has a few benefits over the Dura-Ace groupsets. Ultegra’s Di2 electronic system uses motors on the derailleurs to make the gear changes. Ultegra Di2 has a smaller shape, so it’s good for riders who don’t like the bulky hydraulic disc hoods.
Shimano’s chainsets are constructed of lightweight aluminum and feature a Hollowtech II system that uses a single ring to move the chains. Both front derailleurs are nearly identical in weight, so you won’t notice a difference in performance. The Ultegra chainrings have a trim position for avoiding the chain from falling. The Ultegra shifter is also compatible with 105 front derailleurs.
Dura-Ace pedals feature longer activation arms for lighter front shifts and superb pick-up capabilities from the chain. The pedals are also symmetrically mounted on a carrier, which replaces brake bolts. The outer chainring is made of two alloy plates with a caved center. These features provide improved durability and reliability. They’re light and comfortable to use. A review by Stu Kerton reveals that the shape and size of the brake levers have changed slightly from the earlier versions.
Shimano 105 Ultegra groupsets are a high-quality choice for a road bike. Shimano Ultegra is the second-tier road groupset, with 90% of the performance of Dura-Ace and less than half of the price. Shimano’s Ultegra groupsets are available with Di2 electronic shifting. Shimano 105 Ultegra groupsets offer smoother, easier shifting.
Shimano 105 cassettes are not as lightweight as Dura-Ace. But the Ultegra cassette’s finish is less attractive. That affects shift performance and longevity. In the end, it’s worth the slight price difference, because it uses titanium cogs, which wear out more quickly than steel. They are also more expensive than 105 cassettes, but they don’t cost as much as Dura-Ace.
Another notable difference between the two groupsets is the shifter. The 105 shifter uses a slightly boxier profile than the Ultegra one, but the Ultegra shifter is slightly lighter. While the two groupsets are very similar in performance, 105 shifters require two finger braking and are easier to use than Ultegra. If you’re not sure about which one to buy, check out Decathlon for single levers.
Dura-Ace 9000
When comparing the components of Shimano’s two most popular road bikes, the Dura-Ace 9000 is the clear winner. While both bikes use similar parts, the Dura Ace crank is more rigid and has extra durability. Both cranks are coated with an ultra-low friction material for superior grip and are polished for a shinier finish. However, the Ultegra 6800 is notably more lightweight than the Dura Ace 9000.
Unlike the older Ultegra group, the Dura-Ace 9000 uses ball bearing pulleys in its rear derailleur. The Ultegra 6800 utilizes a bushing for the upper pulley. Additionally, the Dura Ace 9000 uses lighter alloys and higher grade bushings for a higher level of durability. The Ultegra 6800 is also compatible with the 5800 105.
While the Dura-Ace 9000 is stronger at the point of maximum crank arm pressure, the Ultegra 6800 is more lightweight, only ten grams heavier. The Ultegra chainring has half the friction of the Dura Ace and can accommodate either a standard or a compact chainring combination. Both cranks can be easily interchanged with a chainring or cassette.
Despite their differences in design and functionality, these two drivetrains are similar in performance. However, the Ultegra has a lower price tag. While the Ultegra uses titanium cogs, the Dura Ace has a more stylish finish. Both cassettes feature titanium cogs, which wear faster than steel. You’ll want to consider all of these factors before making a decision.
Compared to the Ultegra 6800, the Dura-Ace 9000 is a better choice for many cyclists. The Dura Ace 9000 is more convenient to use, incorporating shifter mechanism into the brake lever. Besides that, it has an integrated power meter, which is unique to Shimano bikes. It also has synchronized front and rear derailleur shifting.
While the Ultegra derailleur has similar synchronized shifting capabilities, it does have a slimmer and more beveled outer surface. The Dura-Ace derailleur is more expensive due to machining, but it does save a significant amount of weight compared to Ultegra. In addition to these differences, these two groupsets are similar in terms of maintenance.
About The Author
Fernánda Esteban is a food fanatic. She can't go more than a few hours without eating, and she loves trying new foods from all over the world. Her friends know that they can always count on her for a good conversation, and she's an animal lover who will never turn down an opportunity to pet a dog or cat. Fernánda also enjoys learning about random facts, and she's a social media practitioner who loves to share what she knows with others.