Tri Bikes - ultegra vs Dura Ace
767
Member
795 days
tsilcyc posted 25 weeks ago.
The stock bike is a very nice bike. No need to upgrade to full DA. Save the money and get wheels.
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189
Member
1605 days
driggins posted 25 weeks ago.
there isn't a huge different between ultegra and DA. to increase performance (other than upgrading your genes or inproving fitness) you need to look 2 places - increasing your aero or reducing weight. upgrading components will reduce weight a bit. but your best return on your $500 would probably be to invest in an aero helmet for $200.
988
Member
325 days
ChunkyB posted 25 weeks ago.
When producing Tri/TT bikes specifically, weight is actually the third priority for most bike companies, after aerodynamics and stiffness. The weight advantage between Ultegra and DA is so miniscule that you could blow your nose before the race and lose more weight than upgrading to DA. Plus, the DA crank is actually not quite as stiff as Ultegra (depending on the year and what not), so you might actually see a decrease in performance when upgrading to DA.
Other than the bling factor, there is absolutely no GOOD reason to upgrade to DA.
"The melting point of wax means nothing to me": Thrice
115
Member
1053 days
NotAsFast posted 25 weeks ago.
Totally agree with tsilcyc, forget upgrading the components and put your money into upgrading the wheel set to a more Aero Set. This will give the best increase in performance right out of the shop. If you go with Zipp 4o4's or zip 8o8's or similar deep profile you will be better off in the long run.
622
Member
477 days
Iron Dan posted 25 weeks ago.
With the derailleurs being DA, there is no real need to upgrade. As long as you are above a 105 in the derailleurs, your shifting performance should be great. I have heard the DA brakes perform better than ultegra brakes, but I have never tested it out personally and have never had an issue with my ultegra brakes. With the crank arm, there is no real difference other than weight. With it being a tri bike, the only other thing is bar ends and there is no real difference there in my opinion. Stick with what comes on it and enjoy.
As im going through the great search for an entry level tri-bike, im currently looking at the Kuota K-Factor - only problem is, as I look to upgrae the components, i am stuck between Dura Ace Derailleurs w/ the rest of the bike upgraded to Ultegra components, or paying an extra 500 and getting full Dura Ace. I'd like to think it might be a little more wise to save the 500 and put it toward the wheelset. Keep in mind, im a school teacher in a rich man's sport!! Thanks for any input.