DON'T BUY another bike until you watch THIS - Shimano Ultegra 12-speed Di2 review

The new Shimano Ultegra R8170 Di2 Disc groupset really closes the gap to Dura-Ace. Unless you particularly want to spend more or need to save that little bit of weight, there is no point in looking past Ultegra R8170.
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[@wong5150]

if you have to buy your own dura ace, you don't need dura ace

[@jcsrst]

Truer words have never been said.

[@87togabito]

If you need to buy your own dura ace, you’re probably able to afford one without caring about the price. Which is > over being sponsored one.

[@glennoc8585]

Did anyone ever need dura ace

[@LOGICAL-JAY]

Exactly 💯

[@LOGICAL-JAY]

@@glennoc8585 nope..leave dura ace for the pros..they don't worry because they get their bikes for free..the average rider doesn't have a car following them with 3 more replaceable bikes on top like in the tour de france..lol..these pro races get these bikes for free thru endorsements..Ultegra mechanical and di2 is fine enough for the average serious cyclist

[@JogBird]

the purpose of dura ace is to make ultegra look affordable

[@WillPower46]

Yes, I owned 2 bike shops for nearly a decade. This sales strategy always worked great for me I would sell 1 Dura Ace bike for every 10 Ultegra bikes sold and I would personally explain to customers why Ultegra was such a great buy and a better option when all things were considered to Dura Ace. Once I even stocked a few bikes from a competitors store's anchor brand to show how inferior their brand was to ours lol. At the end of the season I sold them what it cost me.

[@kerbodynamicx472]

@@WillPower46 1 Dura ace bike for every 105 bikes sold with 105 groupset? 🌝

[@ZenEndurance]

lol. Not entirely untrue.

[@markbentley4343]

Exactly. Ultegra costs 2000 euros. Just 3-4 years ago you could get a whole bike with Ultegra for little more than half that price

[@glennoc8585]

Certainly seems that way

[@markbentley4343]

Is a super bike pointless? Are expensive aero wheels too? It all depends what the cycling press are reviewing and what the bike industry wants to sell. Will you say Dura Ace is pointless when reviewing Dura Ace? Is it pointless to pay thousands extra on a top line carbon frame to save 200g? Not when you review the S-Works SL7 or another sponsored product

[@glennoc8585]

Aero wheels for have benefits I can tell the difference on my bikes on a group ride. In saying that, it's only beneficial if the wheels are not penalised by weight.

[@LOGICAL-JAY]

I totally agree...what ever happened to strengthening the legs and loosing weight...lol

[@847165nw]

When being honest, they say 200g is nothing, but if they were doing a bike review, they would emphasize the weight difference of 200 grams from previous years models. It's all a shifting perspective I suppose.

[@theaxeman37]

lol "shifting" perspective....good one :-P

[@skelotar]

FACTS!

[@ScottFireland]

Of the 200 grams, about 1/3 is the difference between cassette weights. Many riders with Dura-Ace only use Dura-Ace cassettes when competing.

[@herculesrockefeller8969]

"...when in that gear, I always try for another one." So I'm NOT alone! 😁

[@Aureas133]

7:20 If you want to adjust your rear mech whilst riding; Map one of the buttons on top of the shifters to 'function' and it acts like the button on your rear derailleur.

[@AdamEwart]

Never mind the groupset...who in their right mind would have bollocks long 80 something millimetre valve stems/extensions on their 40mm wheels?? 🤦🏻‍♂️🤦🏻‍♂️

[@rotikk]

I can only confirm every word in this video. Recently I have built my dream bike and after several weeks of dilemma decided to proceed with Ultegra Di2 12s. After few weeks of joyful riding, I can definitely say, it is amazing groupset, working perfectly, without any drawbacks or issues. After years of evolution, they brought this Di2 to perfection. The main advantage of SRAM for me was no necessity to deal with inner cabling, but in my opinion the bigger capacity of Di2 battery is much significant aspect. I would never think I say this, but using front derailleur is now real fun and greatly useful - after years with mechanical 105 and chain rubbing I really enjoy it! If you hesitate, which groupset to choose, Ultegra Di2 12s is the way to go. You simply cannot regret this decision :)

[@solitaryrefinement6787]

If I'm spending more than 105-grade money, I'm not even looking at Ultegra EXCEPT for chains & cassettes. I'm going straight to Dura-Ace. Moving forward however, all my bikes will be built on 105 (even though I've had 4 Dura-Ace builds and have 2 now). I don't race so it's 105 for me.

[@ZenEndurance]

That's been the case for 20 years. Ultegra is top-notch. Dura-Ace is where they are shaving grams off Ultegra and you get lighter, but more fragile components. If you're a sponsored pro and can get new parts for free when your Dura-Ace breaks from a crash, then keep getting Dura-Ace. If you're a normal human and have to buy stuff yourself and a few grams don't matter because you aren't trying to win the TDF, then Ultegra is awesome.

[@glennoc8585]

More fragile? I don't think that's true at all.

[@arnonym2444]

@@glennoc8585 Sure - physics

[@maxlloyd3740]

Certainly the wireless set up from levers makes building bikes a lot easier! Some of the internal routing through the bars is a nightmare!

[@dominicbritt]

Not sure why people struggle with this - 105 to DuraAce are the performance tier for road bikes. 105 and Ultegra are for most people - DuraAce is AND always has been for people with funds who race. It’s very f)&king simple and it’s plastered all over Shimanos website. CUEs will come to road bikes in 2024 and is targeted at people who moan about grouoset prices.

[@sandgroper1970]

I had Dura Ace mechanical on my previous road bike, which replaced my first road bike which had Ultegra Mechanical. With that I noticed a difference . My current bike has Ultegra 6870 DI2, after a couple of rides I felt like this is as good as the Dura Ace in braking, obviously in DI2 wow loved it from the get go, occasional double shift but I often forget the pressure required with DI2 to shift . Come to a new bike if I go Shimano, I would stick with Ultegra, I don't need to save weight ( except off the rider) .. All bikes rim brakes..

[@cbb3062]

What differences did you notice between the mechical dura ace and ultalagera ?

[@sandgroper1970]

@@cbb3062 With the mechanical versions the Dura Ace was just that little bit crisper in shifting and the braking was a fraction better. It was not light and day difference but it just seemed better. With the Ultegra DI2 it is whole generation or 2 newer than the Dura Ace version I had

[@pennyblue6372]

if you have to buy dura ace, you don‘t need dura ace….

[@LOZUPONEJ]

My 11 speed mechanical rim break ultegra is all I need.

[@stickymiky123]

Brake

[@n22pdf]

I love ultegra mechanical shame they dropped it

[@gabrielnavarra1193]

I think the only good thing is, we have top of the line ultegra mechanical

[@billkallas1762]

I wish Shimano still offered Ultegra 8000 as an 11speed, rim brake, cable operated group, only. (With more manly gears, available)

[@icequake2000]

I think Hambini is getting to the Bike industry😁

[@darrengarvie8832]

Someone need to buy if a bike is not satisfactory from new it should be rejected and your within your rights to reject it in the UK as it's not fit for purpose especially when a bike costs so much now.

[@GNX157]

Road cc, try making a hands on review of doing a firmware update on the wireless shifters. It’s not easy like with the other brands and yes, wires are needed.

[@LOGICAL-JAY]

The video should be renamed "IS 12 SPEED DURA ACE NEEDED ???" Lol..most of us riding bikes are not at a professional level and really don't need dura ace..alot of folks would be fine with a mechanical shimano105..lol...but for those that want the fancy gadgets and crisp shifting ULTEGRA is the way to go..DURA ACE and ULTEGRA differ in weight..weight in grams that the average rider isn't going to notice. What ever happened to loosing weight or strengthening the legs?? Lol..now in 2022 that shimano 105 di2 is going to be a game changer for the bike snobs.

[@LOZUPONEJ]

Heavy overpriced group set you don’t need

[@fernandodisola6675]

So glad I bought ultegra di2 12speed rim brake version had enough with disk brakes constant pain..Happy i went back to rim brake with the latest shimano tech.

[@glennoc8585]

There is no 12 sod rim brake Ultegra. Why tell lies?

[@fernandodisola6675]

@@glennoc8585 I have it on my New 2022 Colnago V3rs....ultegra di2 12speed Rim brake...look it up and also there's Dura Ace di2 12 speed Rim brake version....No lies just facts

[@SaschaRissling]

Right now i think most people would go out on a limb and say ultegra is pointless since 105 gives you everything you could possibly need.

[@GNX157]

Almost every bike needs the flat mounts checked and resurfaced, except that tool is over $400 so a bit beyond the DIYer and tbh call around and you’ll find most bike shops don’t have one either nor do they even know it’s something that can be checked or done. Same goes for derailleur hanger alignment. Pretty much every new bike built is off enough to require a correction, but how many shops even put the gauge on to check?

[@markj.a351]

Golden rule. If you have to pay for Dura Ace yourself then you don’t need it

[@Tim955w]

Any idea what the shifting performance is like compared to the new 105 Di2.

[@glennoc8585]

I'm running dura ace di2 9000 front and rear derailleurs with GRX shifters and have no plan to upgrade for a king as possible. I've had full dura ace and I've got ultegra mechanical on my old bikes. There is zero noticeable difference between ultegra and dura ace in performance from my experience. When you see level 2 pro teams using ultegra and often a mix of 105 and Ultegra you have to wonder if it's a benefit to go dura ace. O r of the fastest guys in my bunch ride is on Tiagra 10 sod with the money saved going into a nice frame and light wheels.

[@christophertyler8051]

just buy a second hand Mechanical Ultegra and its lighter than the new dura ace one. Disk brakes cost a lot more to maintain and are heavier and I'm sick of hearing of my friends discs brakes rubbing and clattering after every decent decent ......Progress really ! ?

[@gaza4543]

I’m with you up till disc brakes. They cost no more to look after and mine don’t sing or clatter after decent other the ticking noise from being hot. Which soon goes. Carbon blocks on carbon rim is like nails on a black board.

[@christophertyler8051]

@@gaza4543 Hi a decent set of brake pads versus a pair of brake blocks and of course no hydraulic oil required says it all really ....

[@glennoc8585]

@@christophertyler8051 hydraulic oil or cables that wear and break

[@ShadowzKiller]

My 105 5800 series works just as good as the new Ultegra when indexing, etc. is set up properly, even after 40,000km. Unless you are pro, there is no need. If you have money, then why not. Corporate bike shops cannot even set up basic shifting these days anyways.

[@ArteUltra1195]

Reasonable choice is the last gen Ultegra Di2 used if you‘re looking for a bike built that does not need any more upgrading. Anyone buying the new 105 Di2 is beyond me, it‘s all just a REALLY expensive gimmick, updates in the last 10 years in the higher groupsets won‘t really be felt when riding. So don‘t waste your money, invest into something that makes your ride more enjoyable, a good-looking wheelset or new bartape

[@jamesshepherd9154]

Have you ridden 105 di2?

[@charlesblithfield6182]

I think it’s ridiculous frames need to be checked to make sure disc brakes are working properly.

[@Edmond347]

Wait, what to get with disc brakes? Face mounts? It was incomprehensible.

[@gaza4543]

In general any holo product it mostly pointless, it mostly pays for r&d and then trickles down to the more affordable products. Happens in every industry, the hifi industry exemplifies this at its best. But I draw the line at a group set weighing 3kg and over. My 11 speed mechanical is currently sitting at 2.3kg 8-900 grams is not unsubstantial at all. There is no way I’d “upgrade” to an electronic system at that weight.

[@Wanjiku82]

Spent about 500 miles on it and so far so good. kzbin.infoUgkxMesz3KOGEmwmvyKQfLfrRSUXLFzfVHZA Pros:1. Very light2. Solid quality build3. Fast delivery: It arrived 5 weeks earlier than expected.4. Easy assemblyJust a few cons but nothing major:1. Cheap tin tubes and had flat on first day... but not a big deal. I replaced the tubes.2. Seat is a bit uncomfortable but that's pretty much the same situation with most bikes.3. Seat post is a bit long/high for a smaller size 48 bike - had to saw 2 inch off to fit properly. The lowest setting is too high. The post locking system does not seem to hold well (perhaps because I saw 2 inch off).4. wheels are not tubeless compatible (from what I can tell)

[@rangersmith4652]

UCI requires that whatever the pro riders employ must be available to consumers. But that doesn't mean consumers have a viable rationale for buying it.

[@mandopando68]

So what’s the gap of performance between new 105 di2 - ultegra di2 ???

[@gaza4543]

You never notice as all the feel has been taken away from you. The only thing you’d notice is the notice is the weight. Rival and 105 depending on chosen spec are around the 3kg mark. Mechanical 105 was 2500grams

[@ArteUltra1195]

Please don‘t buy the new 105

[@bliblobliblob3279]

This bike was really easy to assemble kzbin.infoUgkxMesz3KOGEmwmvyKQfLfrRSUXLFzfVHZA and required very few adjustments out of the box. The wheels did not require any truing/adjustments. The frame had some small scratches, but nothing major.I did replace the seat though - the seat it came with was very uncomfortable. The tires need to be re-inflated every 4-5 days, but this appears to be quite common for the narrow 700x25 tires.Overall, in my opinion, this bike looks and rides like a much more expensive bike.

[@mclogged2280]

Both Dura Ace and Ultegra are pointless for anyone doing anything less than CAT 1 racing. For everyone else 105 is more than enough. Bike components have started to become a dick measuring competition.

[@87togabito]

Lol feeling sad that the girth of your wallet is smaller than others?

[@glennoc8585]

You could argue 105 is entry level racing then. Tiagra or even Sora is all non racers need. A guy in my 3030 was on Tiagra and flying along.

[@terrywalker7127]

Do the cranks come apart like dura ace? Campy EPS4 for me, please.

[@user-cx2bk6pm2f]

The Dura Ace chain is faster than Ultegra, due to more Siltec surface treatment. Let's not throw Dura Ace out the window. It's a great space for Shimano to bring new tech for us. Expensive, yes, but you don't have to buy it. When Shimano recoups costs after a year or two and they're able to trickle the tech down, then we all win.

[@libbykeiron]

Jamie sounds like he has just finished play school 😂

[@darrengarvie8832]

If I buy a bike and it not right I will be sending it back and keep doing that until I get a satisfactory bicycle it is comments like you have to do it causes the issue if you car had something wrong with it you would be straight to the dealership same which a bicycle back to the shop same rules apply.

[@JFomo]

To me they both (and 105 too I guess) look the same. No one will know what you have unless they get up nice and close. At least with SRAM you can tell what groupset it is by the design of the chainring.

[@ozgurinsan]

what is this my feed is full of ultegra is the groupset to go commercials?

[@daneilsteenkamp6886]

Shimano without a mechanical option is pointless

[@timtaylor9590]

200 grams difference? does that include cassette and chain? the difference from 9100 and 8000 is 300 grams. i guess they have to close the gap otherwise the ultegra would be a bigger disgrace

[@gaza4543]

I bet those weights don’t include the batteries wires and hydro fluid and hoses.

[@timtaylor9590]

@@gaza4543 absolutely just like how mechanical doesnt include cables/wires/housing.

[@watdafuk21]

Does the new Ultegra cassette have 12-32t cassette?

[@user-nu5fx6en9h]

Dura ace is just so good, very light and super durable 🔥

[@miffachan123]

lol

[@industryrule-4080]

Curious if those in the UK (or any other rainy location) use resin or metal pads in their disc brakes?

[@Smegmeister]

all still shipped with resin, I upgrade many to metal (which often means discs too)

[@roadcc]

It only rains *most* of the time here, not *all* of the time 😅

[@basedgodstrugglin]

Has anybody ever bought dura ace for a reason other than to flex and be a weight geek?

[@byrondixon4648]

Yes - it looks good 😎

[@glennoc8585]

Tbh I bought 9000 dura ace because it looked really nice. I personally now like campy over Shimano for aesthetics. Chorus carbon cranks look way nicer than the current dura ace.

[@bikesavvy3654]

Don’t like the extra Q factor with the Ultegra and I can’t get a 11-28 cassette

[@GNX157]

Keep an eye on the Miche Primato brand. Very possible they will come up with optional ratio packages.

[@bobbafett1971]

Little more then a few grams..like 1 pound

[@donwinston]

I don't like the fact that there are no more mid and short cage versions of the rear derailleur. The long cage looks clunky and unnecessary for many people who don't need granny gears.

[@sand9577]

Hahaha, "granny gears" some of us don't live in a pool table where any climb over 50 meters is considered a hill. Every month, on the low end I climb around 9k, when I'm serious about going uphill I usually pump those to 13k, climbing 2.5k on a single ride alone. I freaking love to bits my 11-34 cassette and 50-34 chainring, enough speed to go home fast, and enough big quality-of-life gears to not make the climbs miserable.

[@TengoHambre]

Still love my granny gear 36-34😅, if you think i‘m a granny going up a 1600 m climb with my high cadence, compete with me😅 come to austria and compete with a fit granny in alpine climbs👵🏻👌🏻

[@donwinston]

@@TengoHambre The point was that many people do not encounter or seek out such climbs and don't need or want an ugly looking derailleur cage on their bike. Also there is nothing superior about high cadence cycling. Cadence doesn't matter.

[@RyonBeachner]

Dura Ace is just bike nerd jewelry, and there’s no real benefit over Ultegra. What groupset do I ride you ask? Dura Ace. Because I’m a big vain idiot who makes poor financial decisions.

[@rp6760]

Pointless just because the creators of this video can't afford Dura Ace / or get free sponsored any more..😉

[@dahoe1]

So is 105 di2 the new ultegra?

[@glennoc8585]

No

[@bobjohnson7207]

Just wait until the Dura Ace bikes don't sell for a few years and they get blown out. But they perform the same.

[@roadcc]

It'll certainly be interesting to hear about sales figures

[@user-nu5fx6en9h]

Dura ace bike always sold out instantly, so I forced to get ultegra will upgrade soon 😁

[@dods2002]

Sora R3000 work perfectly for me, I can drop guys on Ultrgra di2 no problem. It's the legs that matter. They don't make you go any faster ;-)).

[@byrondixon4648]

I have two bikes. One with that last of the Dura Ace 9100 and one with 10 speed Tiagra. Almost prefer to ride the Tiagra bike with my mates who all have Dura Ace or Ultegra. It's nice being fairly fit 😎

[@87togabito]

Lol, spoken like a true salty peasant. Success isn’t about how fast you are, it’s about being able to buy components without needing to care about the cost.

[@byrondixon4648]

@@87togabito I have often wondered how to really measure success, now I see the truth 😎

[@dods2002]

@@87togabito Sure it is🤣🤣🤣

[@glennoc8585]

@@87togabito so does a Nissan GTR owner win over the Ferrari and lambo owner?

[@a1white]

Aesthetically, that rear derailleur looks ugly as hell 😕

[@Abrntn]

First world problems with you guys 🙄 Dura Ace has no problem selling. It’s like any product line. K?

[@jimhansen5395]

The title is a bit pretentious don't ya think?

[@claydohlite29]

Dura ace is for EGO

[@ernestoechevers4741]

Lighter? 🤔 NO! so not good just another expensive unjustified delicate toy bah more of the same BS

[@jerrydixon9865]

The only thing that needs Dur-Ace is your ego.

[@bryanoliver1900]

The only pointless thing is making a pointless video about the difference between ultegra and dura ace

[@LOZUPONEJ]

12 speed overpriced heavy isn’t worth it.