Dura Ace 9270 - The Good, The Bad, Compatibility and Is It Worth The Upgrade

[@brettsta72]

Just done 3 days riding in the Welsh hills. 15,000 ft of up and down. 20% descents hammering the brakes for minutes at a time. On 11 speed r8070 shifters and the new dura ace r9250 brake callipers. I can categorically say this works absolutely no issues at all. So much so, I’m thinking of scraping my planned upgrade of all the other components to 12 speed, and sticking with the 11 speed.

[@jonmaloneycycling7593]

Nice!! keep it up

[@markbentley4343]

Great to hear such honesty in a cycling equipment review, Jon. Thanks.

[@jonmaloneycycling7593]

thanks for tuning in

[@desertratsummers]

Man thanks for putting this out! I got my Emonda P1 early November last year and was a little frustrated with the timing on the new Dura Ace. Going from cables to Di2 was such a HUGE difference that having the old version doesn’t bother me in the least. Thanks again for all the kick ass videos you put out!

[@jonmaloneycycling7593]

thank you!!

[@NeutralGenericUser]

I built a new bike recently, and because of availability issue, it was either I wait until April and HOPE I get the new Ultegra, or pay the same price and get the 11sp Ultegra in February. That's the option I chose, and now I have a working bike ready for this Sunday/Monday's great weather in the Toronto area. I also went from mech to Di2 for the first time, and I don't really regret going 11sp. Sure, 12sp would've been nice, but I'm happy with my choice.

[@RyonBeachner]

I went from 9170 to 9270, and wanted to swap my 36T inner to a 34T that I already had from my previous groupset, this video answers that question. Thanks a ton man!

[@jonmaloneycycling7593]

no problem!!

[@walker4133]

You're answering all of my questions, but I still want to upgrade : )

[@jonmaloneycycling7593]

Lol nice!

[@davidparker8475]

Always appreciate your perspective Jon.

[@remitournier2526]

Well actually the 10% more space between brake pads is a great improvement IMO. I fitted the new ultegra calipers (8170) to my r8020 groupset and I measured the improvement, same pads, same rotors. There is a compatibility that not a lot talk about! Bye bye ticking after hard braking.

[@jonmaloneycycling7593]

thanks for the input! appreciate it

[@rp6760]

Thanks. My next upgrade will be calipers

[@brettsta72]

Just done 3 days riding in the Welsh hills. 15,000 ft of up and down. 20% descents hammering the brakes for minutes at a time. On 11 speed r8070 shifters and the new dura ace r9250 brake callipers. I can categorically say this works absolutely no issues at all.

[@_kevin8427]

Hey, still working with no problems?

[@brettsta72]

@@_kevin8427 yeah absolutely perfect. No issues whatsoever after many months of use.

[@NeutralGenericUser]

John, thank you so much for the excellent video! Because of the parts shortage, I paid full price for the old gen (11sp) Ultegra Di2. It would've been nice to get the 12sp, but I'm not too upset, the switch from mech to Di2 is incredible! I also got the wireless module, which softens the blow; if you had 11sp without the wireless module and never added it, then went to 12sp with the wireless functionality built in, it would be a nice improvement being able to pair with your phone/bike computer/etc.). I wanted to point out that the FD adjustment at 5:25 is also available for 11sp (and I don't believe there are any set screws for the 11sp FD either). You can also adjust the RD through the app rather than with the adjustment position on the front junction box; I imagine this is true for the 12sp RD as well. It's probably easier to do it that way than to get off the bike and push the button each time. I completely agree with you in regards to upgrading, and I really like your iPhone analogy. I would've definitely liked to get the 12sp Ultegra, but due to parts shortage, had to 'settle' for 11sp for the same price. I wish I didn't have to make that choice, but I'm not too bummed out about it. Even as a new purchase, the 11sp Di2 is a really nice system compared to SRAM (IMO). I'm really happy with mine.

[@jonmaloneycycling7593]

Thanks for your comment bro!

[@lincolnchisholm9912]

Brakes alone are a great upgrade, modulation is superb. The front derailleur speed is amazing. Great honest review, parts are difficult to find for both groupsets.

[@jonmaloneycycling7593]

thanks for the comment!!

[@user-nu5fx6en9h]

i dont find any differences, still the same it rubs a lot

[@approvedcycling]

Thank you for making this videos! We tried the new Ultegra and DA and they both work, except the brakes which is by far the worst of the all the big three companies...Enjoy your ride!

[@brettsta72]

My comment got deleted so I’m posting it again. Current series (9270, 8170) disc brake callipers are compatible with the 11 speed shifters (9100, 8000 series). Check the shimano compatibility charts , section ‘Hydraulic Disc Brakes [road]’. Use the online version that shimano keeps up to date, not the pdf released around the time 12 speed came out, as they were back then stating incompatibility, but subsequently changed their mind.

[@jimbosimon]

just noticed this too, great spot!

[@jonmaloneycycling7593]

thanks for sharing

[@neilmckenna236]

Great video Jon and good advice. We all love nice new kit but ........ its not really worth the outlay unless you can really afford it ...... its still not actually worth it, its just indulgence. I still run DA 9100 mechanical (rim brake of course 😉) and wont be upgrading for some time yet 👍

[@jonmaloneycycling7593]

Nice!!

[@ODC88]

At this moment I’m riding a S-works Tarmac Sl7 with the new Dura Ace 12 speed but I’m planning to buy a S-works Aethos with Sram Red AXS. I had a lot of problems with my Dura Ace 12 speed groupset. Rattling chain because of bad casettes, creaking dura ace cassette, bad shifing, going into crash mode, bad powermeter numbers, connection problems between powermeter and head units….

[@4h667]

I used the R9200 disc caliper on my dura ace HYDRAULIC STI no problem at all.

[@jonmaloneycycling7593]

Nice! thanks for sharing

[@adamoweb]

Is it the same feel in terms of modulation? Shimano’s compatibility chart shows 11s shifters is compatible with 9270 calipers.

[@ehhowie]

Hey John, you had any issues with RD9270 randomly double shifting up from 16t to 19t before dropping back to 17t? this is on a single 'tap'. Really annoying on a £3k groupset.

[@LoneZZZ10]

For me, the shifter is love and hate... I love because its taller than previous gen, so I have more control when in aero position.. And I hate it because its longer. My bike size is slightly larger for my size.. because the shifter its longer, I must change to shorter stem to make it comfortable for long ride..

[@jonmaloneycycling7593]

thanks for the comment!

[@mareklesniak8768]

​ @Jon Maloney Cycling Have you had a chance to try Ultegra 12 speed and how does it perform against the Dura Ace, especially on build quality and shifting?

[@1blinddate]

Thank you for posting another great video and this detailed analysis. I have one question regarding the Shimano ST-R9270 shifters. I have no concern about the general functionality but I am noticing an annoying vibration noise while riding on particular tarmac conditions. This slight noise definetly comes from the shifter buttons. As soon as I put my hands on the buttons or I am riding on the hoods the vibration noise disappears. This is not a big issue but yet unsatisfying. Did you also notice that? Any suggestions on that? Thank you. Regards

[@barriem5318]

I have no doubt this new DA is worth the money, it's just whether or not it's in your budget. Great video!!

[@divinemercy7036]

Great assessment Jon. Thank you!

[@jonmaloneycycling7593]

thanks for tuning in!

[@crazycomments8038]

I have a 2007 Trek Madone 5.2SL mint condition because of not riding. Today thinking of upgrading to dura ace, currently have Ultegra. Is it worth upgrading.? Thanks for your comment!!

[@jonmaloneycycling7593]

If you want to, I have DA but if you are talking about just money, its not worth it. Ultegra works the exact same. DA is lighter

[@pnmendoza18]

Great content again Jon. Well explained!

[@jonmaloneycycling7593]

thank you

[@fernandodisola6675]

I'm so glad I've ordered the RIM brake version.....don't like those hoods.

[@jonmaloneycycling7593]

Nice

[@semkleinn]

Hey man nice video ✌🏼 Do you know if the Brakes from the r9270 are compatible with the r9170? I have Dura ace 9170 and wanted to change the brakes :)

[@jonmaloneycycling7593]

Thanks man, that’s a good question, I am sure they would work, all the same parts

[@jamiesabuda7757]

You can absolutely run the 9270 hydro disc brakes with the 9170 hydro levers.

[@supertampon5]

im using the new 9270 calipers on my 9170 shifters. They work great no problem and have more clearance.

[@stevenleffanue]

Good , straight to the point , common sense advice here.

[@jonmaloneycycling7593]

thanks

[@saracen888]

Great review, thanks! Very interested in the new C60 wheelset!

[@jonmaloneycycling7593]

thank you

[@CyclespeedTours]

Good review.I have 9170 and the brakes are really bad. Constant rubbing, and need bleeding once a month. Can't rely on having good braking for a race. So I will probably have to go 9200, but I really don't want to.....

[@jonmaloneycycling7593]

thanks for sharing

[@james5150]

Thanks Jon! Random question, which sprocket on your cassette gives the straightest chainline to the small ring, and which sprocket gives the straightest chainline to the big ring?

[@jonmaloneycycling7593]

Good question, I would think somewhere in the middle

[@ClanKincraig]

Great video as always. So you didn’t have and luck getting the old climbing switch SW R610 working on 9270?

[@jonmaloneycycling7593]

Thanks bro. I tried once, and didn’t try again

[@liquidSpin]

I keep reading that the Dura Ace 9270 is compatible with the 11 speed cassette and freehub wheels. No?

[@kv8824]

I've been riding SRAM Red AXS for the past year or so and recently a friend of my gave me a venge vias pro 2018 to try out which has the Dura Ace 9100 on it (mechanical) and I have to say I was actually surprised about how the Dura Ace mechanical shifts. It's butter smooth and fast as hell as well. Not saying I have anything with SRAM but I just thought going from 12spd electronic back to 11spd mechanical will have a bigger impact on how I ride and ride feeling and all but quite frankly the difference is so minute that I'd say they are just about the same. I guess I'll wait for this 12spd shimano thing to age for a few years before making a switch; going Shimano 12spd at this point, imo, is a waste because like you said, price and part availability.

[@jonmaloneycycling7593]

Nice!! thanks for sharing

[@87togabito]

Can’t say I’ll ever go back to mechanical. For starters, I can leave the front cog shift to the system and just focus on up/down gear shift. And a button click VS actually having to pull on the cable for each shift is a huge quality of life improvement imo. I’ve even swapped my XTR on my mtb for an entry level SRAM eagle axs, and I’m never going back to mech ever again.

[@GMoneyLove]

Ability to get the groupset and/or get replacement parts, three words: supply chain issues. And production issues too, really. It is really unfortunate that so many parts and other items outside cycling can be hard to come by, but we are still dealing with the after-effects of the pandemic. Once that clears, things will improve, and not until. Not Shimano or other manufacturers' fault. Meanwhile, eBay is your friend... just not for complete 9200 or 8100 groupsets.

[@jonmaloneycycling7593]

thanks for the comment! appreciate it

[@Bradbajc]

Jon, what about having the 16t cog now? example 11-28 cassette does not have the 16t. It's a really noticeable jump 15t to 17t (cadence wise) when riding at speed (IMO).

[@jonmaloneycycling7593]

I don’t notice a difference at all

[@kv8824]

I actually do prefer to have the 16T when riding at speed which I’m used to from riding SRAM Red AXS. Recently, I tried shimano 11spd and I miss my 16T occasionally. However, for 11spd groupset, people have been mixing sram and shimano, and from what I heard, having Sram cassette on shimano group works just fine (SRAM 11-28 has 16T)

[@johnbaker6793]

Sadly failed to answer the big questions. Why the pros prefer ... 30T cassette limitation gone. The review failed to mention 34 cassettes seem standard. Can run up bigger chain rings.. 58 front/ 34 rear on the TTs win stages. ALSO.. so the shitty noise at the rear in big ring still a problem. Noise kicking in with 9000 and continues in 9100.. I still love taking my favorite now vintage Look 585 for a spin with 7800... beautiful silence from rearin big ring, one with natural riding... over sworks tarmac with 9170 noise. Please update the video with complete informed feedback on advantages 30T limitation removed and big chain ring noise . Cheers

[@RevelCris]

you said only compatible from 11sp is the front chainring but that includes the crank arms too ?

[@ryankubala4132]

I have the new dura ace 12 speed. An annoying grinding/clicking noise in the climbing gears while climbing. LBS changed the cassette, wheel, and freehub. No dice. Anyone else have an issue like this?

[@jonmaloneycycling7593]

Dang that sucks, no idea what that could be

[@samuel8590]

Waiting on the Dura Ace group sets to arrive. Need one for my new BMC SLR01 Build. Literarily impossible to find. I've called shops all over the west coast looking for one. NADA

[@jonmaloneycycling7593]

nice!! all the best

[@user-nu5fx6en9h]

great groupset but I still choose Sram red for the shifting quality. I tried Shimano but is not for me

[@jonmaloneycycling7593]

thanks for sharing, appreciate it

[@LRG251]

awesome review. please review the new super record wireless.

[@jackhartley8128]

Is the 11spd shimano freehub body compatible with the 12spd cassette from shimano? Cheers 👍

[@jonmaloneycycling7593]

Yes it is!!

[@l-ll_lnGl2Y]

Great review! Question: For 9270, if I want to run 11-30 cassette on my daily wheelset and 11-34 on a climbing wheel set, is there going to be a problem swapping between them? Do I have to adjust it through the phone app every time? What chain length do I need to run? Thanks!

[@Kevnyc580]

You will need a new chain to do that

[@l-ll_lnGl2Y]

@@Kevnyc580 How?

[@jonmaloneycycling7593]

Yes, you might need a longer chain and you will have to adjust the B tension screw on the derailleur, this can be done pretty fast, but the chain length could be a problem

[@DanTuber]

when you said $230 for a cassette.... it was like someone just slapped me in the face. 😲

[@jonmaloneycycling7593]

LOL

[@ynnuscycling7352]

Nice review of the system. I always wonder if the shimano 12sp cassette would work on sram vice versa. You have solve the mystery.

[@jonmaloneycycling7593]

thank you

[@nathanhaney91]

Is the new battery (BT-DN300) compatible with last gen?

[@bendardania]

One more thing, the 12 speed Ultegra Cassette is way better than duraace as far as noise and shifting. Not sure why but I am getting way less noise with duraace chain and Ultegra Cassette, not so great other way around.

[@jkotvis]

My Ultegra discs are lots more quiet than my Dura Ace disc on the front wheel.

[@jonmaloneycycling7593]

thank you for sharing, appreciate it

[@luisclacr97]

I got my extra cassette on eBay from Japan good price and excellent shipping

[@jonmaloneycycling7593]

Nice!

[@mokasusa]

Very well put. Thanks

[@jonmaloneycycling7593]

thanks for watching

[@kierontse]

Great comparison

[@jonmaloneycycling7593]

thank you

[@Chris-wf4ws]

I want to know why it isn’t possible to use the new brake calipers with the old shifters or vise versa. In a mountain biker’s view，this is really weird. Hope you can share your opinion with me Jon. Thanks.

[@brettsta72]

It is possible. I’ve done it. Check the shimano compatibility charts. Shimano have updated them, it’s now perfectly doable.

[@Chris-wf4ws]

@@brettsta72 Thanks for your help，appreciated.

[@jonmaloneycycling7593]

It most likely will work, but they were not designed to be used with the old shifters. You could use this set up and most likely not have any issues, I think that unless you are in a pinch, why not use them they way they were designed and not risk any issues

[@brettsta72]

@@jonmaloneycycling7593 I’ll report back after some testing. I was building a new bike and carried over the 11-speed groupset, but wanted to take advantage of the extra pad clearance offered by the new brakes.

[@brettsta72]

First ride yesterday. Work just like the r8070 callipers, with a little more clearance. Happy with that.

[@billpace9104]

I wonder if they fixed the cracking crank issue from the 9100 series?

[@jonmaloneycycling7593]

Good question!!

[@rp6760]

Can one use a Stages 9100 left side power meter with this 12 speed crank? 24mm spindle?

[@jonmaloneycycling7593]

Yes, this will work!

[@enriquejimenez7173]

I currently have shimano 12 speed ultegra on my madone

[@jonmaloneycycling7593]

Nice

[@wayneriddle9072]

You coming back? Been gone awhile.

[@jeanbuys5414]

So the 11 sp chainring can be installed on the 12 sp cranckset?

[@jonmaloneycycling7593]

No, the 11 speed crank and chainrings can be installed. The 11s chainrings wont fit on the 12speed cranks

[@millermiller75]

Anyone know if charging the battery is a pain in the ass cuz you have to put you bike against an outlet on a wall?

[@jonmaloneycycling7593]

I just use a power bank or battery pack

[@Iseekoutthetrails]

I Am New Here and Just Learning About Road Bikes,. My Question is, What if your a Beginner, is it worth getting? Good Video.

[@samuel8590]

If money is no problem, go for it. The group is about $4700 with taxes here in Los Angeles County.

[@Iseekoutthetrails]

@@samuel8590 ouch.

[@jonmaloneycycling7593]

All depends on if you got the money. If got the dough and want the nice stuff, by all means, buy whatever you want

[@solitaryrefinement6787]

If someone can afford 9200, they don't need it to be compatible with anything else. 😎

[@jonmaloneycycling7593]

Lol good point

[@bennop.2553]

New Dura Ace Crank FC-R9200 has 44,5mm Chain Line vers. Old Dura Ace FC-9100 has 43,5mm chainline.​ Any noticeable noise or shift issue when using old FC-9100 Crank with new FD-R9250 Front Derailleur?

[@jonmaloneycycling7593]

I don’t notice a difference

[@markusramstein3886]

Quarq/Red cranks have 45mm chainline. He and I are running them without problems on DA DI2.

[@gustavogiraldo9369]

U mean I can use the new crank set in the old one

[@jonmaloneycycling7593]

Yes

[@tonyhands-heart5492]

How about 105 to ultegra di2 ?

[@jonmaloneycycling7593]

That will be nice when it comes out

[@Viamscience]

You’ve never tried Campy then.

[@jonmaloneycycling7593]

Youre right, I have not tried campy

[@thealibaba9534]

So fucking fast shifting 😂

[@jonmaloneycycling7593]

Lol