vintage Shimano Dura Ace 7400 component review

[@jamesdelgado2009]

The DA 7403 dual pivot took them to a whole other level of braking.

[@gottalovetheknowledge4749]

The Dual Pivot really was a gigantic step up in braking. Shimano really reinvented everything about cycling and knocked Campagnolo off the top tier perch they were on for decades. My favorite single caliper though is the hidden spring Suntour Superbe (wish I kept), although I have a set of Campagnolo Cobaltos on one bike.

[@ghostdancecocopelli1967]

Wonderful collection 🙏 Best regards from the Northern black forest 🌲🌿🌳

[@gottalovetheknowledge4749]

I used to race all the equipment back in the day. This is what's left over of what I didn't sell over time. But I remember those 7400 brake calipers (and the brake levers were awesome too ) being far more effective than any other brand. Shimano really was working to improve everything instead of staying stagnant. Sometimes they created a disaster ( think DynaDrive ) but all in the name of progress.

[@ghostdancecocopelli1967]

@@gottalovetheknowledge4749 : On my summer road bike I ride the 600 Arabesque group. That was next to the old Dura Ace the most beautiful series that Shimano has brought out...

[@gottalovetheknowledge4749]

That 600 group was my first good group. Takes a beautiful polish. I think it was on a Schwinn Super LeTour (or Voyaguer) I had. The only negative I can remember is I think the driveside spider is pressfit/rolled edge on to the crankarm. And I ended up breaking the crankarm and the spider spun or something in a sprint .. been a long time.

[@justtheotherdave]

Maybe I'm being a weenie but I would like to see what these parts weigh and what the wear and tear on a well used set is like. Looking at a bike with Dura-Ace 7400 on it and trying to decide if I'd be better off getting a good frame and newer, mid-range-ish groupset.

[@gottalovetheknowledge4749]

Check the headset for feeling notches while turning it; inner plates of the front der to see how much use it has had. The rear der actually always was really sturdy with wear on the upper cage edge where the chain could hit it. I assume the pulleys have been changed after all these years. Check the chain on the chainrings for stretch and tooth wear. We broke a bunch of the early rear freehub axles - maybe heat treatment issues but mostly when 7400 was adjusted correctly they would last a lot longer than when we used it. DuraAce 9spd (STI or downtube shifters) was awesome except for Cranksets with the early Octalink BB and those self-destructive long roller bearing in plastic cages. I'd skip 8spd STI because 9 is so much better. If you want only friction shifters though 7400 is good for it. IMHO .. though it's been a while since I've used all the old stuff.

[@colindewolfe3647]

@@gottalovetheknowledge4749 Swap the 7700 cranks out for 7410 (low profile) - That's the combo Johan Museeuw and a bunch of other pros ran.

[@au-deladufirmament4898]

totally dura ace 7400 can match old school to moderns. mine have 7200ex groupset. congratulations buddy:)

[@gottalovetheknowledge4749]

My 7200 was nice, although we broke the 3 types of DynaDrive pedals then went back to regular pedals. The crankset/BB interface wasn't deep enough either. The 7400 was such a leap up in all areas from the 7200. Though my older legs now I enjoy my 11spd with 52x36 / 11x34 - good for fast riding and long uphills. I have frame tubing Columbus SLX from a bike that never got made for me - sooner or later I'll get it built and put the 7200 equipment on it.

[@janutpamungkas]

Hi mate, may i know where you get all these component in box set?

[@gottalovetheknowledge4749]

All of my stuff is all original, when I bought it (or was provided it) back in the day so I have most of the boxes. I used to have tons of equipment in their boxes but have sold most of it over the years. eBay is probably a good source or other vintage websites. on Facebook there's a vintage Dura Ace group. You'll see NOS in the box often but at high prices.

[@janutpamungkas]

@@gottalovetheknowledge4749 yes mate, i just view a little NOS Dura Ace on high price and not reasonable. Anyway thanks for info mate

[@ramonhernandez7384]

Me interesa pero en castellano.