New Dura-Ace chainset

Face-to-face, the first thing that strikes you is this stuff looks a lot better in the flesh than it does in the catalogs, press releases and adverts.

The chainset, with its mix of dark grey mica finish and highly polished accents, looks both durable and attractive. The 'pack shots' Shimano have released up until now don't do it justice.  'Perfection' it may be, but photogenic it's not.

Shimano had two versions of the new grouppo siiting side-by-side on test rigs for all to try - if you were patient enough to wait your turn.

So, I waited - and waited...

Both felt light, fast and positive. Shift speed feels identical on both. Both demonstrated an almost lack of chatter or noise while shifting.  Up front, there was no need for trimming the front mech regardless of the chosen sprocket at the back.  Both Dura-Ace systems now feature controls running under the bar tape, but once the control cables exit the tape, the difference between the two systems becomes apparent.

One systems' control wires are smooth and elegant; they make their way to the down tube cable stops in a gentle arc; a slim, braided stainless control exits the stop, the wire following the contours of the frame and making its way without obstruction or deviation to reach the derailleurs, where a simple pinch bolt connects the wire to the mechanisms.

On the other system however, there seems to be a total lack of aesthetic consideration given to the design of the controls.

As the wires exit from under the handelbar tape, they attach to a plastic box, which is zip-tied (yes, zip-tied!) to the brake cables. The cables then make their way via a heavy outer casing to the down tube, where instead of slimming down, the outer is left in place and either zip-tied or stuck to the frame with sticky pads.   As the rear control cable makes its way to the  derailleur, more zip-ties are employed to hold it in place.  By the time the cable reaches the rear mech, those who've been around for long enough might be tempted to make comparisons with another of Shimano's departures into new shifting systems - the mid '70's Postiton - the one with the piano wire control cable.

Given the choice, I'd take the first of the two systems, Dura-Ace 7900 - with its reliable tried, tested and trusted old-tech cable controls  - any day.  The other, the electronic Di2 system, in terms of simplicity, user serviceability and aesthetics, just doesn't cut it.

In short, Dura-Ace Di2 is the "geeky boy" of groupsets.  Sure, the homework has been done; the results - on paper - are impressive.  Nevertheless, despite all the hard work, the careful upbringing - you won't see it getting invited to many parties.  It's a groupset only a mother could love....

Judge for yourself:

Click image to SUPERSIZE

The new rear mech:

The front mech:

Widget:

Looks good - but clumsy in use.

U-G-L-Y: The battery pack and hi-tech

sticky pad cable guides.