Dura-Ace Is Pointless | NEW Shimano Ultegra Di2 Groupset Review

This video contains product placement for Freewheel. It’s been a long time coming but we finally have our hands on Shimano’s 12 speed Ultegra R8100 groupset and have been putting it to the test.

Shimano’s previous-generation 11 speed R8070 Ultegra Di2 groupset is the benchmark of performance vs price but can this latest version mean the end for Shimano’s top level Dura-Ace?

Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

One of the biggest changes is the move to a semi-wireless system. This does away with wiring from the shifters to the derailleurs. A semi-wireless setup also brings most of the benefits of SRAM’s eTap groupsets with tidy and clean front ends, though assembly will never be quite as simple as those.

Shimano has introduced a redesigned lever shape that has changed the feeling of braking from the hoods. It’s a subtle change but combined with the introduction of ServoWave technology the braking performance is greatly improved.

Do you brake mostly from the hoods or from the drops? Let us know in the comments.

Jacket:
Bib Shorts:
Long Sleeve Jersey:
Short Sleeve Jersey:
Shoes:
Helmet:
Sunglasses:

In-depth Shimano Ultegra Review

Want an in-depth look at EVERY component in the Ultegra Groupset?

Shimano Dura-Ace R9200 First Ride Review | Lightning-Fast Shifts, RIP Mechanical

What do we want to see from Shimano in 2022? 105 Di2 and More!

How did the previous Ultegra Groupset compare to SRAM’s Force AXS offering?

The BEST Road Bike Tyre in 2022! | Continental GP5000S TR Review

Listen to the BikeRadar Podcast

Follow BikeRadar on our social media channels:

BikeRadar is supported by Mountain Biking UK and Cycling Plus Magazine –For more information and to subscribe please visit

For more content like this see our latest subscription offer –

[click_welcome]

Someone in the pro scene said, "If you have to 'buy' Dura-Ace, then you don't need it."

[henrynysschens]

Would love to see an ultegra vs force comparison.

[engnelsito]

I agree that from a practical point of view, consumers don't really need Dura Ace. However, as long as consumers are paying 10-12k for new bikes, there is naturally a market for it. You can't really tell someone that is spending 12k in a bike that they could save 10% and downgrade to Ultegra, with only a 400g penalty. The 1.5k difference is significant for the majority of consumers, but completely irrelevant for some.

[stevenshaw]

Had my Ultegra for 4 years and love it. Had the system upgraded and now use the Semi- Syncro option which I find is great.

[biketrybe]

Thanks, Warren. I always appreciate your pragmatic, no BS, real-world assessments of bikes and gear.

[bitgeist]

I can't wait to get this groupset on my next Cannondale. I will say; I was disappointed to learn there is not an RX version of the rear mech. I've come to love the clutched actuation on my current Ultegra Di2 RX rear mech and I hope Shimano releases an 8100 version of the RX before I make my buy :-) As always; great video!

[bikeradar]

Is Ultegra R8100 the 'best' groupset on the market?

[ginomordocco]

Shimano 105 Di2!!! This needs to happen.

[bboystretch]

Actually 105 mech is already good enough 4 most folks.

[LoaforDie]

My 11 speed Ultegra 8050/8070 is amazing. Almost 9k mikes with it and no problems whatsoever. Only dura-ace component on my bike is the brake rotors. The black finish on the fin goes well with the color of my bike.

[fepatton]

I’ve been using Ultegra Di2 for a couple of years. First thing I did was buy the Bluetooth interface, which took maybe a minute to install. I customized the auto shifting points to my liking and haven’t touched the front shifter since. I do agree that sometimes it does shift chainrings at inopportune times, but overall I prefer the automatic shifts. Cheers!

[Bendersnatchling]

I think every buyer of Dura Ace knows that it's not better when it comes to performance.
Buying Dura Ace simply means to treat oneself to the best there is.
It means you know that you are using what is currently possible in terms of bike tech.

Personally I am convinced that Ultegra is an incredible product line as its performance is impeccable.
However once I have a good paying job I want to buy a full Dura Ace bike -once in my life :)

Right now it would probably be a Cervelo S5 full Dura Ace.
Does it make sense? Proably not. But that's okay :)

[mohamadjamil]

Excellent, precise, and to the point. This gentleman is by far one of the best journalists out there. Tha k you

[marccarter]

Could not agree more. Its my 2nd DI2 ultregra groupset. Had the 10-speed running well for 8 years with new parts every few years. I am now on the 11-speed R850 that i picked up on a bike recently. It was on a Ex display bike from Condor Cycles. Few marks on the frame, but the bike runs amazing. I am delighted with the 11-speed set! I will oped for the upgrade on the charging port inside the handlebars at my next service! Looking forward to the 12 speed at some point!

[Dee-Ell]

The people who say DA is pointless would chose it if they were given the choice and price wasn’t an issue.

[nerigarcia]

I love the semi-shift feature on my Dura-Ace. It allows me to not think about the right gearing when going from the big ring to the small. When I change at the base of a climb it just puts me in the right gear and I can just continue pedaling seamlessly without adjustment. I did not like the auto-shift however, it seemed like it didn't utilize all the gears like you could with manual-shift. The semi-shift seemed to be the perfect blend of both. Now if SRAM had this feature I think it may be a winning combo in my book.

[simondawson]

Warren asked about syncro shift. I have syncro shift set up on my RH shifter, simply up and down like on a 1by system, and the software sorts out the front mech. That leaves both LH levers to be programmed to manage the garmin. So no problems changing pages or starting the lap timer with cold wet gloves. Works superbly.

[walshman]

Some very good comments... I do think that the trickle down has worked majorly to the advantage of the enthusiast rider in this case... The very marginal weight savings of Dura-Ace it's just not justifiable for most cyclists, for the pros where budget is no option, sure!

[MasteringGrappling]

Just like with most mid range to high range groupsets, most of the weight savings is in the crank. You can save yourself some money buy the mid range group set and if you really want the big weight savings just buy the high end crankset.

[awildcyclistappears]

I'm getting this on Tuesday on my TCR Advanced Disc 2021. I can't wait for the moment when I go pick up the bike from my friends shop. This is gonna be a blast.