Price Paid:  $0.00

Favorite Ride:
Any ride that lasts more than an 8 hour workshift

Bike Setup:
Hmmmmm Ultegra maybe?

Summary:
Excellent workhorse group. Lighter than its predecessor. Hoods are more ergonomic, which is something we can all appreciate. Front shifting is quicker. Ultegra 9 had snappy and precise rear shifting; now, it's more refined. Brakes have improved modulation and greater power. I dislike outboard BB's, and Ultegra is no exception. They simply wear out too fast, tick, and develop far more play than a cartridge. 10 speed is more susceptible to misshifts because of the narrow tolerances. You'll need to adjust your cables more often than you would with a 9 speed. The narrower chain also means you'll be changing it more frequently. I drop mine at 1,500; max, 2,000 miles. Finish quality is good on most parts, except for the front mech and chainset. The tenth click is nice because it keeps the gear ratios tighter. In my opinion, 10 speed doesn't offer huge performance gains over the 9, but is more refined and lighter. Honestly, I still find myself throwing a leg over my 9 speed equipped bike more often. It's better in the long run for a higher mileage rider. For a new bike purchase, this is the group level to shoot for. It performs superbly and is a great value.

Strengths:
ergonomic hoods
crisp shifting
braking power and modulation
best bang for the buck
light (unless your favorite Park Tool is a gram scale)

Weaknesses:
narrow chain means you'll adjust your cables and replace your chain more often
BB - I just don't like the outboard design
finish quality on some parts

Similar Products Used:
105 10 and 9 groups
Ultegra 9

Price Paid:  $600.00

Favorite Ride:
as long as I can ride

Bike Setup:
'07 Trek 2100 frameset equipped with Ultegra groupset, Shimano WH-R550 wheelset, and several Bontrager parts and accessories

Summary:
After one year, in overall, my Ultegra still shifts like a charm. I switched to Dura-ace stainless shift and brake cables, and the shifts became even more precise. The brakes feel the same, but the cables won't rust as quick anymore at least. The crank spider and the rear derailleur still look new, but there are signs of wear with the other parts. The front derailleur just looks abit older, which is fine. The chain was already replaced once, and the STIs now have crack-like formations around the lever, which is quite common for Shimano STIs. At least it doesn't affect the braking and shifting performance. The front chainrings' colors are rubbing off from the teeth (gray to silver). The 10-speed cassette has also changed color from silver to gray, even if I tried to clean them thoroughly, but the performance is still acceptable. If you don't mind having a slightly worn-out-looking groupset, then the Shimano Ultegra 6600 is not a bad choice.

Strengths:
Still works the way they're supposed to work after a year.
Reliable and responsive.
Certain parts still look nice.
Not very expensive.
I like the stiffness of the cold-forged aluminum of its crank.

Weaknesses:
The chainrings and the cassette look slightly worn out, but it will still last for more than 2 years at least. Just keep your drivetrain clean and change your chain after 2000 miles.

Similar Products Used:
Dura-ace 7800, Shimano 105 5600