Description A legend sharpened to a new level of perfection. Providing the ideal symbiosis of lightweight, stiffness and performance. And finally out there to set new standards in professional cycling.
The DUR...
Bike Setup: 2009 Cervelo R3--7900, Zipp Contour bars, Deda kit, many diff. wheels.
Summary: The 7900 is a nice group but with definitely pros/cons. It shifts nice just like 7800 but you have to set it right. Run the shift cables behind the bar where the bend radius is shallower. This has less friction. Also, use good lubricated cables and don't make tight bends. Yes, 7900 is more sensitive to get right. In the stand, set your end stops. Then, set the chain on the #2 cog gear from the bottom. While turning the crank at a normal speed, adjust the tension barrel counter-clockwise until you just hear the chain start to get noisy. Then back it off a couple notches until it goes away. Now your tuned. It will go out again after the new cables stretch. Do it again. Now you shouldn't have to touch it. Don't get lazy and spoiled by Sram's huge adjustment window.
All the groups are within 100g of weight. So, I think Andy from Competitive Cyclist said it right--They all work well-- Go with the group that has the most comfortable hoods for your hands since you spend most of time on the hoods. I could not agree more. I have large hands. The DA hoods fit them like a glove as they are a bit longer than Campy and Sram.
This group is not without pitfalls however. See below.
In conclusion: Shimano could have made it better finished. Standby for 7900 version II next year. I still give it a 5 for the highlights Shimano has done.
Strengths: The GOOD:
The shining ray of light of the group is the crank. This crank is STIFF. You can tell. i use it with a Chris King BB. We know there is no need to replace that in a year. SMOOTH. The front Derailleur shifting is nirvana. The brakes are off the hook-- very well modulated. They reduced group weight by a lot. I think about 150g or so. Sram no doubt got Shimano off their ass.
Weaknesses: The BAD:
The shifters have a really ugly exposed cut-out spot on the inside where sweat and grime can get in. Also, sometimes I can feel the cut-out with my thumb when I am tired. It occasionally bugs me.
The shift up paddle is a thin, small plastic cheesy Walmart part. Shimano needs to increase the size and texture it. Sometimes the small size allows my index finger to slide off easily. Oh ya, you can only downshift 2 gears at a time with the big lever -not 3 like on 7800.
Similar Products Used: All high end road groups
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Bike Setup: Trek, full DA 7900, American Classic wheels, look keo pedal, Rithey WCS seatpost, easton ec-90 bars, and ITM stem
Summary: I decided to change to a compact and 10-speed, so upgraded to DA-7900. You can't beat the gearing (11-27) and the weight; however, the shifting is horrible. After purchasing, I used it in a local race ( a week after purchase) and it kept shifting down from the big chain ring without touching anything. The bike shop fixed this problem, but the shifting is still "clunky"...something I would not have expected when paying $2500. The shifting on my Shimano DA/Ultegra mix was much smoother and I didn't have to pay half as much. If tt wasn't for the gearing (34x27 and 50x11) I'd go back to my old set-up.
Strengths: Weight, gearing combo (11-27 compact).
Weaknesses: Shifting, price
Similar Products Used: Shimano DA/Ultegra 9-speed mix
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Bike Setup: Bianchi T-Cube, Full 7900 DA, Mavic aksium race wheels, vittoria rubino pro slicks, selle italia flite, easton cockit, look keo
Summary: Put the Dura-Ace 7900 on my Bianchi T-Cube and really liked the smooth operation and strong brakes, but after 1k miles on original chain, started skipping gears and had to get a new redesigned chain which so far works much better Also, notice that needs constant adjustment to shift and run correctly, and that is going to be annoying and expensive since I am not much of a mechanic myself.
Strengths: Smooth shifting and running and strong brakes. Much improved hood design and much better looking. Shifting while braking is different compared to my Campy.
Weaknesses: Finnicky, worthless chain (original), only one gear shift at the time (really miss my campy multishifts)
Similar Products Used: Campy Chorus 10, Ultegra, XTR, Tiagra, Deore....
Bike Setup: Moots Vamoots custom, DA 7900 group except for Chris King head set and bottom bracket. Ritchey WCS carbon fork and seat post. Arundel Mandible cages, Ritchey WCS bar and stem (wet white stem looks and works great), Fizik Alliante carbon saddle, DA pedals. DA tubeless wheels (best wheel I have ever ridden), Arundel bar tape. All of this makes for a 16-17 lb bike (54cm), which is the best bike I have ever ridden. It motivates me to ride!
Summary: When putting together my "dream bike", a Moots Vamoots custom, I was about to put my DA 7800 group on it. I then decided to make every part on my bike new and of my choice, regardless of price. The reviews of SRAM Red left me with one choice after reading mixed reviews on SRAM. I have used Dura Ace in every incarnation since the 80s, so I already love the stuff. I did not think any measurable difference would be noticed between 7800 and 7900 after reading the reviews. I took a chance and am glad I did. I love the new stuff and am not looking back!
Strengths: Light weight, hidden brake cables, increased gear ratio possibilities, improved braking power, stiffer crank, easily removable chain, comfortable hoods, great shifting (yes, better than 7800 despite what you may have read), looks.....I am sure I can think of more.
Weaknesses: Price, but I feel I got what I paid for.
Similar Products Used: All Dura Ace gruppos since the mid 1980s, Ultegra, Campy Record 2003
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Bike Setup: Moots Vamoots custom, DA tubeless wheels (I love them!), Ritchey WCS carbon fork and seat post, Chris King headset and bottom bracket, Arundel cages and bar tape, Fizik alliante carbon saddle.
Summary: When purchasing my "dream bike", a custom Moots Vamoots, I struggled to justify why I should add the new DA 7900 when I had a perfectly good 7800 group. I figured if I was going to get the bike I wanted, I may as well go all the way. I have read a lot of negative things about the new DA 7900, but I am very happy with it and do notice several differences. The shifting is quicker and the ride is more quiet than 7800. I thought it would be hard to improve over 7800, but the stiffer crankset, smoother shifting, better braking, and new look leave me with no buyers remorse.
Strengths: Best shifting Shimano ever produced in their road component line. I have used Dura Ace since 1988, so I have used many different incarnations. I love the new chain and the fact that I can easily remove it by hand. Best performing group I have ever had on a bike.
Weaknesses: Price, but I definitely do not regret it. Shifters rattle a bit on rougher roads, but it does not bother me in the least.
Similar Products Used: All versions of Dura Ace since 1988, Ultegra, Campy Record 2004.
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