Among road bike groupsets, Shimano's Ultegra represents the discerning mid-range like no other product. Functional, high-quality and reliable, but also not overly expensive - and therefore bought en masse. It is already clear that the new Ultegra with the number 6800 will also be a bestseller. What's more, it could catapult bikes in affordable price categories a significantly greater technological leap forward than in previous model years; this hope was already raised by the top Dura-Ace groupset presented six months ago, which raised the bar for mechanical shifting groupsets in many disciplines (see TOUR 11/2012->). Experience shows that, almost without exception, Shimano gradually transfers technical innovations to the lower-priced groupsets. The differences between the Dura-Ace and Ultegra groupsets of the same generation have always been less functional and more visual in nature; moreover, as is so often the case, a few paltry grams define the difference between down-to-earth and luxury. The first impression of the new Ultegra is therefore not really surprising. The new design language of the Dura-Ace has been packaged in a less exalted finish; instead of silver and black surfaces polished to a mirror finish, smoky grey gloss and smoky grey matt surfaces alternate here. Everything looks modern, high-quality and coherent as if from a single mould - but also somehow expected.
It is rare for a new development in the weight-fixated road bike industry not to be lighter than the previous model. This time, however, the change from Ultegra 6700 to 6800 saves practically no grams. Although the shifters and crankset have become lighter, the brakes, rear derailleur, front derailleur and cassette have gained some weight and eaten up the advantage. This is partly due to the jump from ten to eleven sprockets on the rear wheel, which means that the cassette is almost two millimetres wider and no longer fits on the wheels of the eight-, nine- and ten-speed generations. The drivetrain is therefore only compatible with a suitable freehub body, which is why Shimano is also renewing its entire range of wheels as part of the generation change. Mavic wheels are compatible, their rotor is wide enough and previously had to be lined with a spacer disc, which is no longer necessary; some other wheels can be brought up to date with a freehub change. The Ultegra crank bearing retains the Hollowtech II standard with a 24 millimetre steel shaft. Shimano offers its own bearing for the growing number of frames prepared for press-fit bearings (86 millimetre housing width). Classic BSA threaded bearings are still available for the new generation. Adapters must be used for mounting in frames with BB30 or BB386-evo housings. A new feature is the mounting of the chainrings with a standardised bolt circle for all gradations. For example, the crank does not have to be changed to vary the gear ratio from the standard chainring combination with 53 and 39 teeth to compact with 50/34. For the time being, the company's own bolt circle only allows for in-house chainrings; in addition to standard and compact gradations, there will be 52/36 and the 46/36 cross-country version in between. Shimano has not ruled out a triple version at a later date.
Defined click
The true strengths of the new Ultegra are revealed on the bike - we rode around 500 kilometres with the groupset through the South Tyrolean mountains, in addition to the usual laboratory test. The new STI levers have become slimmer and easier to handle, an ergonomic improvement on the often criticised, thick lever bodies of the 6700. The brake lever is also more organically shaped and sits better in the hand. The shifting behaviour confirms the attention to detail that Shimano has invested in the new generation. Short lever travel, low operating forces and yet a well-defined click with every gear change. The new cables contribute greatly to the smoothness of shifting and braking and are a tuning tip for older groupsets. The front derailleur works impressively perfectly on the new chainrings. Modified lever ratios enable lightning-fast shifting, which works like a dream. A plastic protector also dampens the grinding noises on the guide plate when shifting. The new brake mechanism also confirms the outstanding impression we already had with the Dura-Ace. The operating forces have been reduced once again and the very stiff calipers are easy to modulate.
In our opinion, the durability of the new eleven-speed drivetrain should not be a disappointment. The material of the cogs involved is measurably harder, the width of the sprockets and chainrings - and therefore the size of the surfaces for power transmission - remains the same. Our test group of the 11-speed Dura-Ace has already covered 5,000 kilometres since March under the adverse conditions of this spring. A lot of performance for a chain that is now ready for replacement. However, the chainrings and sprockets have so far remained unimpressed, with hardly any visible wear. The cables and brake pads are also still a long way from needing replacing. When fitting and adjusting the new groupset, it is clear that the technology is becoming increasingly sophisticated and therefore more complicated - but this is not only true for Shimano. A striking example is the new Ultegra front derailleur. It is much more complicated to fit and adjust than before. Shimano has also decided not to include detailed assembly instructions - which could be interpreted as a subtle hint to let the dealer do it for you. Even our experienced lab mechanics had their problems with this. Tip for experienced DIY mechanics: the dealer operating instructions for all modern groupsets are available for download at si.shimano.com.
Conclusion: The Ultegra shows once again that outstanding function is not reserved exclusively for expensive top groupsets. Anyone who can do without prestige will be happy with this groupset. In any case, it saves an enormous amount of money: the groupset is available by mail order from 700 euros, while even the cheapest suppliers charge more than twice as much for a Dura-Ace.
