Component Upgrade

Working on purchasing an awesome bike; Seven Odonata. I'm planning on swapping over the Ultegra triple from an older (but not too old) bike to the new Seven to cut some costs. I'd like to upgrade some of the Ultegra to Dura Ace (still triple) at the same time. A shop suggested to me the best components to upgrade would be the crank set, rear derailler and shifters. Would enjoy hearing opinions, suggestions from anyone with first hand knowledge of these components as far as performance, durability...

Thanks

Basicly they're telling you to put on a whole new matching drivetrain, which is a good idea because Shimano has created their own special compatibility hell. Taperlock vs. different spline patterns for bottom bracket spindles, which only fit their own cranks, which can have big derailleur and chain compatibility issues, ect. Now that we've gotten up to nine speeds or more the stuff needs to be all matchy. And Shimano is up to tricks to try to keep the component monopoly. Indie parts have banded together and now have their own standard, then there's Sachs. You may be able to mix the U cranks with new Dura Ace, but it's probably all or nothing, so you'll have to suck it up and pop for the Dura Ace drive train or you can just use the Ultegra you've got and put the Dura Ace on later. Or look at Sachs. Or the holy of holys, Campy. You've entered the Ferrari section of the bike world and yeah, the cost will give you the vapors.
I personally won't buy Shimano because of the way they try to jerk the market around. They'll change up the line, stop making compatible replacement parts for recent high end groups, then tell you you'll just have to buy a new bike. I liked that bike so I bought a Sachs drivetrain. It's better. Screw those Shimano people.
If you want Dura Ace though, Dura Ace you should get. It's supposed to be excellent. A Seven is a dream bike and you should have what you like.
Think about popping for the Chris King headset. Best bike thing I ever bought.

Miss Liz