I would rather spend the money upfront, so that in thinking about replacing it, it is a matter of "if" not "when." I have always purchased bikes (except for this one because I wanted to give the X9s a try), with higher end components, because I do honestly think they do perform better. In the case of Dura Ace, I do think it is more flash with the cash. I've always been a huge fan of Ultegra.