New Ultegra SL vs. Ultegra

[Miranda]

I searched here and read what matched. But, not stuff really specific to the SL. So, here we go...

Those of you that own the new Ultegra SL ice grey finish... how do you like it? Does the grey color scratch, show wear more? Versus say the stainless steele Ultegra? I can ask Mr. Google this too, but when did the "new" SL come out?

OK, here's the deal...

In looking for my new ride, the Ultegra grouppos are all this new ice grey color. Even doing a build, the lbs spec'ed it out this way. After I even said I don't think I like the looks of the dark grey. When I went to get the quote, they said the sterling silver Ultegra is "going away".

The SL is suppose to be improved finish performance, resists scratches-sweat-corrosion-wear etc. better than the other. Hmm. Btw, I did read on Shimano's website that it's slightly lighter etc.

It's not that it looks bad. I just think it makes the bike look dark. I'm a plain Jane "understated elegance" sorta bike lovin gal I guess. I prefer the bling in my jersey instead.

The only ploy I see in getting it is that the lbs said for future replacement, getting the newer version w/matching parts etc. is better--can be found. Since it is most current. OK, makes sense. But, how long before Shimano decides to do away with ice grey???

TYIA for any thoughts!

[alpinerabbit]

I have it, it looks snazzy, and quite understated. Can't say a thing about scratching/other wear - I've ridden it 1 season /2500 k and it's like new, never taken a fall (knowck on wood)...

Do I notice the weight? dunno.

It shifts like butter, but I don't think there will be a difference to the regular Ultegra.

Is the regular being phased out? Never heard of that, but maybe.

[Thorn]

You might not have a choice. I recently had a new build. The frame is pale yellow with silver script and the crank was spec'd out to be Ultegra. The LBS decided that the gray wouldn't look nice with the pale yellow (and, of course, he was absolutely right). When the first crank was defective and he had to get a replacement, he said he had a hard time finding the silver version. I'm glad he did the extra legwork...the gray wouldn't have looked right with the silver script and other components. Of course, that was a triple--it may be easier to find a double in silver.

[oxysback]

I have the grey Ultegra SL on my 2008 Orbea. Since I got it late in 2008 and the weather hasn't been too conducive to riding here in the PNW this winter, I only have a few hundred miles on the bike.

I'm comparing this to what I had on my 2006 road bike, which was a combination of Tiagra and 105, and I love the smooth way it shifts. A huge improvement from what I had.

As far as scratching, I couldn't tell you because I only have a few hundred miles on it. I do like the way it looks on my white bike, though.

[Miranda]

Thx for the feedback. Sounds like no quams about the grey. Or the performance. And yes, as commented, there might not be a choice to be had. I get the sales emails from online shops, and the regular Ultegra is discounted closeout.

[jobob]

I went with the silver Ultegra rather than the gray Ultegra SL on my midlife crisis bike, and I'm glad I did, I think the silver looks nice with the Ti frame.

When I picked up the bike at the shop today I asked if they had a hard time getting the silver Ultegra components, and apparently they did.

[Kiwi Stoker]

There's a new version of Ultegra coming out later this year (not SL) hence the reason old Ultegra is on clearance.

One thing DH noticed about the old and SL shifters is that they are easier to grip the "knobs" at the top- not that I do that!

[Miranda]

There's a new version of Ultegra coming out later this year (not SL) hence the reason old Ultegra is on clearance.

One thing DH noticed about the old and SL shifters is that they are easier to grip the "knobs" at the top- not that I do that!

I kinda wondered that--about when there would be an upgrade. Hmm, also curious as to what it looks like? Thx.

[Triskeliongirl]

So, what frame did you settle on??????????????