Hello, I am looking building up a frame with either dura ace or ultegra or the combination of the 2. The only reason I would going with full dura ace is for the money else it was well worth the price to pay also sura ace cost more to repalce parts when they wear out. In everyone opinion what would be the best bang for the buck between them. I am looking at combining the 2 to make the best price groupo and the lighest groupo for the money. So what do people think would be the best route?

Dura Ace except the cassette and chain. Use an Ultegra cassette and a SRAM chain. If you go for 9 speed then use an Ultegra bottom bracket. Calipers are another place you can substitute Ultegra without losing too much in performance.

I use full Dura-Ace, including the chain. Chain is only a couple of dollars, but I do not know if the difference is worth even a penny. For my own bling factor, probably continue to use Dura Ace chain. Cassettes, however, are a different story. Dura Ace is more than double the price so I use Ultegra.

I would actually use the Sram cassette.... Lighter and cheaper than ultegra... I think its the pg 990 or something, their top of the line model. Sram chain too. The brifters definitely duraace, the rest doesn't really matter at all. I would get ultegra cranks and derailleurs and use the leftover cash to get some ZG brakes.... Duraace cranks are way overpriced for the performance difference.

I would actually use the Sram cassette.... Lighter and cheaper than ultegra... I think its the pg 990 or something, their top of the line model. Sram chain too. The brifters definitely duraace, the rest doesn't really matter at all. I would get ultegra cranks and derailleurs and use the leftover cash to get some ZG brakes.... Duraace cranks are way overpriced for the performance difference.

The front derailer is another area you can save money without losing performance.

Use an Ultegra cassette...

Or even a 105. It is a wear item and once mounted no one will know including you. Take the money you save and buy two cassettes to suit varying terrain.

Most of the Dura components are cold forged unlike Ultegra. It should last longer than any other Shimano group. The titanium cassettes wear a little faster though.

DA crank & bottom bracket, DA shifters, ultegra brakes, ultegra front del, DA rear del, ultegra cassette, DA chain. Its the best savings for the cost and weight.

DA crank & bottom bracket, DA shifters, ultegra brakes, ultegra front del, DA rear del, ultegra cassette, DA chain. Its the best savings for the cost and weight.There are two things Shimano is notorious for not doing as well as they could. Chains & Chainrings. SRAM & TA are far better in terms of wear and tear. If you're using 10 speed then Connex or Wippermann.