I use this on a Cannondale SuperSix High Mod that was originally equipped with a Dura Ace 9000 rear derailleur. While the DA 9000 shifting was excellent, it was a short-cage derailleur, and I wanted to switch to an 11-30 cassette. I am now 71 years of age and I still regularly climb gradients that can easily exceed 10%. The Dura Ace R9100 coupled with an Ultegra 11-30 cassette has not only made for quieter shifting, but it has made it just a little bit easier to climb the most challenging hills around my neighborhood. I also like the shadow design, and, even though I purchased B-Stock at a nice discount, there were no flaws in the derailleur whatsoever. I am very happy with this purchase.
I'm an older, semi-fast recreational road rider with over 30 years experience with top of the line group sets. These include Campy, Shimano and even Suntour. I had a full Dura Ace 7900 group on my Litespeed Archon T1 and the shifting was dialed. In fact everything worked so damn well. But then I decided to do an upgrade to a Dura Ace 9100 mechanical group, mostly because I just dig the hell out of the way it looks. After I installed, adjusted and rode the new set up, I was just amazed that the front and rear shifting was far better than the 7900 group. Another thing that I'll have to wait to verify, but the drivetrain is silent. I haven't had much riding time on it, maybe 150 miles and haven't lubed the Dura Ace chain yet. It still has the packing grease. I'll see what it sounds like when I lube it.
The reason I only gave 4 stars for value is that I'm pretty sure Ultegra would function just as well, but at 12 the price. The glossy finish on the Dura Ace makes me swoon.
Upgrade from Dura Ace 9000 very good crisp shifting is what I expected
Precise shifting. Light. Easy to install. Only issue I have had so far is that the pulley/jockey wheels are on the noisy side of things. Nothing alarming, but it seems to be taking more time to "break in" than Ultegra.
Replaced an Ultegra derailluer that was absolutely fine but the weight savings and reasonable price made me do it. Just a great upgrade in my opinion.
