Dura Ace Di2 is the pinnacle of Shimano’s groupset offerings. As used by professional riders in Pro-Tour Teams, it features lightweight materials, incredible ergonomics and arguably the best shifting experience available. We take a look at 3 bikes currently in the Merlin Showroom, but which is best? The Shimano Dura Ace Showdown is on…
Orro Gold STC Dura Ace Zipp Limited Edition
From British brand Orro, the Gold STC features aero influences in a number of places such as the kamm-tail seatpost and deep section Zipp 303 Firecrest carbon wheels. Of the 3 bikes, the Orro is perhaps designed a bit more with straight line speed in mind and would be perfectly at home on a crit-circuit. With a fully integrated handlebar system, the cockpit is clean and tidy thanks to the BLKTEC bars and the Selle Italia SLR Boost saddle is a comfortable option. A highlight of the bike is the addition of the Ceramic Speed bearings in both the bottom bracket and headset, ensuring watt-saving and smoothness and a paint job that pops in the sunshine.
Lapierre Xelius SL 10.0 Symbiosis Edition Dura Ace Di2
The Lapierre is certainly an attention grabber. The French brand have done a collaboration with Obvious, and they say its ‘design defies convention and encapsulates the essence of duality’. It is certainly a very different design and one that will turn heads at the cafe stop! The unique Lapierre frame design is also a talking point, designed to offer extra comfort and compliance for big days in the saddle. Like the Orro, the Dura Ace shifters are fitted to a carbon one-piece bar and stem which also feature integrated climbing shift buttons, perhaps hinting at the intended ideal roads for this bike.
Felt FR FRD Ultimate Dura Ace Di2
Entering the ring from the USA, the Felt is a climbers dream. Like the Lapierre, the Felt features a full offering of groupset and wheels from Dura Ace, but instead of having a one piece bar and stem, the brand have decided to use a more traditional set up by the way of a Pro Vibe Superlight carbon handlebar and Vibe stem. The result is a bike that feels much lighter than the others and would be perfect for the rider who likes to head upwards. This is also another bike that features Ceramic Speed upgrades.
So that’s 3 bikes all with the same groupset and all available from Merlin Cycles for around or under £6k. But which one would you choose and why? Let us know in the comments below.
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