Original DuraAce 9000 shifters and RD have been laid to rest in the junk box.
Purchased back in 2013 I've never been 100% happy with the quality of the shifting. Over time I've tried everything; minor adjustments to everything adjustable, a variety of cables, cable guides, ferrules, various chains, cassettes, hanger alignment, the lot. The gear changes have been good (at best) but still not as crisp as the other bikes including one equipped with the much maligned DA7900, one with Ultegra 6800, another with old 105 and even a 9 speed Deore LX tourer with bar-end shifters. They all performed better than the DA9000.
On a short test ride the bike feels like new. Super smooth, fast, chatter-free gear changes. I'm stoked.
I think I got a rare Shimano lemon. I don't know for sure if the culprit was the shifters or the rear derailleur. I don't care any more and wanted to start afresh. I couldn't afford DA replacements so settled on next best and I'm very pleased with the result.
DA9000 had not long been released when I bought the bike and soon after Shimano released slightly modified DA9001 shifters. I don't know the nature of the modifications but I suspect that less than perfect shift quality may have had something to do with it.
I've had good, relatively high but frustrating mileage from the originals and am not really all that disappointed, especially as the fix has been so successful.
I just wonder what the difference is between DA9000 and DA9001?
