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Shimano ST7900 Dura Ace Shifter (09) | $700
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Shimano ST-7900 Dura Ace Levers

BikeRadar verdict

4 out of 5 stars

"New shape is good; performance is smooth but a little vague"

By Paul Vincent, Cycling Plus

Carbon fibre composite brake levers, titanium mounting band and bolt, and an overall compact design means these are light, but not the lightest shifter/brake units around.

Shimano claim to have reduced the lever throw for each shift by some 20 percent, or four degrees. But when we measured it, we found it took a 25-degree movement to shift to a larger sprocket, and still 20 degrees to shift to a smaller one, so we’re not sure where the improvement is.

We all liked the new shaped hoods though, and the internal cable routing made for a cleaner looking front end, at the expense of some under-tape bulges and a slight increase in friction, despite the new PTFE linered cables.

Their shifting performance, although light and smooth, was a little too soft and quiet for some testers. We would prefer a more positive and precise feel from a flagship model. Weight is 365g a pair.

Manufacturers description

The levers have been completely redesigned. The brake levers are constructed of carbon and the shift cables are hidden beneath the handlebar tape with no loss of performance. Feel it - test it - shift it.

* Integral shift cable
* Better access to brake lever from upper side with closer pivot
* Reach adjust mechanism
* Shorter adjust mechanism
* PTFE inner cable
* New FlightDeck compatible wireless speed sensor on the bracket
* Smooth bracket shape design
* Carbon brake lever
* Titanium fixing band & bolt


User Reviews

Post your review

  • User review of Shimano ST7900 Dura Ace Shifter (09)

    I managed to get a set of these for just over £300 on e-bay. I have been using 7800 since 04 and my 7800 levers were getting a bit worn and battered so were due replacement.

    Is 7900 and good? Well these levers are ok,it is nice to get rid of the cables underneath the bar tape at last.

    Ergonomically they are ok but nothing great. Shifting again is ok but really no advance over 7800.

    In conclusion,if your 7800 is getting worn and needs replacing it seems Shimano are artificially setting the prices high to push you towards 7900,and i imagine 7800 will get harder to get hold of,again to push you in the direction of 7900. To be honest if there is nothing wrong with your 7800 stick with it you will gain very liitle by expending copious amounts of pounds on the new kit.

    And finally do not listen to Shimano when they say 7900 is only compatible with other 7900,rubbish i have been running a combination of both for several months with no noticable difference.

    0.3
  • User review of Shimano ST7900 Dura Ace Shifter (09)

    Grant - be aware the 7900 shifters won't work with 7800. Like Sram, they've changed the cable pull ratio on their top models!

    With regards to the comment about the shifters not being affirmative enough, that's a matter of preference. I don't like Sram's plasticy mechanical feel (feels cheap) and I don't like the effort some Campy shifters need to get a downshift!

    0.3
  • User review of Shimano ST7900 Dura Ace Shifter (09)

    Vegeeta. I am currently using the 7900 levers with an Ultegra front mech and a 7800 rear mech every thing else chain,cassette and Chainset is all 7800 and all works absolutly fine with no problems hence my comments above.

    I am not a pro but a mere mortal maybe shifting is 0.1 of a second slower because i am not using 7900 together but you would be hard pushed to notice.

    I think it's all a ploy by Shimano as 7900 is no great leaps over 7800 to justify the cost. Don't get me wrong i am Shimano all the way, i think the fact the pro peleton has not embraced it speaks volumes in these tough financial times maybe they do not see any real advantage against the cost.

    0.3
  • User review of Shimano ST7900 Dura Ace Shifter (09)

    I am using 7900 STI`s with old Dura -Ace as well with no probs at all. As are some of the pro teams I seen in Majorca.

    Big load of Shimano B***ocks to get you to by the full groupset.

    0.3

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Specification

Name:
ST7900 Dura Ace Shifter (09)
Built by:
Shimano
Price:
$700.00

Weight (g):
365 g
Material:
Carbon, Titanium
Optical Gear Display:
No
No of Gear Speeds:
10

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