Which Groupset?

Too much effort. Gonna order 11 tooth and hammer it until it fits

That makes more sense! So it still has an outer, then it has a fully sealed 'middle' and then there's the inner. Pictures are worth 1000 words.

That's what I said!

Exactly, basically a way to reduced the chance of rusted/frayed cable (beside the obvious fraying that happen inside the Shimano shifters.

My explanation makes sense. Inner outer is someone profiling belly buttons or something. :P

I think mine broke in the shifter. I need to check the RD though as it wasn't moving as I'd expect. It's possible something clogged up and caused an issue or something broke when the cable went. I dunno. I don't actually remember ever changing those cables (maybe once) so it's > 10 years old.

And SRAM; I had to go at an Apex shifter with needle nose pliers over the weekend to extract a spectacularly frayed shift cable

Both SRAM and Shimano can be exceedingly diffcuilt to removed the cables, I'm still debating on which is worse.

The older Shimano 5700/6700 etc. were a bit notorious, but got the hang of it (happen once a week or so).

I’ve been given a bike at work and I have the possibility to choose the groupset, options are just two tho:

• Ultegra R8000
  
• Dura Ace 9000
  
  

I know the differences, DA is lighter but R8000 has a functioning (finally) front mech and RD that clears up to 30t.
I do like the look of DA9000 as well.
What to do?

Hmm, tough choice indeed.

My vote is R8000. I think the 9000 will look dated in a few years.

R8000 has a [...] RD that clears up to 30t.

This seals the deal for me.

It depends on the frame. If it's an F8 then it needs a top spec groupset, even if it is the old model...

F8 indeed. I know the rules but I feel that R8000 is mechanically superior than 9000... not sure it will be a noticeable difference tho.

That’s what my brain says! Heart says otherwise...

R8000

R8000 :)

DA. DA is always DA, regardless of what year it is. And 9000 works beautifully.

R8000 is superior to 9000, felt closer to 9100 tho.

Massive step up from 6800 which doesn’t really feel that much difference to 5800.

Note; GS rear derailleur go up to 34t cassette.

Even up to 40t according to some!
30t wasn’t really necessary for my needs but as they now make it, why not?
Tempted to splash some cash for the R8050 upgrade at this point...

Only concern regarding the new Ultegra, will the moving parts (bushings, bearings, springs) wear down faster than DA?
The only reason that 6800 was kinda shit compared to 9000 was that it wouldn’t really pass the test of time.

R8050 gs rear mech is vapourware

Still not available, I have had one on back order for months now.

Only need a SS as I won’t be going over 30t!

If you have a frame with Big tubes go R8000/50 otherwise go DA9000

Frame in question is this, not the same colour, here built with R8000:

R8000 crankset looks a bit droopy and sad for some reason...

Because it's on a Pinarello?