Dura Ace brakes/shifters for gravel?

Equipment
1

Does anyone have experience with DA levers and brakes on their gravel bike? How do you like them on rough and/or long descents?

I’m considering building an XTR wireless mullet setup, and trying to decide on shifters and brakes. I prefer the shape of the hoods of the dura ace 9200 and ultegra 8200 brake/shifters more than the GRX 810 kit I currently have, but don’t want to give up braking performance.

2

Brake performance will be entirely in the brake rotor size and pad type. use whichever shifters feel best.

3

There is a difference in the lever pivot location, which Shimano claims improves leverage when pulling the levers from the hoods. Not sure how much of a difference it makes though.

4

I run Dura Ace groups on all my bikes: road, gravel, CX. Never had issues. I personally think a clutch is a non-issue if you set your group up properly. Never had problems. I even run 2x on gravel and CX. You can’t beat the range and usable gears of 2x. Tried SRAM Red XPLR 13s but I hated the gearing and lack of cassette options. Went back to DA on my gravel bike and so much happier.

5

I use 1 finger to brake from the hoods. No issues.

6

Thanks for the info, sounds like it’ll work fine for me.

7

I’m pretty sure running a road shifter on your gravel bike is illegal but I won’t tell.