What is the best groupset over the past 25 years (1998-2023) in your opinion?

What i cant stand about the older silver shimano stuff like 7800 is that it looks like it has had worms the majority of times i lay eyes on one, its like the the alloy is getting eaten and little spiraled lines are left behind. The black plastic on the sides of the shifters made it look cheap too. Functionally then yes its top notch but there are several other groupsets that shift as well and stay looking nicer. 11s Chorus has been my staple. A - tier funtionality ultrashift without the price tag of DA/Record/RED. As for something that was a bargain..the latest Claris fitted to my winter frame has has all of the excellent ergonomics and funtionality of modern shimano groups and yet the complete set is cheaper than just a chainset from any of the current top contenders. I can live with 8 speeds on the commute.
 
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What i cant stand about the older silver shimano stuff like 7800 is that it looks like it has had worms the majority of times i lay eyes on one, its like the the alloy is getting eaten and little spiraled lines are left behind. The black plastic on the sides of the shifters made it look cheap too. Functionally then yes its top notch but there are several other groupsets that shift as well and stay looking nicer. 11s Chorus has been my staple. A - tier funtionality ultrashift without the price tag of DA/Record/RED. As for something that was a bargain..the latest Claris fitted to my winter frame has has all of the excellent ergonomics and funtionality of modern shimano groups and yet the complete set is cheaper than just a chainset from any of the current top contenders. I can live with 8 speeds on the commute.
I know what you're saying. But in my experience Ultegras suffered from this , Dura Ace didn't. Maybe that's what one paid extra for or why you paid less depending which you bought
 
7800 is good but the 7900 saw several improvements (brake leverage ratio, chainrings (huge), no exposed housing from STI lever).
Had the 6800 mechanical/hydro but now on DA mechanical/hydro 11 speed on a Fairlight Strael 56R (Reynolds ATR-x w/ front generator & fenders).
Change between 9100 50/34 and Red 46/33.
 

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7800 is good but the 7900 saw several improvements (brake leverage ratio, chainrings (huge), no exposed housing from STI lever).
Had the 6800 mechanical/hydro but now on DA mechanical/hydro 11 speed on a Fairlight Strael 56R (Reynolds ATR-x w/ front generator & fenders).
Change between 9100 50/34 and Red 46/33.

Wow dig those copper tyres!😆

The sti outer under the bar tape brought a lot of Friction into the rear shift with use - and 10 speed short cable pull means a lot of all weather riders have to change outers and so also bar tape every few months.
(This is in Bristol though where gear changes, filthy roads and bad weather are the norm)
 
For me its mid 00s 10sp Chorus. Consumable parts have been replaced but non consumable parts have lasted and work really well still despite being almost 20 years old. An ergo refresh by year one cycles brought them back to good as new for £50. The gruppo has been well used in all weathers including a couple of seasons of cyclocross.

Sadly nothing currently on the market that hints at matching their stylish robustness.
 
Current deore 1x10 is incredibly good for the money - I've fitted a few, always crisp, strong, consistent.

I don't own a bike with it on but strongly recommend it - for mtb though not roadytourgraveladventure.

But of course it's current kit, so only fair to compare it with its peers.
 
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