Balancing frame and groupset selection

NewburyRider
NewburyRider Posts: 19
edited June 2007 in Road beginners
Given a fixed budget for a new road bike is it best to go for good frame/entry level groupset or reasonable frame and better groupset? I'm thinking of a Giant TCR Alliance Zero which has a alu/carbon frame and Ultegra groupset or a Giant SCR Composite 4 which has an all-carbon frame and 105 groupset. They cost exactly the same. It's unlikely I'll be able to afford to upgrade the groupset on the all-carbon frame any time soon, but maybe one day.

Comments

  • domtyler
    domtyler Posts: 2,648
    edited February 2011
    Frame and Wheels are what to look for, the groupset won't make you faster. I have some 105 stuff and it is just as good in use as Ultegra which I have on another bike. Ultegra looks better (has more metal than plastic components) an is probably slightly more durable but apart from that...

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  • Max Weber
    Max Weber Posts: 183
    After a few test rides on a variety of alu, alu/carb and carbon bikes, with a fairly broad range of groupsets, the most conspicuous difference between them was that the full carbon frames seemed more comfortable. In particular they seem much less harsh over imperfect road surfaces. If you're doing crits an aluminium bike may be desirable, but generally comfort is key.

    Regarding groupsets, 105 seems more than good enough to me.

    Being comfortable on the bike helps me ride faster for longer, marginally slicker shifting and better braking wouldn't.
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    Go with the best frame, the difference between 105 and ultegra will be minimal, both are excellent bits of kit but you'll notice more difference from the frame and wheels.



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  • Unknown
    Unknown
    What everyone else says! 105 is fine. Giant carbon frames (judging by a TCR I had) are excellent!

    d.j.
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  • cougie
    cougie Posts: 22,512
    Yup = carbon and 105. The groupset will eventually wear out and personally I wouldnt bother upgrading it until it does and even then I may go with 105. Ultegra/Dura Ace will last longer than 105, but only if you look after the bike.
  • NewburyRider
    NewburyRider Posts: 19
    Sounds like a pretty solid concensus - thanks everyone.
  • 2191flint
    2191flint Posts: 803
    NewburyRider, also consider carbon and Veloce which is roughly equivilent to 105. If you haven't already done so, pop into BanjoCycles in Bartholomew street, have a chat with Mark the owner and Ollie the mechanic, they'll give you some very sound advice. Tell'em Chris Flint recommended you.[8D]

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