Shimano 105 and ultegra. Help!

jockyfoost · June 2007

Being new to cycling i'd like someone to tell me what is the difference between Shimano 105 and Ultegra shifting systems?
Is there one miles better than the other?
Cheers.

peejay78 · June 2007

not really. not much in it.

some difference, both good.

winter: http://tinyurl.com/2xkbbs
summer: http://tinyurl.com/2hsagv

gaterz1981 · June 2007

Some weight difference if any, price is the main difference.

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peejay78 · June 2007

for more info:

shimano groupsets ascend in order of price and components and materials....

sora, tiagra, 105, ultegra, dura ace.

so whilst there might not be that much difference between sora and tiagra, there is between sora and ultegra, in weight, feel, and everything really.

i have ridden sora and 105, i much preferred 105, sora was fine.

i ride campagnolo these days, which isn't necessarily better (don't ask, at all, ever, anyone which is better) but is seen as more traditional and aesthetically pure. the shifters are different and it's a matter of personal choice. their groupsets run:

xenon, mirage, veloce, centaur, chorus, record.

sometimes a groupset will have a mix of compenentry - 105 and tiagra for example, but never a mix of campag and shimano. (pretty much).

winter: http://tinyurl.com/2xkbbs
summer: http://tinyurl.com/2hsagv

gavintc · June 2007

I am looking at an upgrade to my winter bike from Tiagra triple and was struck by the deals on the Planet X site. I had presumed a weight saving between 105 and Ultegra but having scanned the components in Weight Weenies and similar sites, I can not find the alleged weight saving. Even adding up all the bits comes out at a remarkably similar weight. I am therefore left with the opinion that Ultegra may be smoother and changes in a cleaner fashion than 105 to justify the extra cost. My conclusion is to buy 105 for my second bike. I have an Ultegra/Dura Ace mix on my best bike. I test rode a 105 groupset in the summer for a short 2 km ride and found it to be perfectly functional and competent - certainly better than Tiagra I currently use on my second bike.

richardjallen · June 2007

I was of the same mind as gavintc over 105 vs. Ultegra. The weight difference seemed to be 50gms at the most. I went for 105 and it is good. I have had tiagra before and that was fine most of the time. I only had problems shifting when going up steep climbs. I think there are differences in lifespan as well as weight and performance. Bike shops have always told me the bushing on the rear derailleur are larger on the more expensive groupsets. Tiagra has been improved recently though and there is an Ultegra SL which is about 100gms less than Ultegra.

JWSurrey · June 2007

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by peejay78

...campagnolo....(don't ask, at all, ever, anyone which is better)...
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
Aaarrrpp, arrrp, aaaaarrrrp - Campag/Shimano alert, forum meltdown warning, step away from the thread [:D]

Yeah, have ridden most of the popular '06/'07 groupsets, and settled for 105 over Ultegra. The difference in quality was at the 'splitting hairs' level for my limited mileage and fitness (the odd sportive and 50-100 miles a week). There was only 100 quid in it for me to upshift, at the end of the day, but I drew the line at 105.
As already posted, the consensus is slightly smoother shifting.

The rumour is Ultegra-S is Shimano's attempt to stop the downshift to 105 over Ultegra.
105 is generally considered to be one of their 3 top groupsets - You'll find official weight stats for 105 and above, but I didn't find anything for the lower groupsets, though there's nothing wrong with the others AFAIK.

peejay78 · June 2007

i have 105 pedals and a 105 brake on my fixed - both terrific.

(not campag though)

winter: http://tinyurl.com/2xkbbs
summer: http://tinyurl.com/2hsagv

Unknown · June 2007

Had 105 upgraded to Ultegra no real difference really, well there obviously is, its just that I can't feel it. Oh wait thats it my wallet is lighter by at least 50 grams.

oldwelshman · June 2007

For the difference in weight, miss out a meal one night and you will save the same amount of weight, save money on the meal and lots in price difference between the groupsets so you can buy some nice clothing [:D]

Feel free to browse and donate:
http://www.justgiving.com/davidbethanmills
My winter and summer bike pics

http://oldwelshman.myphotoalbum.com

Phil Lighterfuel · June 2007

Must....resist....lowering...of..tone....
You could save more weight going for a dump!!
Och, cannae help it!! It just slipped out, honest (the comment, not the dump)

peejay78 · June 2007

try one of these:

http://tinyurl.com/yw3rxb

winter: http://tinyurl.com/2xkbbs
summer: http://tinyurl.com/2hsagv

bianco · June 2007

LOL @ Phil Lighterfuel,

I've got a mate who's obsessed with saving 50 grams here, 25g on carbon seat, you get the point.

I believe its about the rider, not the bike and only the slightest bit of a degree the components.

I ride a decathlon 7.1 cost me œ135 new, sora gearing etc, he's got a giant with carbon this and that and dura ace gearing and he struggles more and thinks he still needs to upgrade as its his bike thats letting him down.

Now I believe in reliable parts, but as long as you buy "decent" stuff, not halfords own chains, brake pads etc.. and clean and maintain it you should be fine.

As your new into cycling (like me) please don't buy into the whole expense thing, if you can whip someones ass after they've mocked your bike, and they've spent œ3,500 on their cycle, looks who's laughing.

DON'T YOU JUDGE ME

peejay78 · June 2007

i used to have a 7.1

great bike.

sold it to a colleague, he rode it home, got hit by a lorry, broke his leg in two places.

still a great bike though.

have to admit - the condor is much lighter/responsive/smoother/quicker.

winter: http://tinyurl.com/2xkbbs
summer: http://tinyurl.com/2hsagv

domtyler · June 2007

If you are paying, go for 105 or Ultegra (Ultegra is slightly nicer, more metal parts than plastic etc.)
If someone else is paying go for Dura Ace.

Tiagra and Sora are really for absolute beginners/casual riders.

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peterbr · June 2007

The only real weight saving on a groupset is the crankset. For example the cheapest (Sora) is actually the second lightest STIs after top of the range dura ace.

After 105 and 10 speed you really are entering into the realm of diminishing returns.

<hr noshade size="1">
"Europe's nations should be guided towards a superstate without their people understanding what is happening. This can be accomplished by successive steps, each disguised as having an economic purpose, but which will eventually and irreversibly lead to federation"
Jean Monnet, founding father of the EU.

peejay78 · June 2007

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">

Tiagra and Sora are really for absolute beginners/casual riders.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

most of us ARE casual riders.

winter: http://tinyurl.com/2xkbbs
summer: http://tinyurl.com/2hsagv

JWSurrey · June 2007

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by peterbr

The only real weight saving on a groupset is the crankset.....<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
Oh yes, I forgot to mention - If you go for a compact chainset, the only one matched to the groupset is the Ultegra-S compact.

The R-600 is supposed to be aligned more at Tiagra level, whilst the R-700 comes with better chainrings, and is supposed to be more 105/Ultegra.

peterbr · June 2007

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by peejay78

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">

Tiagra and Sora are really for absolute beginners/casual riders.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

most of us ARE casual riders.

winter: http://tinyurl.com/2xkbbs
summer: http://tinyurl.com/2hsagv
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Tiagra suits me well. I have other bikes with 105 and Ultegra and don't really notice much difference (they are all 9 speed).

<hr noshade size="1">
"Europe's nations should be guided towards a superstate without their people understanding what is happening. This can be accomplished by successive steps, each disguised as having an economic purpose, but which will eventually and irreversibly lead to federation"
Jean Monnet, founding father of the EU.

HungryCol · June 2007

I'm glad this topic came up.

I too am in a dilemma as to the 105 v's Ultegra upgrade. I'm on Tiagra at the moment and was considering forking out the extra for Ultegra much to the distain of my wallet and conscience. I'm not into weight saving components as I'm the lard a$$ not my bike! What I do want is good efficient and durable gearing. I want to rely on my gear change when I'm pounding my 15 stone up a hill..

I think I'll go for the 105. I really can justify the extra cost for the Ultegra even that it now has come down in price due to the introduction of the new Ultegra SL. What I fine a nuisance sometimes it the inability of me being able to choose what I want in the 105 groupset in the online shops, i.e. I would like a the black 105 break tops, a 12-25 cassette, a band-on FD. Anyone know where I can choose what type of groppo I can make online?

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gavintc · June 2007

Parkers International allow you to specify, crank length, chainset rings, and front deraileur band on/clamp set up. With Ribble, you can choose cassette, crank length and front derailleur. To my knowledge, I do not think you can pick and choose the complete groupset. I am pondering getting 105 and have done a bit of research. IMO, the cheapest option is Planet X.

Unknown · June 2007

Planet X are now the cheapest for either individual parts, or groups with 12-25 casettes. Ultegra at 105 prices!

Shimano 105 and ultegra. Help!

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