Mix Groupsets or all the same ?

thexvw

Hi,

just in the process of building up a Roubaix frame I recently aquired. I already have 105 STI, cassette and chainset but I still need to by a front and rear mech. Having shopped around I can get Ultegra for only £12 more than 105. So money is not really an issue but I am now wondering if I am better off sticking to 105 or mixing. What do you think ?

redddraggon

It doesn't really matter (as long as the bits are compatible). I've got a mix of Centaur and Veloce on my winter bike.

willbevan

like red i have a mix, even across MTB/road. sora shifters, XT rear mech, sora front mech, SRAM cassette and chain lol

Monowai

the bike snob would say don't mix and match, but as mentioned above - whatever is compatible. I've upgraded my groupset bit by bit based on a "price vs weight saving vs quality" assesment. My Campag 10 speed rear mech works no problem with 9 speed shifters and chain for instance. Having said that, it is usually more economical to buy a whole groupset rather than change bit by bit - if you can afford it.

John C.

As above, I run 10 speed Campag Centaur shifters with a Shimano 8 speed set up of Deore XT rear mech and Tiagra front.
As a snob my best bike is all 105 apart from the chainset which has a big Ultegra logo on it, my work horse is what I had in the parts bin.

Meds1962

I started with a full 105 groupset but have upgraded both mechs, chain and brake calipers to ultegra. The Ultegra rear mech is noticeably smoother than the 105 was and I also find it easyer to get the indexing right. The 105 STI's, cassette and chainset work fine with the ultegra parts.

leonlikestrees

Generally, you'll find in the ranges that if there's not much different in cost, there's not much difference in the component. Not too hot on the current generation of shimano, but with the old 9spd stuff the 105 and Ultegra rear mechs were virtually identical, except that the Ultegra had posher jockey wheels and a lighter pivot bolt. The front mechs were pretty similair too, and the crankarms were the same (but the chainrings on Ultegra were much nicer)

I guess what I'm saying is that there probably won't be any difference. They'll work fine together, and Ultegra is posher, so why not have a nice label for only a couple of quid!