Shimano 105 vs Ultegra

[seadragon]

I see these kind of threads all the time but I have a reason for asking so I hope you dont mind as I am more used to SRAM products.

I have the chance to get a bike from the USA but it comes in 2 spec levels, one with 105 groupset and the other with Ultegra (for $200 more, about £125), with free shipping.

Is there a vast different between the 2 or should I just get the bike with the 105 stuff on?

Thanks in advance

[Birdthom]

I've gone from Tiagra up to Ultegra and then back down to 105 in the last 6 months. They all work fine, but I wish I still had the Ultegra, everything about it is better in feel and use. Well worth the extra money IMO.

[Rouleur]

For £125 it's a no-brainer. Do it.

[ratbane]

105 is good, Ultegra is better. Simples. Definitely worth it.

[anonymous-user]

even if it isnt the full groupset, brakes, cassette etc it should be worth it. i had ultegra on my boardman and really liked it!

[BMWBen]

My 2c - tried a bike with dura ace, didn't think it was any better than 105 in terms of feel/shifting etc.

So doubt that ultegra is actually better.

Other will disagree!

[Jimbo.]

BMWBen said:

My 2c - tried a bike with dura ace, didn't think it was any better than 105 in terms of feel/shifting etc.

So doubt that ultegra is actually better.

Other will disagree!

It's all in the installation, set-up and maintenance. It's funny how people think that upgrading from their worn, filthy drivetrain to something higher-end, clean and shiny is a "revelation". Can't think why

[Birdthom]

Well, the three different specs I had were all brand new Treks set up by the same (very good) LBS, so I'd say I have had an unusually good basis for comparison. Tiagra and 105 feel quite similar to me, Ultegra felt much tighter and more positive, more like a rifle mechanism. All three worked very well, but I'd take the Ultegra every time.

[MadDad]

My riding buddy has just gone from 105 to Ultegra - in his opinion the only difference he has noticed is the carbon levers, they don't get as cold as the metal ones on the 105! Shifting, braking etc is all the same (in his opinion).....

I have just gone from 105 to SRAM Force, night and day! SRAM is slightly more 'mechanical' in its feel (which I kinda like), but in terms of shifting, braking, and looks wins hands down over the Shimano groupo's I have ridden in the past.

[Jimbo.]

Birdthom said:

Well, the three different specs I had were all brand new Treks set up by the same (very good) LBS, so I'd say I have had an unusually good basis for comparison. Tiagra and 105 feel quite similar to me, Ultegra felt much tighter and more positive, more like a rifle mechanism. All three worked very well, but I'd take the Ultegra every time.

Amazing how much extra 1/4 turn of a barrel adjuster can make a customer spend

[Roman]

Rouleur said:

For £125 it's a no-brainer. Do it.

+1

[BadgerBenji]

MadDad said:

I have just gone from 105 to SRAM Force, night and day! SRAM is slightly more 'mechanical' in its feel (which I kinda like), but in terms of shifting, braking, and looks wins hands down over the Shimano groupo's I have ridden in the past.

Got to agree with that comment about SRAM, got SRAM Rival on my cx bike, and it's faultless, just keeps on working and shifting.