Go to your bike shop and have them check the chain and the derailleur alignment. Brands group these parts into various different levels. Updated with actual weights, deals, price, specs table, and more Also the cables stretch. The sole differences I can see are a different plastic material in the bodies (the shape is identical) and composite plastic levers instead of aluminium alloy. Let’s all make a commitment to lose a pound or two around our bellies. These are just some points to consider. That’s another question, and something I’m, going to find out (and REI gives you a few months to try it out, then you can still return it, thus my snapping up the bargain price without having a bike there to try out on the spot-REI is a seriously great company!!). Cosmetically, Ultegra boasts a carbon shift/brake blade while the 105 sports an aluminum blade. When you are due for chain and cassette replacement switch to ultegra. 6800 series Ultegra are of a different design to 105, and are said to be noticeably more powerful. If you click on an Affiliate Link and then buy something, I get a small commission. in addition to that, the Brake/Shift hoods on the 105 have a wierd ergonomic feel to them. the 2015 Ultegra. What is your skill level and how much riding will you do? 105 stayed firmly mechanical. My other wheelsets use proper cartridge bearings all round and never need adjustment, so for my next project (another titanium frame) I will buy up a new just taken off a bike 105 groupset and try and find some good used wheels. This is quite an expensive way of doing things: an extra £20-30 per component soon adds up. I remember when test riding bikes that the Ultegra shifters “felt” better than the 105. I assume both bikes are the same size and you are sure the size is correct for you; this is even more important than group. Overall, I would say the Ultegra are comparable to the 10-speed Dura Ace, if not even slightly better (especially braking). My advice would be to focus on the frame and get as much 105 on there or better at the start, though I believe RS500 cranks are comparable to 105. The bike at $1750.00 will have tax added to that price. Thank you! I think the best non-wear upgrade is wheels. Shimano 105 R7000 groupset — everything you need to know. And like you mentioned you can buy better wheels or frame. Also I recently came across a used set of Zipp 404s which I bought. In reading all these comments one sticks out to me — yesterdays ultegra (i.e. So, for instance, in the article, 11 speed first appears in 2012 in Dura-Ace (9000), then a year later in Ultegra (6800), and then two years later in 105 (5800) and has yet to appear in the Tiagra line (presumably the 4800). I’m also from Yorkshire and therefore have deep pockets and short arms. It’s most helpful in working out which generation of a given groupset you have/you’re buying. 11s is the new norm and you will be able to easily get parts further into the future than 10s. If it is on the long side for your set up talk to them about removing a link. I don’t mind spending $90 for calipers…the best brakes you can buy is never a bad choice in my opinion. Again a value to the LBS. Crankset / chainset – the bit the pedals attach to – chain rings, cranks – that sort of thing; Derailleurs – the bits that move the chain between the different chainrings (at the front) and the various cogs of the cassette (at the back); Shifters – attached to the handlebars – the bit you manipulate with your hands; Cassette – the bit in the middle of your back wheel – lots of teeth; The Giant Defy Advanced 2020 model costs £1,949 ($2,514) with Shimano 105 and £2,199 ($2,837) with Ultegra (£250 difference for the hard of mathing); Canyon’s Endurace CF SL Disc 7.0 with Shimano 105 is £2,099 ($2,708) and the Ultegra-equipped Endurace CF SL Disc 8.0 is £2,699 ($3,482). A final point is that it is well known that last year’s Ultegra is effectively this year’s 105, so a two year old bike with Ultegra is likely to be equal, perhaps inferior to the current model 105. I certainly saved enough to replace the brakes if I feel they are really inferior on the 105 compared to what I am used to. Seems the cost for the Ultegra set is within 20% of getting 105s. If both bikes are new I would take the information to your LBS and see if they would reduce their price 2-300 or if that embarrasses you just get the online one. like a silly hump for your thumbs to get annoyed by. I have been searching for awhile and my head is spinning. I think that by comparing complete groupsets you are doing everyone a disfavor. Chez SRAM, cela correspond au Rival) Tiagra (l’équivalent de l’Apex chez SRAM) what does this turd know I hear you say to yourself in your head. the current ones), again with Di2 options. It’s considered a “new road” bike, both the 105 and Ultegra versions have hydraulic disc brakes (yay) the one in 105 comes in a puke green, while the Ultegra comes in a muted grey. And yes, Dura-Ace Di2 is R9150 (it doesn’t take an Enigma machine to work out the pattern – although the fact that the prior generation used ’70’ to denote Di2 means perhaps you do need some codebreaking nouse). It is easy to change a couple of components later to make the bike feel like a larger size. I think what I’m about to write is something of a cyclo-cliché, but that has never stopped me before, so… 105 is the first of Shimano’s “serious” or “proper” groupsets. Have you tried both? When it comes to purchasing a gift for our babies, nothing says I love you like a new groupo. Presently my bike has a 40 cog with a compact 50-34 crank. And it lets one run a larger range cassette. After about 17,000 miles I felt it was time for the chainset and bottom bracket to be replaced and I went with Ultegra at that time – did not notice any change in performance. The question though is which groupset should you pick, should you pick Shimano 105 or Ultegra? Thanks Nick! But, by then it was 11 speed all around and the rear fork distance has move out a couple of millimeters. My bike is a Trek Domane 4.3 (the 2013 version), which at the time cost £1,800. I did that with a Cannondale and eventually it was 95% Ultegra, the bottom bracket just kept on turning. I will note that my current bike is Ultegra, I got it 2 years back. Way more noticeable than when I upgraded the front derailleur from 105 to Ultegra (I’ve now gone back to 105-only on the Domane). that being said, i’m only looking at the ultegra model because of the “better” color option, and the ergonomic design . The lever throw seems a little shorter, and it is harder to miss a shift, especially going up the cassette. Any opinions? Il n'a donc plus grand-chose à leur envier, si ce n'est la cassette 11 vitesses, puisque ce Tiagra reste en 10 vitesses… That is how I started. But two huge advantages. If it were me, and once again assuming the online bike is used, I would go with the Local Bike Shop. There has been plenty of discussion here on the differences (or non-differences) in components, so whether there is any genuine performance difference between the two product lines is a matter for conjecture. In the meantime I’ll go back to my heavy, but rugged Diverge that is probably 6 pounds heavier than most of your bikes, and still runs well on Sora . groupsets. If you click and buy something, I get a commission, at no extra cost to you. The rear is a different story. That time occurs before you buy your bike, roughly a week after you’ve bought your bike, then on a weekly basis until you cycle off this mortal coil. The only thing I can’t speak to is the 105 brakeset, since I have Avid disc brakes on the cross bike. Right now I ride about 20-30 miles 2-3 days a week. I won't be buying the entire group altogether, but rather scoping out deals 1 piece at a time on ebay, what would be the order in which to upgrade. (okay, I couldn’t be bothered to Google what it stands for). Is any of the upgrades worth? There may be compatibility issues with the levers but I’ve not tried it myself. If that’s 105, fine. Don’t worry though (who you calling worried? As Jantzen says it is only one extra gear. A 12-28 would have been far more practical and although I don’t think I “need” the 28, I do live in a very hilly area and would have embraced the spin if I had that smaller gear. If the upgraded bike has upgraded wheels that is a big value. Well, let’s face it. I’m a little late getting in on this, but I just got a bike with Ultegra 6800, and wanted to chime in. According to Beginner Triathlete, Ultegra group sets weigh roughly 280g, or half a pound less than a 105 gruppo. (Fun fact, Shimano put index shifting first in entry level models pre-1984, it was an abysmal failure until they put it in their top of the line Dura-Ace). New ULTEGRA R8000 series is "pro-proven" as it is a direct trickle down from DURA-ACE groupset. Back in the day, there was a big difference in smoothness of shifting, also weight between the groupsets. I’m sure a scouring of the internet would allow you to add up the weight of each individual component. For what it’s worth, if you’re looking for a noticeable improvement in shifting quality, a full overhaul at your current groupset (be that 105 or whatever) will give you the best bang for your buck. Its time to cut the crap. there is no difference that would give rise to a different shifting experience in reality (I studied mechanical engineering degree level at university, I have reasonably trained opinion I think). Once you find the problem change the chain and cassette then adjust alignment and the B screw. I’m no Froome-dog and I’ve only returned to cycling reasonably seriously in the last 3 years but my experience is that there’s little between them (unless, of course you want the electronic do-dah). Shimano’s new 105 (5700) and new Ultegra (6700) are both great groups for road and triathlon use. As things wear, replace them with a higher grade chain and cassette. You want to take care when buying individual components (e.g. The different combos of what might comprise your chosen groupset (e.g disc brakes versus rim) makes trying to come up with a useful summary very difficult. The sprocket widths are the same as on a 10-speed system but they are a little closer. Maybe 11 speed is it. Ah, the million dollar £500 (or $700) question. I ride about 80-150 miles a week June – October and hope to do some century rides. What model Ultegra can I upgrade to as parts begin to fail? As you discuss only 11 speed groupsets, my question is about upgrading from 105 10s to 105 11s or even Ultegra 11s? Ultegra’s barrel adjuster might simply be nicer from the perspective of a mechanic. The higher quality the internals, the more precise and longer lasting the mechanism. The newest all have stainless plates which should last much longer, but again look different on each model, a totally cosmetic aspect that pisses me off, and so far I have NOT found these plates to be available separately; cleats being plastic should wear first, but another quibble with the designers and the young customers who never experienced old school parts that could actually be serviced and rebuilt. This outweighs my ‘better equipment better cyclist’ delusions. In other words, when a 105 component wears out on your bike, should you take opportunity to upgrade to Ultegra? Also have them check the chain length. I’ll certainly be thinking about getting Ultegra on my next bike. I found it helped me because my hands are arthritic and it really relieved the pain going to larger cogs. With the Ultegra’s, it is almost always an immediate shift and just enough feedback to know it went, but not enough to be annoying. For the time being, only Ultegra and it’s pro-sibling Dura-Ace have electronic rather than mechanical gear shifts. Most full groupsets are bought in conjunction with a new bike. Keep the road Ti, forever. Also braking performance and feel, which of course is really important over the long haul. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This has the potential to maximise comfort and, most importantly, performance far more than by choosing one iteration or another of Shimano’s group sets. I ride a 10s but many of the people I ride with have 11s. Begin! (*By Kraftwerk, if there’s any justice in the world). I write entertaining articles about road cycling: gear reviews, training advice. Just a quick note about brakes: I read recently that while Ultegra were the highest rated rim brakes, 105 use the same mechanical action and should perform the same (I can’t compare as my winter bike has discs). Ultegra components are lighter than 105 components, making climbing easier. I have a solution for you: I madez a YouTube on the subject. Hello! Anyway, to aid comprehension, here’s a little table I knocked up to show the range numbers of the current and prior generations of top end Shimano groupsets: The dates show the ‘model year’ for when each new generation was launched. That I am still asking these questions at age 66, and still riding at least 2K miles a year while working full time tells you how great a sport biking is!! There is zero difference in any of the moving parts in shape or function. replacement parts, a cassette with different gear ratios), that they’re compatible with the gear bits (technical term) that you’ve already got. 105 weighs 200g more, all else being equal), which in the grand scheme of anything other than pro cycling is kind of irrelevant.