Road Cycling - tiagra or 105 components?

Just wondering how much of a difference the full 105 will make over the Tiagra. How much should I expect to upgrade? Is it worth it?

Tiagra us not as durable and somewhat heavier than 105. The shifters rattle more [a common problem through the Shimano line] and the bottom bracket isn't quite as nice. For the weight savings and durability, I think 105 is a better value in the long-run, in fact, it's the price/performance sweet spot in Shimano's lineup. The complete group [shifters, derailleurs, brakes, bottom bracket, crankset, etc.] sells for about US$500-$550. You can get an upgrade kit [shifters, derailleurs, cassette and chain] for about US$250.

I will upgrade to the next two or three up, the ladder, like if i have a Tiagra, i will go for an Ultegra Upgrade, if I can't afford it at the time, I will just have to wait until I have save for the upgrade, and be the way welcome to BFC "Haley

at www.coloradocyclist.com, the Ultegra Upgrade is only $259.00, so why will upgrade to 105 and the difference is only Nine bucks

!05 is great for most people. spend the money once and avoid the 'upgrade trap'.

It is said that 105 has 95% the performance of D/A at 50% the price. I don't know how true this is, but after almost 2 years of riding 4-5 days a week...my 105 is still woking flawlessly. I love my 105. I love Shimano components. =)

Abicibikes has good prices


http://www.abicibikes.com/frame_kits_2.asp?kit=105-Triple

Do you already have Tiagra components and are planning to upgrade them?

If so then I'd say hang around and buy a new bike later. I have Tiagra bits and am happy with them (although I don't really know anything else) but investigated upgrading them. By the time I added a comparable wheelset to the 105 kit I was looking at more than half the bikes cost again. The frame would also be the weakest link (relatively speaking) in the setup. Of course if you have a very good frame then getting a groupset to match makes perfect sense (even if this post doesn't).

If not I'd go for the 105 now rather than upgrade later.

If you have a good frame then why not upgrade the parts a few at a time? Tiagra is 9 speed and compatible with the higher end shimano grouppos. I personally would skip 105 if upgrading from Tiagra and go straight to Ultegra. Most of the parts dont cost that much more.

Since I need the whole bike, I think I will probably just upgrade to the R700 which comes with the 105. :D

Good choice.Less chance of getting upgrade fever and it will serve you well.

I love 105 components, and I think they're the best price/performance value Shimano has. I've used Tiagra once and wasn't happy with the performance. (FWIW).
-e

I have 105 that has served me well the last two years. Just about a month ago they started to be out of adjustement. The handle has a screw that unscrews a little. But loctite should fix that.