Road Cycling - Component Question

I am poised to get a new bike. I am going through a fit kit, am very satisfied with the overall ride and convinced my wife of the need.

One question remains, that of components. I can have it set up with Shimano Tiagra or 105. The 105 groupo will run approx. $250 more. I am not anxious to spend the extra dollars, but neither do I want to make a big mistake.

Is the 105 group worth the extra dollars? Will I really be able to tell the difference in the quality of the ride?

Help me spend my money wisely, Bill

Yes. The tiagra consists of plastic parts and cheaper quality and a cheaper finish. The 105 will definately save you $$$ in the future as the parts will last much longer and perform better.

if 250$ won't affect your budget go for 105 it will really make sence. you might upgrade in the future with your tiagra and thats more $ waisted.:rolleyes:

Yep, if you can, go for 105. 105 is like, a racing group already..while I hear that Tiagr is not. I use 105 and it is a very tough set. I would recommend it to anyone who annot afford Ultegra and Dura-Ace. Hehehe

As others have said it depends on your budget. I have Tiagra on my bike and am very happy with it but haven't ridden a bike with 105 to compare.

Tiagra. Will shift and stop you just fine. If money is an issue, go with Tiagra and upgrade to 105 or Ultegra part-by-part in the future as you need to.

However, make sure you are getting a 9-speed drivetrain right now. Don't be sold 8-speed, or you'll regret it when you start upgrading.

105. Noticably lighter, and prettier. Probably more durable. The 105 crankset is a big upgrade.

If you're indecisive now it'll probable bug you latter if you don't go for the upgrade.

If you currently have a bike to ride, what's a wait of a few weeks or a month to get the extra cash. Sell some crap you have laying around.

Then again, your tastes will yearn for the higher grouppo no matter what you do. Buy the 105 now and Ultegra will look so sweet in the not so far future........

A person has to know their limits :rolleyes: .

From everything I have heard, 105 is a good high quality component set. The major differences between 105 and ultegra and dura ace are slight weight differences, price, and snob appeal. I have 30,000 miles on a 105 groupo and the rear derailler is showing its age but that is it.

Now Tiagra is a good group. And if you are not particularly interested in performance or long term durability then it is just fine. But at $250, you are not paying a big price for a good notch up.

another thing to think about.

you could go with Tiagra now, but if you are thinking about upgrading you might as well just bite the bullet and do it now

$250 now is a lot cheaper than upgrading everything later!

when I bought my mountain bike I bought it with Deore level, if I had spent $200 more I would have had full LX and a better shock, and a lighter frame. I'm kicking myself for not doing it because now I'm thinking of spending about $400 just to upgrade the drivetrain

just something else to think about

Let's put it this way. 105 is good enough that it will work well for years and you can be happy with it with no need to ever upgrade. If you get really interested in cycling you may start thinking about upgrading the Tiagra within a year. 105 is kind of the entry level of the "good stuff".

Originally posted by RainmanP
105 is kind of the entry level of the "good stuff".

Precisely what my LBS and riding friends said to me.

i think that you should go for a mix of components. Go for tiagra on the things that dont really matter, such as the front derailler, the brakes, and the cassette, but go for 105 on the shifters, rear derailler and crank. by going wiht the mix, you are optimizing your cash, paying only for the things that count.