Road Cycling - 105 Brake/shift levers

I recently returned to road bikes (used to race then went the MTB and Hibred route) so some of the components are new to me. I have been a fan of 105 components and have a 105 rear and just upgraded to a 105 front derailleur. Are the 105 Brake/Shift levers a significant improvement over the Tiagra levers? The front derailleur was an improvement due to the alignment of the cable pull. All the levers appear to have basically the same internal parts. Obviously the Ultegra and Dura Ace are lighter. Any thoughts - Thanks.

bump

The 105's come in black, but that's the only difference I know of.

My question is thus:

Ultegra and Dura Ace give you the option of 10 speed drive train, but they come at an added expense.

Is the shifting quality--especially associated at the front a significant enough of an upgrade from Tiagra to 105 to justify the expense? Or does the upgrade only make sense if I get something in addition to improved shifting like a 10 speed cassette?

Thanks.

My question is thus:

Ultegra and Dura Ace give you the option of 10 speed drive train, but they come at an added expense.

Is the shifting quality--especially associated at the front a significant enough of an upgrade from Tiagra to 105 to justify the expense? Or does the upgrade only make sense if I get something in addition to improved shifting like a 10 speed cassette?

Thanks.
Doesn't make any sense, especially not to go to 10 speed. You're better off putting money into a good wheelset.

I'd go with 105 on a new bike build, but going from Tiagara to 105 is really not worth it.

I too am intersted in a response to this question.

Are the 105 Brake/Shift levers a significant improvement over the Tiagra levers?
I agree that if you did upgrade you should go all out instead up just one step. They are an improvement but are essentially the same and if you are spending money you should get something better than 105.

No reason to go 10 speed unless you race. A 18 or 27 speed drivetrain should do you just fine.

Besides, I don't like to replace 35 dollar chains on a 10 speed drivetrain every 1500-2000 miles, which for me is like, four times a year.

Eh?

Price comparison (for what I would need--I already have the FSA C-16 front derailleur) with Nashbar prices:

Type STI levers Rear Derailleur
105 $174.90 $39.95
Ultegra $269.99 $89.95 + cassette and chain @ $72.95 and $31.95

Difference $464.80-$214.85=$249.95

My math suggests double the price for the addition of one extra gear in the back. I think I can stomach two C-notes for 105, but I am not sure the Ultegra uprade price is worth it.

I don't think there is gonna be any difference in the STI levers besides the weight. I was thinkin' about upgrading my 06' Trek 1000 already, but found out from other members I would be better off to go ahead and sell the brand new Trek already, which I will get as much back for as I paid initially, and go ahead and buy a better bike with 105's already on it. It is gonna be cheaper to buy an entire bike with better components than it is to upgrade everything on a new bike(I'm buyin' a Trek 2100). I don't know if this is your situation b/c I don't know if your bike is new or not, I'm just tellin' you about my situation b/c I wanted to do a full 105 group just a short while ago. Are the Tiagra's on your bike worn out, or do you just want to put 105's on your new bike?

If you wait, 105 is going 10-speed as well. This could mean a great deal on a remaining 9-speed 105 bike.