Bicycle Mechanics - Experience with Tiagra??

I'm thinking of getting some 9 speed shifters for upgrade. Now I don't need the whole "why don't you go with..." I just need some good feedback on this line. I have SORA now and anything is up from that.

Let me know what's up...

i have all tiagra (with a 105 RD), i have never used anything above Tiagra, so i cant really compair, but at the moment the shifters are fine after 800 miles. the only problems i have had are when you come close to the where the shifters "click" and it will shift a little before/after.. but you need to be going really slow for this to happen. If you knock it into gear normally its just fine.

-Ross

I have Sora, 105, and Ultegra shifters on my three bikes. I don't have any problems with any of them, although I can certainly tell the difference.

Of the three, I think 105 is the best value -- they're pretty much indistinguishable from the Ultegras, but significantly cheaper.

Where will you buy the Tiagra levers? You don't usually see them packaged for retail sale. If you're getting them really cheap as take-offs from a new bike, they could be a real bargain.

RichC

While I have ridden a few Tiagra equipped bikes, I don't own any so I can't give long term impressions. Functionally the shifters are just as good as the higher up models but they don't seem as smooth. That said, unless you're really looking for it and are highly discerning, you probably won't notice the difference.

Are you planning on doing a whole upgrade to 9sp? If so, I think you'll need to replace the rear derailleur, cassette and chain at the very least. You may need to replace the and freehub body if not the hub altogether as well front derailleur too... I don't know.

Try to get at least 105. I ahve worked on tiagra shifters in the shop and they just arent as smooth as the other ones/.The 105 are the best value in my opinon because they retain the same durabilty and quality as ultegra, but not as dura ace.