Bicycle Mechanics - Derailleur age

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nate98
05-08-08, 03:24 PM
I'm looking for thoughts regarding the purchase of a used bike when it comes to component age - particularly derailleurs but also any other components I should be aware of. I have seen comments similar to the following: a new Shimano 105 is as good or better than the Ultegra line from a couple years ago.

Is this statement true? Is there a place I can compare specs/performance of component models from different years?

I've been shopping many used bikes on CL and Ebay. For an example to this topic, I'm looking at a 2006 Specialized Roubaix with Ultegra components and ~1600 miles on it. If I was to buy new, the 2008 Roubaix Elite uses 105s instead. Have design advances made the 105s of today technically as good or better than the 2 year old Ultegras or am I in better shape with the higher line of components of 2 years ago that have not been heavily used?

Thanks.

Al1943
05-08-08, 07:26 PM
Derailleurs are probably the longest life component on a bike. Are you sure you need new? They are also more cross-compatible than most components.

I think that 10-speed 105 components are better than 9-speed Ultegra, and 10-speed Ultegra are better than 9-speed Dura-Ace, just my opinion.

Al
well biked
05-08-08, 07:34 PM
I'm looking for thoughts regarding the purchase of a used bike when it comes to component age - particularly derailleurs but also any other components I should be aware of. I have seen comments similar to the following: a new Shimano 105 is as good or better than the Ultegra line from a couple years ago.

Is this statement true? Is there a place I can compare specs/performance of component models from different years?

I've been shopping many used bikes on CL and Ebay. For an example to this topic, I'm looking at a 2006 Specialized Roubaix with Ultegra components and ~1600 miles on it. If I was to buy new, the 2008 Roubaix Elite uses 105s instead. Have design advances made the 105s of today technically as good or better than the 2 year old Ultegras or am I in better shape with the higher line of components of 2 years ago that have not been heavily used?

Thanks.

If you're looking at similar bikes within a certain price range, comparing used to new, I'd go with the new bike because you'll get a full factory warranty on everything-

Tinkeric
05-08-08, 08:49 PM
This is a great site that archives bikes: http://bikepedia.com/QuickBike/Default.aspx

I agree that rear derailleurs are built to last.