Road Cycling - Tiagra vs. 105

I'm about to make a new purchase and I'd like some help. I've been riding a Cannondale Road Warrior 500 for the past 3 years, flat bar - Sora equiped. April through November I average 2 longer rides a week, 40 - 60 miles each, and 2 short rides, about an hours riding time each, 15 - 25 miles. December trough March 45 - 60 min. on the indoor trainer 4 days a week. I'm ready to step up to a more efficient set up.
I've been looking at a 2004 Specialized Allez Sport 27, lots of proprietary components (crank, brakes, saddle... ect.), 105 rear derailleur, Tiagra in the front, and Tiagra Brake Levers/Shifters. I can buy the 2003 Allez Elite leftover, 1 step up the line, for about $200 more. Id be gaining 105 both back and front, 105 Brake Levers/shifters, and a slightly more aero wheelset. Most of the propriatery Specialized Components are the same, as well as the frame and fork. I'm not as concerned with wheelset or front derailleur as I am the shifters. I'm a family man with 2 young kids, an extra $200 can come in handy, yet for a long term purchase I don't want to have any regrets. Other than this post being long winded, any feedback??? Thanks!

My latest purchase was my first experience with STI levers and I chose Tiagra for monetary reasons. I too have two little kids and couldn't justify the extra expense. I compared the "feel" of Tiagra to 105 in my local bike shop and, while different, concluded that I could live very happily with the Tiagra. Worst case scenario, one or both of the levers break and I replace them with 105 for slight more than $100. As it is, I have no reason to expect that this will happen any time soon.

Were you happy with the rest of your Sora components?

Tiagra is good.

-mark

I have no experience with Tiagra. This past summer I bought a Fuji Roubaix, and my decision to buy it hinged on a combination of its good price and that it has full 105 components. I couldn't tell you whether Tiagra performs the same, better, or worse. I suppose my decision was based somewhat on my perception that 105 would be "better." At least I was thinking clearly enough to realized that the "better" of Dura Ace would likely be lost on me.

Having said this, I am happy with the performance of the 105 components. You need to be happy with the bike you buy.

No Brainer! The difference in design and performance between the two is significant!! Materials and engeniring are very different. The 105 is the entry level of the top end STI components and as such incorporates a lot of the engenring that go into Ultegra and Dura Ace. The later two utilize some different materials to get lighter and stronger since they are used on competition level bikes.

IF you can afford the extra $200 I think it is worth the jump especially since you said you will also get other upgrades on the bike. I also looked at the Allez when shopping for a bike. It is a solid bike and I think you will be happy with it. I opted for a Lemond Buenos Aris instead because I am going to be racing this season and liked the feel of the bike better.

If you LBS will let you take bikes for long test rides take them both out and see what feels better to you.

Good Luck...Bill

In December, I looked around the web and found a new in box 03' Elite for $820.00 to my door (warranty included). My LBS had the sport for $750.00 plus tax (810.00). I went with the 105 as it seems to be the standard for entry level (yet serious) riders.

If you are looking for a size 56, he has one left (make him an offer).

http://www.nicolletbike.com/index.php3?page=viewdeal.php3&dealnum=27

Hope this helps,

ehenz

Edit: I just checked his page, he also has the chro-mo Elite listed for $900.00, what a deal.

No Brainer! The difference in design and performance between the two is significant!! Materials and engeniring are very different. The 105 is the entry level of the top end STI components and as such incorporates a lot of the engenring that go into Ultegra and Dura Ace. The later two utilize some different materials to get lighter and stronger since they are used on competition level bikes.

Bull! The real difference between tiagra and 105 is the crankset (square taper VS octalink). Otherwise the 'materials and engineering' are NOT very different.

Unless you're big into labels I don't think you'd have regrets with Tiagra. If, eventually, the brifters need replacing, you can upgrade at that point. There is nothing wrong with Tiagra.

People with Tiagra are going to say it is equal, people with 105 or higher are going to say its not. The Tiagra will do the job just fine. Do whats best for you and your family. Put a few bucks back each week and in a year or so you will have the money to upgrade if needed.

Bull! The real difference between tiagra and 105 is the crankset (square taper VS octalink). Otherwise the 'materials and engineering' are NOT very different.

Excuese me! I must have been misinformed by several of the bike shops in my area!!

I haven't looked at Tiagra lately, but isn't the shifting mechanisum on the levers compleatly different from 105 on Sora and Tiagra??

Step up,03 is a better deal with better stuff.

Excuese me! I must have been misinformed by several of the bike shops in my area!!

I haven't looked at Tiagra lately, but isn't the shifting mechanisum on the levers compleatly different from 105 on Sora and Tiagra??Informed by LBS?? Surely you jest! Sora is 8 speed and has thumb buttons for shifting to smaller chainring and smaller cogs. Tiagra shifting is like the other 9 speed stuff.

Hi,
doesn't the Elite also have a better fork and wheels? For $200? No brainer.... If you have to, give him everything you have, and then toss a 10 or a 20 at him each week until it's paid for. You'd still have it by Spring.

This is a total no brainer... in my opinioin. If you can squeeze out the extra $200 without starving your kids... do it. I have an 03 Elite and I do feel it's very much worth the extra money. You get a very nice carbon fork and seatpost, two things that significantly improve the ride on a somewhat harsh riding aluminum frame. The Alx wheelset is not the very best, it won't compete against an $800 set of Mavics, but they're solid and well performing - I weigh in about 260 and have not experienced a single wheelset issue. A bike purchase is an investment, so think about it in the long term. I think you'd be getting more than $200 worth of extra bike by getting the Elite.

Informed by LBS?? Surely you jest! Sora is 8 speed and has thumb buttons for shifting to smaller chainring and smaller cogs. Tiagra shifting is like the other 9 speed stuff.

I enjoy your between the lines repartee. As your comment suggests, getting your bike or cycling knowledge from many (not all) LBShops is like sending a 17 year old female to Mike Tyson's Home for Wayward Girls.

I just found a used (01) Spec. Allez Elite Pro with Ultegra/Dura Ace Comp for under 1K. I think I may have just found my next road bike. The reason I bring this up is because my budget on a new bike wouldn't allow me to get much better than a Sora/Tiagra geared bike. Well, just as soon as I got over the New/used bit....I found my self paying low dollar on a higher end bike. Seeing how I was just about to pay 1400 on a Allez Cro-mo (boy, glad I didn't do that looking at the other guys add above for 900)

My two cents is that you first should be thinking about longevitiy. An extra two hundred bucks here will probably be a good investment and, seeing that you are an obvious everyday, hardworking family man, I'm sure you more than deserve the extra $200 to spend on yourself. It may be only psychological, but having full 105 (or close to it anyways), may make you feel good, like treating yourself. All this being said, it is easy for me to justify as I'm single and don't have any kids to support. But again, it is just $200 bucks one time. If you were asking about 105 vs. Ultegra or Dura-Ace I just definatly say stay with 105 as the extra cost is too great to justify for the return--especially thinking about your family situation.

As an aside, if you choose the Tiagra, you will still be very well off. I rode a 1988 Cannondale for 10 years and then in 1998 upgraded the frame, but I kept the old 105 components (6-speed) and only just recently (Dec 2003) did I upgrade (to 9-speed 105). The upgrade was not out of need, but more out of want. The components were still working fine and I'd say that for a guy that averages around 1500-2000 miles per year, that type of longevity is excellent. I'm sure the Tiagra, which is engineered with much better technology than a 105 from 1988, will give you the same longevity if not more so.

I really appreciate all of the feedback. I was able to strike a deal today w/ my LBS for a 2004 Trek 1500, with a better component package, for the same price as the leftover Specialized. I think they appreciate the fact that I have 2 young boy's with a lot of bicycles in their future. Thanks again.

Does your 1500 have the Tiagra front der and Ultegra rear, or a 105 rear? A friend just bought one that had a 105 rear, even though Trek specs it with an Ultegra. He's waiting for an Ultegra replacement. Regardless, the 1500 is a nice bike. Enjoy riding it.

Ultegra rear, Tiagra front, and 105 shifters Thanks.

Ultegra rear, Tiagra front, and 105 shifters Thanks.

If anything matters, it's the shifters. Best of luck to you!

-mark

I'm about to make a new purchase and I'd like some help. I've been riding a Cannondale Road Warrior 500 for the past 3 years, flat bar - Sora equiped. April through November I average 2 longer rides a week, 40 - 60 miles each, and 2 short rides, about an hours riding time each, 15 - 25 miles. December trough March 45 - 60 min. on the indoor trainer 4 days a week. I'm ready to step up to a more efficient set up.
I've been looking at a 2004 Specialized Allez Sport 27, lots of proprietary components (crank, brakes, saddle... ect.), 105 rear derailleur, Tiagra in the front, and Tiagra Brake Levers/Shifters. I can buy the 2003 Allez Elite leftover, 1 step up the line, for about $200 more. Id be gaining 105 both back and front, 105 Brake Levers/shifters, and a slightly more aero wheelset. Most of the propriatery Specialized Components are the same, as well as the frame and fork. I'm not as concerned with wheelset or front derailleur as I am the shifters. I'm a family man with 2 young kids, an extra $200 can come in handy, yet for a long term purchase I don't want to have any regrets. Other than this post being long winded, any feedback??? Thanks!


Hi Garbec,

I'm looking for a new bike to and I've been looking into the the specialized elite. It's got a good package all 105 ,carbon front fork, carbon seat post and sealed bearing hubs which are better rolling.I have Mavic Cosmos hubs now so I wanted somthing comparable.Seams like a better package than trek 2100 and roubix the only differance is trek&roubix have rear carbon forks,and the wheel sets aren't as good.I'm a family girl with 2 kids! 200 bucks can make a big differance.You probally won't need another bike for at least 3years.Bite the bullet!!
Later,
Robin

Hi Garbec,

You probally won't need another bike for at least 3years. Later,
Robin


What? That bike will last a lot longer than 3 years.

Last summer I bought a 2003 Specialized Allez Sport 27 and have put about 3000 miles on it between the road and my trainer (mostly road miles). I have had no major complaints but I would love to upgrade the wheelset. On long rides I often find the spokes coming loose. I don't know if the upgrade to the elite would help with this.... Also, the seat that came with the 2003 model was somewhat painful on longer rides but from what I hear there are a lot of complaints about Specialized seats in general.... Also, the 03 model came with toe clips standard so I had to upgrade immediately to clipless. If the elite comes with clipless it may make up some of the difference.

Here is my comments...

Tiagra is OK, 105 is lighter, stronger and more durable...

But if I had to save money or put money in a good spot, buy Dura-Ace levers (9-speed)...

The DA levers are 1000x better than Ultegra levers!!!!

If I knew this 4 years ago I woulda bought DA levers and 105 drive train instead of all Ultegra parts.

So if your STI 9-speed levers break... Replace them with the DA-9speed ones. You will not regret it!

Here is my comments...

Tiagra is OK, 105 is lighter, stronger and more durable...

But if I had to save money or put money in a good spot, buy Dura-Ace levers (9-speed)...

The DA levers are 1000x better than Ultegra levers!!!!

If I knew this 4 years ago I woulda bought DA levers and 105 drive train instead of all Ultegra parts.

So if your STI 9-speed levers break... Replace them with the DA-9speed ones. You will not regret it!

So what is nicer about the Dura Ace Levers? I am getting a Specialized with full 105. One thing that dissapointed me is that the 105 levers are plastic and seem flimsy. What are the Dura Ace levers made of?

Last summer I bought a 2003 Specialized Allez Sport 27 and have put about 3000 miles on it between the road and my trainer (mostly road miles). I have had no major complaints but I would love to upgrade the wheelset. On long rides I often find the spokes coming loose. I don't know if the upgrade to the elite would help with this.... Also, the seat that came with the 2003 model was somewhat painful on longer rides but from what I hear there are a lot of complaints about Specialized seats in general.... Also, the 03 model came with toe clips standard so I had to upgrade immediately to clipless. If the elite comes with clipless it may make up some of the difference.

I am getting an Elite Cro-Mo and the seat sucks as well. The regular Elite and Cro-Mo do not come with any pedals. I cant really compare the wheel sets, but the Elites should be a bit nicer, but they are still Alex rims.

My 2 cents worth...

Knowing Shimano, Tiagra groupset will eventually be superceded by some other new groupset that will slot below 105. Remember the RSX & RX100? I went throught the dilemma of tying to decide a bike with 105 or RSX grouppo years ago and at the time of purchase, the Shimano rep claimed the RSX will be around for donkey years and parts will be ample. Not so! After 6 years, the RSX disappeared but the 105 remained. Sure the 105 of today isn't identical to 105 of yester years , but if you intend keep your bike for ages (like me), stick with groupsets that's been around and survived the test of time (and fashion updates). I suffer the pain of not being able to get replacement parts and losing dollars when I traded my bike in because the bike had RSX grouppo on it...Now my new bike is full 105 and I hope when the time comes to trade the bike in, it will still be worth some dollars.

One would think that the Shimano trickle down would be that way and it seems so from Ultegra on down...

However the DuraAce levers never trickled down to Ultegra. Instead the Ultegra-9-speed levers were developed seperately and they are trickling down the rest of the line.

The DA levers (9-speed) got Al levers not plastic ones like the rest of the line.

bg4533:
The biggest difference is in that "feel". The DA levers feel solid even against Ultegra. They have a more positive "click" when shifting.

I only upgraded to DA as part of my strategy to replace parts that are worn out with the next groupo above (because at least until DA-10-speed they were all interchangeble) and when I got my DA levers it was like when I switched from DT friction to STI... WHY DID I WAIT SO LONG! And that was a resounding shock...

So in hind-sight had I known the DA shifters were so vastly superior to the rest of the line I woulda bought them way back in 1998!

IMHO, other than weight, I don't see that big a differnce between 105, ultegra and DA for the rest of the drive train. the "steel" gears are the same, the chain is the same (different finishes), front and rear ds are the same... When I say the same, I mean that they PERFORM the same.

Probably the only other differnce is that I would buy the DA cable set because it is stainless steel cables... (A cable set comes with the DA shifters).

BTW: the DA-10-speed small levers are plastic :( I just hope that means they figured out how to make good plastic levers!

Don't you guys ever listen to King Armstrong? Its not about the bike :)

FWIW I upgraded a MTB to Tiagra. I asked the LBS guy about fiting 105 to it. He said he wouldnt bother. OK says I 'Whats the differance between Tiagra and 10 then?' aesthetics was the answer.

I stay on the 52 ring all the time anyway so thats a non issue.

I recently went through a similar process trying to decide between 105 and Ultegra. I went with the Ultegra as the 9 speed has become so competitively priced with the 10 speed now out. It was only about $100 more.

I'm a snobby label shopper too and I wanted the Gucci. Performance wise, I'm not good enough to notice.

55/Rad

Hi SuperTrooper,

Thats a good deal on the allez. How many miles are on that bike? Have you ridden it yet?
Later,
Robin