gholt

I currently have Ultegra cranks, derailurers, bontrager race wheels and the brakes are 105, and the shifters / brake levers are Shimano Tiagra.

Would there be a noticable difference if I was to upgrade the brakes to the Ultegra level, or would upgrading the shifters to the 105 level make a difference. Or is it better to just upgrade the cables. They were replaced about 2 years ago.

Any help would be appreciated.

HillRider

The brake upgrade will give almost no benefit except to possibly save a small number of grams. If the braking action is currently not good enough, change the stock pads for Kool Stop Salmons. 105 calipers are very good.

Ultrgra brifters are lighter and prettier and have a somewhat better action but are costly and functionally the same. As long as the current brifters are wporking properly I wouldn't go for the upgrade. The performance difference will be minor. When the current ones die, go for what ever you are willing to pay for.

seriouslysilly

+1

i am very satisfied with my 105 bike and recently put my brother's ultegra equipped bike together.
performance is judged to be similar. quiet and accurate shifting.
his is a bit quieter, but it could also be because it being brand new.
although it would be nice to upgrade the components, i refuse to get caught up with the 'name' game.
i keep thinking that it is working nicely right now and should wait until they die before upgrading and throwing away $$$

Al1943

Cables and housings are cheap and replacing them can make huge improvements to shifting performance, especially with STI shifters.

Al

gholt

Thanks,

I think I will keep what I have and replace the pads and cables and run it till it breaks.

Al1943

Always replace the cable housings with new cables.

tellyho

+1. You wouldn't notice the difference.