sdouglaslt

I've got a Giant OCR2. I'm considering upgrading the FD from Tiagra to 105. I'd like to know:

1. Is the performance increase worth the $25 the FD cost, and
2. Is the 105 FD compatible with the Tiagra Flightdeck shifters that are stock on the bike?

TIA

Grasschopper

I think the answer you will get here is why are you doing this upgrade? If your der is worn out then sure go for it but don't expect to be amazed by the difference. The parts should all work fine together.

Retro Grouch 

My rule of thumb is that I can't sense any performance difference when I move up or down just one component group. For as seldom as you shift chainrings I couldn't justify it unless I decided that I wanted to buy my bike a present.

redstone

As others have said, the $25 is probably better spent elsewhere. Front ders are best replaced when they're worn out, or when you don't have anything left to spend money on.

That said, a 105, Ultegra, or DA front der will be compatible with your shifters.

sorebutt

1) you probably will not notice any increase performance.
2) you can mix up FDs from different Shimano groups as long as you replace a triple with a triple etc.

sdouglaslt

Thanks for the advice...it is well taken. My plan was to do a single step upgrade on FD and RD, essentially turning my OCR2 into an OCR1, but to do it with either used or sale-price parts. That would mean RD goes 105 to Ultegra, and FD goes Tiagra to 105. I figured I could recoup at least half the upgrade cost by selling the used parts on eBay. I'm starting to think it may not be money well spent though, if I don't notice a performance increase or get a longer life expectancy out of the DRs.

Grasschopper

Save up your money and do the shifters first and go right to Ultegra then as the other stuff wears out do them. Or if you have money to blow go for it if that is what you want. Personally I am going to get the right saddle, maybe a new post, new bars, new cranks, and maybe new wheels before I start doing other drivetrain upgrades.

wildjim

I just put a Tiagra Front Brake on Bianchi Pista and it is very smooth and powerful. I cannot tell any difference in stopping power or smoothness between the Tiagra and my other Campagnolo Record or Ultregra, Dura Ace equiped bicycles. On another bicycle I have a lowend shimano FD and it performs perfectly and flawlessly. Take it from me it aint worth it when your a casual, recreational rider. If you must know the difference then buy the Campanolo Record and or Shimano Dura Ace; but I believe that you will be underwhelmed.

So if aint broke don't fix it.

Just Ride

froze

The front derailleur is the one of the least likely components to break anyways. Switching to 105 will not speed up your shifting in the front either. So why bother? Spend the $25 on something else. If you want to upgrade the derailleur system I would upgrade the rear derail and leave the front alone; its the rear derail where you will notice an improvement in shifting. And if you really get wild, I would not upgrade to Ultegra, either go with 105 or skip Ultegra and go up to Dura Ace because the performance difference is not that much between 105 and Ultegra. I know plenty of people who race on 105 and they don't experience any problems with this group.

seely

Truthfully I think there is more difference between 105 and Ultegra than Ultegra and Dura Ace... I'd just go Ultegra all around once stuff starts wearin out.

Raiyn

Agreed

MackDaddy

Agreed x2.