GrtSaint72

Im curious which would make my bike shift smoother? I have a 105 RD and 105 shifters. Would my bike shift better with a Ultegra RD or Ultegra Shifters? I guess what I'm asking is does the smoothness of a shift come from the derailers or shifters? Sorry if this is a dumb question just trying figure out this new obsession of mine.

ultraman6970

One word. Campagnolo.

vespoli

adjust them

GrtSaint72

The 105s work great and are supper smooth and I can't imagine it getting smoother. I was just trying to understand the engineering of the shifters/derailers. I Am just curious if what determines the smoothness is the shifters or derailers or both together. If someone has 105 shifters would the bike shift smoother with ultegra derailers or would it shift smoother with 105 derailers and ultegra shifters?

mercator

If by smooth, you mean quiet and precise, that's probably mostly the cogs and chain. The differences between 105 and ultegra are mostly weight and finish.

If the cables are in good shape and everything is adjusted right, you probably won't be able to tell the difference in shifting quality between the two.

justadude

I don't think I'd notice a difference, changing derailleurs or shifters from 105 to Ultegra. I notice smoother shifting after I clean and lube my chain and cogs if they start to get dirty or dry. I'm always careful not to let my rear derailleur get bent, like by bike falling on it, because that would affect its smooth functioning.

AusTai

One thing I didn't realize, and I'm not saying it's the case with you, OP, but the cleanliness of the cable guides made a huge difference for me. I had ridden several years without cleaning them and they were gunked up royally. When I finally cleaned and relubed them, the shifting was so much easier and snappier. Just something to consider some day.

GrtSaint72

Thank you everyone for the advice, and it sounds like keeping everything lubed, clean, and adjusted is the trick to keeping my bike shifting smooth. I guess its just weight savings and finish between the two group sets.