This years Tiagra is as good as 105 was a couple of years ago- So this years 105 is as good as Ultegra was.

However wheels are very easy to replace at an "Economic" price. The OM wheels could be used as spares or winter/foul weather wheels so they will not be sitting on the wall never to be used again. To upgrade to Ultegra would not be cheap.

And what grade of Cheap wheels? What make? Would they be suitable as a Winter wheel? and then how soon before you feel you had to upgrade them?

I have gone back to an OM wheel for my TCR. Had the Mechanic Detension the spokes and rebuild and they are fine. Not as good as My Handbuilts or the Ultegras but better than I would have expected from a cheap OM wheel.

If finances will allow for a better set of wheels this year- Go for the Ultegra bike. If not-------------