Originally Posted by
Syrecc
I know there are different tiers of bike components such as Sora, Acera, 105, Ultegra, Dura Ace etc... but what exactly makes each of these better then the previous? Are they lighter, more durable m or what?
If you couldn't figure it out, yes i'm a noob.
Differences are:
1) PRICE (the most significant one, most easily felt)
2) weight
3) function
4) durability
As you go from "lower" to "higher" tier, price doubles, weight decreases gradually, functionality is nicer and nicer, durability rises to mid point, then goes down slightly (with top racing stuff - more fragile - not always, but often).
* Road components, from lower to higher: 2300, Sora, Tiagra, 105, Ultegra, Dura Ace.
* MTB components, from lower to higher: Altus/tourney, Acera, Alivio, Deore, SLX, Deore XT, XTR
Now, this is just my experience and opinion:
Road: Sora is just fine, above is nicer but more expensive.
MTB: Acera is fine, Deore is the highest that makes sense buying in terms of slightly nicer functioning, lower weight and better durability. Going above that is worth only for racing.