Originally Posted by volosong

Yes . . . and no. With Shimano's corporate philosophy of trickle-down, today's 105 is last years Ultegra, etc. 105 from ten years ago is way different than today's 105. However, 105 has always been a good component group. Past that, then you have to look at other stuff, like the seat, frame, handlebars, etc. Realistically, anything with 105 will be a decent bike. Most people won't put that level of components on a junk bike.