Originally Posted by
TimothyH
I went from OEM cranks and bottom bracket which came on a fixed gear bike to Dura Ace Octalink and could feel the difference in stiffness immediately. Much of that I attribute to the bottom bracket.
I have another bike which I just upgraded from 105 9-speed to 105 11-speed. I am an average rider and the newer 11 speed gear is not as stiff. It is noticeable when climbing.
you must be a stomper and a clyde like me. but the new 105 5800 11spd is VERY stiff and super nice. and for the price point it kills the market. I honestly don't know why you'd ride anything less if you were serious, and I've ridden everything from 5spd to 11spd this season alone. 105 5800 and up shimano is absolutely flawless, light, and stiff. if you don't like it, then personal preference is the only thing you have to fall back on. and FWIW, I personally HATE the sram double tap shift pattern, and the ergo of the hoods, and I know more than 1 rider who has thought their drivetrain was mal adjusted because the shifting is so counter intuitive and touchy.