Thanks for all the votes so far!
Originally Posted by
Rides4Beer
I have r7000 105 on my gravel bike and it's been fantastic. The shadow design keeps the derailleur tucked in so it's less likely to get damaged in a crash (a clutched derailleur would help with chain slap, you'd have to go GRX or Ultegra to get that). I had a high speed crash on the gravel bike and there wasn't a scratch on the rear mech, so I would say it's a good design. Picked all my stuff up and rode another 20+ miles with a bloody leg, but the bike was fine.
Oh, good point on the clutch. I thought 105 had the clutch functionality as well. Well that is one less reason to go for 105..
Originally Posted by
Racing Dan
I voted tiagra because it works well and is cheaper to maintain and The 105 does not have a clutch. For that you need GRX, that would be my preference anyway.
Yes GRX is nice, but sadly not a lot of bikes come equipped with it yet. Probably because it is still fairly new.
Originally Posted by
taco2ewsday
I hear the lower groupsets are heavier but also more durable so if you are really going gravel riding the Tiagra may be better, if you are cheap (like me) the Tiagra might be better. If you think you'll upgrade the bike at some point, allegedly having 11 speed mech and shifters in place can be a benefit so I would say 105 there.
I would say look at the total package I know in some of the lower models like my Topstone Sora it has a square taper crank, this caught me off guard after I bought it. I'm pretty sure the 105 has either FSA Mega Exo or BB30 it's worth double checking on the Tiagra.
Oh wow, that is a good point on the Sora Topstone. I had no idea it had a square taper crank! Thanks for letting me know! I was turned off on it because of mechanical vs hydraulic disc brakes, but that is another no go.
Originally Posted by
caloso
I just built up a CX race bike for my kid using Tiagra: It's a great value: shifts as well as 105/Ultegra but just a bit heavier and not as nicely finished. But who cares on a gravel bike. And the 10-speed interchangeability was a bonus since my CX bike is also 10-speed (Red/Force/105 mix and match). 10-speed is still widely available but it isn't as desireable for the latest and greatest crowd, so there are some bargains to be had.
Thanks for the feedback. Yeah Tiagra seems great value, and the 10-speed interchangeability is a plus for me as well. Although 10 speed things are starting to become harder to find. 105 5700 groupset parts are on their way out I think..