Deore XT vs. 105
Hey there all! I still haven't set myself on what bike I'm buying once I transition to Car-Free Land, so just know that this question is strictly hypothetical.
I'm talking to the LBS about getting a Cross Check frame and fork and then buying a full Shimano group with some interchanging of select parts if need be. In this situation I'm stuck between the XT and 105 groups. I live in Flagstaff, AZ (Go Lumberjacks) and the terrain here is relatively hilly so that made me lean towards the lighter 105 (obviously with a triple up front). Also, I'm a kind of a tiny guy at 5'7' 150lbs so I don't think I'd be too rough on the 105 wheel set. ON THE OTHER HAND I come from a mountain biking background and I've been known to be a little rough on a bike, nothing too crazy though.
So, lightweight vs durability. Ready. Fight!
-Blake