I just started road cycling in 2005 after buying a Giant TCR C3. The bike came with 105 component group (except for a Tiagra front derailleur). I rode bike recently with Ultegra shifters and find them a lot more ergonomic. I'm planning to upgrade my shifters to Ultegra and have some questions.

1) Does the Ultegra 10 speed shifter work with the Shimano 105 - 9 speed rear derailleur?

2) Will the Ultegra 2 speed front derailleur work with the 105 - 9 speed rear derailleur? I think I need braze on's. I'm assuming so since I don't have any clamps on my front derailleur).

Other details on my set up - Compact crank (34 / 50). Rear cassette - 12/26.

Any advice will be very helpful.

1. Yes, all recent Shimano rear derailleurs are compatible with 7,8,9 and 10-speed shifters.

2. Yes. The front derailleur doesn't care what's in back.

Sweet. Thanks a ton.

1. If you want to continue with 9 speed shifting, you need a set of Ultegra 9 speed shifters. The 10 speed ones will only work if you also change your cassette and chain to 10 speed as well. The derailleurs will be fine regardless.

2. HillRider is correct, but why change the derailleurs at all? The 105 and Tiagra derailleurs will work with Ultegra shifters.