Cassette Question
 

I'm getting a new set of wheels for my bike. This new set is specifically set up for pavement riding. I'm going to get a Shimano cassette but I don't know if it's worth it to get an Ultegra or just the 105. I can't find anything published that lists the difference. If there is a difference what is it and is it worth the extra money for the Ultegra?


Thanks,


DS

About $20 and 50 grams

It's primarily about weight. I don't imagine you will notice much difference in performance.

Frankly I find the sunrace cheapos just great. 1000s of miles and the few grams of extra weight makes very little difference.

One of the first cassettes I put on the bike was an Ultegra 6700 11-28. It lasted about 3,500 miles. It was replaced with a Shimano XT (MTB) cassette. I'm on my third one of those, they generally last ~9,000 miles each. So it's not that the Ultegra costs more at the outset, it end up costing A WHOLE LOT more. Online pricing, the 6700 is only about $5 more than the XT, but the lifespan kills it.

$50 6700 cassette, $0.014 per mile
$45 XT cassette, $0.005 per mile

Which makes the Ultegra actually cost almost 3x as much. The 105 and the XT are similar construction and materials.

Today at Nashbar:
Ultegra 6700 (10 sp)- $ 47.99......209 gr.
105 CS 5700 (10 sp)-$ 34.99.....245 gr.

I've used Dura Ace, Ultegra, 105, SRAM......all good.