dim

My Giant TCR (Composite 2), has a full older 10 speed Shimano 105 groupset.

If I change the groupset to the older Shimano Dura Ace 7800 groupset (full groupset excluding the chainset .... I prefer the Dura Ace 7900 compact crankset (50/34) which is compatable with the 7800 groupset),

(excluding the 'bling bling' factor), would it be a decent upgrade with the old dura ace, or is the newer 105 groupset superior?

It would be cheap to upgrade to Dura Ace 7800 vs the newer Dura Ace 9000

Phil_gretz

It'd be helpful to know what you're trying to accomplish, aside from not changing out the chain rings.

dim

I really like the frame of the Giant TCR, even though it's an older frame .... it is fast and it fits me like a glove

I have already added decent wheels (HED Belgium Plus with Chris King R45 hubs (ceramic bearing upgrade), and I'm currently using IRC Formula Pro RBCC tubeless road tyres

I have a Garmin Edge 1000 with all sensors, a Garmin Varia Radar unit, a Garmin Virb Ultra 30 video camera, a Cycliq Fly 6 rear camera, Brooks Cambium C17 Carved saddle etc etc

so, basically, I want to upgrade the groupset .... rest of the components are good and when I need to upgrade to another bike, I will keep the wheels etc etc and just change the frame

At the moment, the old 105 Groupset is the next thing that needs upgrading .... I cannot afford Di2 or the new 9000 Dura Ace

shelbyfv

7800 is considered to be one of the nicest groups ever. However, if you are buying used parts over the internet things can get complicated. Much as I love 7800, a brand new 11 speed Ultegra group would be a temptation.

fietsbob

Dura Ace is more expensive than Ultegra which is more expensive than 105.

dim

I'm not too fussed about buying used 7800 components, as I will get my LBS to check the components, and they will fit them .... if it's faulty, and the seller says it was good, I will get a refund through ebay

How much better is the new Utegra Groupset vs the Dura Ace 7800? .... or are they on par?

dim

yea but 7800 is old Dura Ace ... is the old 105 groupset (which is newer than the old Dura Ace 7800) on par or better as far as functionality is concerned?

fietsbob

bring them both, by my house and I can render a judgement.

rubiksoval

Do you have 11 speed wheels? If not, it doesn't matter which would be better (I'd say Ultegra 6800 is better than 7800 Dura Ace in some ways. 105...eh, probably not).

If you do have 11 speed wheels, I'd go with 11 speed. I'd just go with Ultegra over Dura Ace or 105, though.

dim

wheels can fit 11 speed ... currently using 10 speed with a spacer

mstateglfr 

woah that was confusing.

105 5800 is the bees knees. Its reliable, easy to shift, and braking is excellent. Ive only ridden 105 5700 a few times and its fine, but there is no downside to 5800 as it gained a cog, gained the ability to handle an easier climbing ratio, and braking is really smooth.

mcours2006

Is it the 5700 or 5600? Shifting on the 5700 is not all that great, probably due to the cable routing from the hidden cables. I've also heard from many people that 7800 is one of the finest 'older' groups out there, and probably shifts a lot better than 5700. But not a fan of the cable coming out of the side either.

If it's 5600, it's very much like 7800, but better/light materials, so yeah, go for it. If it's between 5700 and 7800, it's a toss up--aesthetics vs function debate.