Ultegra vs 105
#51
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B) What do you do if you ride between 1,000 and 4,000 miles? Buy SRAM?
#52
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I didn't mean "mileage and elevation alone". I was just adding two of many factors (durability) to be considered. I've had 15k miles/500k ft elev on my Ultegra. Everything except chains/pads is still original.
The wears on drivetrain, brake calipers, shifters.... could be very different between flat vs hilly miles. If you ride and climb a lot, Ultegra might save you in the long run.
The wears on drivetrain, brake calipers, shifters.... could be very different between flat vs hilly miles. If you ride and climb a lot, Ultegra might save you in the long run.
#53
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Fair enough, but are current 6800 parts really that much more durable than 5800 to offset the cost difference over a reasonable lifespan of a bike?
I'm honestly asking, I've got about 20k miles on a bike with 5700 and I've replaced the chain a couple of times and re-cabled the bike a couple of times as well, but those are relatively cheap swaps.
I'm honestly asking, I've got about 20k miles on a bike with 5700 and I've replaced the chain a couple of times and re-cabled the bike a couple of times as well, but those are relatively cheap swaps.
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Doubtful that 6800 is that much more durable than 5800, and certainly not enough (if any in practice) to offset the price difference.
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I would guess 5800 is more durable. Usually as you go up in tiers parts become less durable because of materials used to make them lighter
#56
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You don't understand. The hoods on Shimano especially the 105 are very uncomfortable. That is what I meant. The OP would know right away. I have ridden both extensively and there is no comparison in terms of long-term reliability. Campy all the way.
Here is the deal. 105 can be had for the whole groupset for $379 and that is what you get, a $379 dollar package. Shifting under load with 105 is not for the faint of heart and the levers feel really cheap.
Campy is not an OE company and yes they are more expensive but I have always thought the groupset should get the most of the budget and not the frame. Frame is a frame in most cases.
Here is the deal. 105 can be had for the whole groupset for $379 and that is what you get, a $379 dollar package. Shifting under load with 105 is not for the faint of heart and the levers feel really cheap.
Campy is not an OE company and yes they are more expensive but I have always thought the groupset should get the most of the budget and not the frame. Frame is a frame in most cases.
I have rode a friend's bike with 105 5800 and there's no noticeable difference over my 6800. I just tested bikes with 6800s by circumstance and really liked it. I do prefer the Campy to the Ultegra, but that's not what the OP's question is.
OP - it's unlikely you'll notice a difference, so you should consider what the weight savings are for the difference in cost to you.
#57
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#59
Jet Jockey
I have SRAM Red on one bike. The front shifting has NEVER been up to par with Shimano. That includes 105, but particularly Ultegra and above.
I like my Red group, but Shimano kills it on front shifting performance.
I like my Red group, but Shimano kills it on front shifting performance.
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Unless I hit the lottery, I probably won't get another bike, but if I do, I probably will go with 105. Paying a couple hundred dollars in order to save a pound or two is a thrill this aging heart can only tolerate once in a lifetime.
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I prefer Ultegra but if you can't afford it just get the 105 and when the chain and cassette wear out replace with Ultegra ones. It'll get you most of the way there.
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I would definitely be upgrading wheels, although not likely right away. Admittedly I don't need ultegra, light wheels or even a light frame. My riding is sporadic and can go from 100 miles one week to only 30 miles over the next two weeks. A far lesser bike would suit my needs just fine, but nice things make life nicer. Since this will probably be the only bike I buy for the next decade or so, I'm thinking just get ultegra and end it, but it depends on what kind of deals I can find.
Where on LI are you? I've been checking out shops and will be hitting up Brands soon. any other recommended cannondale dealers?
Where on LI are you? I've been checking out shops and will be hitting up Brands soon. any other recommended cannondale dealers?
#63
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I would definitely be upgrading wheels, although not likely right away. Admittedly I don't need ultegra, light wheels or even a light frame. My riding is sporadic and can go from 100 miles one week to only 30 miles over the next two weeks. A far lesser bike would suit my needs just fine, but nice things make life nicer. Since this will probably be the only bike I buy for the next decade or so, I'm thinking just get ultegra and end it, but it depends on what kind of deals I can find.
Where on LI are you? I've been checking out shops and will be hitting up Brands soon. any other recommended cannondale dealers?
Where on LI are you? I've been checking out shops and will be hitting up Brands soon. any other recommended cannondale dealers?
#64
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Thanks all. I hit up brands yesterday and they didn't have what i was after. Staff was courteous but doesn't matter much if they don't have what I was looking for.
They did try to steer me to trek or specialized, but I'm just not as interested. I'll have to check out the other two shops you guys mentioned. Thanks again.
They did try to steer me to trek or specialized, but I'm just not as interested. I'll have to check out the other two shops you guys mentioned. Thanks again.
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If this is for complete bikes, it's often not just the groupset that's different, but some upgraded parts all around for an overall lighter bike.
You'd still end up with a faster and lighter bike if you bought the 105 version and spent the money you saved on tires, fit and weight saving upgrades.
You'd still end up with a faster and lighter bike if you bought the 105 version and spent the money you saved on tires, fit and weight saving upgrades.
#66
In the wind
Shimano's pricing model is pretty effective, and the companies that use their stuff have the market figured out nicely.
Most serious bikes come with a minimum of 105, which is perfectly functional.
Folks that want to splash out a bit on the purchase get Ultegra and it is a bit nicer, lighter and shinier.
Dura ace and Di2 is for those who don't care about the price.
All of these groups are good quality, in fact even the lower level groups are quite serviceable.
Bottom line for new bike buyers:
If you are counting nickles, get 105 and spend your upgrade bucks on wheels.
If you have the cash and you want something nice, just get the one you like that doesn't bust your budget.
Most serious bikes come with a minimum of 105, which is perfectly functional.
Folks that want to splash out a bit on the purchase get Ultegra and it is a bit nicer, lighter and shinier.
Dura ace and Di2 is for those who don't care about the price.
All of these groups are good quality, in fact even the lower level groups are quite serviceable.
Bottom line for new bike buyers:
If you are counting nickles, get 105 and spend your upgrade bucks on wheels.
If you have the cash and you want something nice, just get the one you like that doesn't bust your budget.
#68
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I love my SRAM Red ... have you tried the new eTap wireless shifting?
Last edited by FlatSix911; 07-16-16 at 07:19 PM.
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Cycling Weekly has a good comparison with a video from three weeks ago. They confirmed the difference, which isn't as large as previous versions, but added it's hard to justify the added price. It's an objective evaluation from people that have no fog in the fight.
#70
Senior Member
I just bought a Cannondale Synapse with full 105 group set. For just a few hundred dollars more I could have gotten full Ultegra with the close out deal Cannondale has going on, but decided I liked the color of the 105 they had in the shop that was my size. I will never be a racer, the small differences between Ultegra and 105 are just not a big enough difference for me.
Last edited by Bolo Grubb; 07-16-16 at 10:36 PM.
#71
Jet Jockey
I don't care how well it works. It may work better than mechanical, but it doesn't matter to me.
There. I'm officially a retro-grouch. So be it.
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#72
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This really isn't fair.
The guy with Di2 might have sacrificed and saved to be able to afford it.
I took a second job just to be able to afford my first really nice set of wheels.
Really isn't right to judge people like that.
-Tim-
The guy with Di2 might have sacrificed and saved to be able to afford it.
I took a second job just to be able to afford my first really nice set of wheels.
Really isn't right to judge people like that.
-Tim-
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#74
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I'm philosophically opposed to electronic shifting. So many things in my life have to be plugged in and charged on a regular basis. I will never let my bike be one of those things.
I don't care how well it works. It may work better than mechanical, but it doesn't matter to me.
There. I'm officially a retro-grouch. So be it.
I don't care how well it works. It may work better than mechanical, but it doesn't matter to me.
There. I'm officially a retro-grouch. So be it.
#75
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The '93 Record group is still all original except for brake pads and a Phil Wood titanium bottom bracket. It just keeps working. I have a Rocky Mountain mountain bike that I bought 2 years after the Marinoni and ride about as extensively (albeit mostly on dirt roads). The left shifter is work out and you have to press down on it as you shift to a bigger ring otherwise the pawl won't catch. Shimano Deore LX. My wife also has a steel '93 Marinoni, with Campy Athena Ergopower that still works flawlessly. She rides nearly as much as I do and unlike me it's her only road bike and she doesn't split mileage like I do between my CF and steel bikes.
My son is building me a new Marinoni CF Genius, and I'm hanging Campy Record on it. Yeah, Chorus would work just as well but since I can get the parts at cost, why not?