I know there are the different grades of components shimano produces (sora, tiagra, 105, ultegra, da) but what are the actual differences/advantages that makes one better than the other, guy at LBS who has been riding for many many yrs couldnt really give me an answer on that... thanks!

Very short general answer: Higher price gets you lower weight and arguably better performance.

Now, I'll step aside as the rest of the members pontificate further. Also, would it be possible to just leave this a thread about Shimano and not start ANOTHER Shimano vs. ***** debate?

shimano vs suntour!

Jeez, there's one in every crowd.

1, do a search
2, going higher, especially above 105 in Shimano (arguably of course) means diminishing 'bang for the buck' -- weight savings? Seriously, get a haircut. Performance increases? Hard pressed to notice them unless you're Cunego or Lance. Bling factor? !!!You betcha (if you have the bucks, all-out would actually mean Record, not DA, for most of us).

Keep it simple. Shimano 105 or Campagnolo Veloce are the two entry level groupsets which reflect or have the technology of the superior groups. The finishing on them isn't as superb and the shifitng my be less slick and they might be 200-300g heavier as a group and maybe durability is less (but that depends on your maintanence anyway). 2006 105 is fabulous and so too is Veloce 2005 as well as Centaur 2006. Don't go any higher than this. Save your money for better wheels or improved frame. Getting CHORUS and RECORD or DURA ACRE has the bling factor but getting out there and training works well too as well as eating regularly and well on and off the bike.

Htchy's 1st rule of cycling.

1. never put a gruppo on your bike that sounds like it could be a spaghetti sauce!

Sora - entry level 8 spd group - down fall is the poorly placed thumb shifter...and the fact that every other road group on the planet has at least 9 speeds.
Tiagra - the next step up - gets the 9th gear and moves to a shifter more like the rest of the Shimano line with a paddle behind the brake lever.
105 - the sweet spot in the Shimano line. For 2006 it has gone to the 10 spd and has the same mechanism design as Ultegra and DA but is a bit heavier. Crank gets the external BB design which you find now at all levels here and higher.
Ultegra - went 10 spd in 05 a little lighter and a little better finished than 105...really probably the highest level anyone that is not a pro racer needs.
Dura Ace - the flagship of the Shimano line. Went 10 spd in 2004 and some say is getting ready to go to as many as 12 speeds in the near future. A lighter lighter and a little better finished than Ultegra. There is also a rumor that in 07 DA will get some CF and Ti bits so that it cam compete with Campagnolo Record.

Personally I am a Campagnolo guy but I will say for Shimano that the 10 spd systems shift VERY nicely...the main thing I don't like about Shimano is the cable routing...sorry I am into aesthetics.

A complete 105 group is all anyone really needs, it's just that they want Dura-Ace.

105 is good enough for about 95% percent of riders. For some of them it's more than they need.

someone did tell me that I should upgrade my 105 brifters to ULTEGRA, they said that they are a lil easier to shift and have alot less travel before they shift.... true or false?

False

I've got full Ultegra but for the FSA Gossamer crank. DA to me looks like highly polished Ultegra, plus it is a bit lighter. As components wear out I may try something different, the cost differences aren't that great to me for one piece at a time. My LBS doesn't push the expensive stuff, the owner says he's got so many customers that just WANT DuraAce or Mavic Heliums he doesn't have to suggest them at all.

And he told me something that I just couldn't believe; he said the bicycle industry was really fad-driven.

Really?

Spilled my coffee laughing at this one!

T

As said before, the higher up the line, the less gain for your $. If you have to choose between a lighter/better wheelset OR DA/Ultegra, get the wheelset and stick with Ultegra (or 105). That will make a much better impact on your riding. That said, I do run a Ult/DA mix but am contemplating switching to an FSA compact crank with an 11-23 rear (versus the 12-25 I use now). Best.

You forgot:

2200 - defined on the Shimano site as "Affordable components to inspire more people to enjoy road cycling" and "The Shimano 2200 components are great for road-sport bikes with flat handlebars. These componets carry the Shimano logo and are compatible with the Sora group." The only experience *I've* had with the 2200 group was a 2203 front derailleur which I quickly swapped out for Tiagra. Probably good for your kids bike, but if you do any serious riding I'd upgrade.

Nah I didn't forget it I left it out.

HAH!

Ok, so there was a method to the madness. I shoulda known.

Is Shimano phasing out their 9-speed 105 line? I noticed that they were all on sale this season, and I was thinking about one day upgrading my Tiagra components to 105. If the 9-speed 105 components are going to be discontinued, should I buy those parts now?

Oh yea the Shimano 5500 (105 9 speed) line is being discontinued which is why it is on sale everywhere. The 5600 (105 10 speed) line is the replacement. If you want it I would buy it now or soon anyway.

i have two bikes: one ultegra, one da

i ride avidly and regularly for fitness, and do charity rides, centuries, etc.

when i ride the ultegra bike, i seem weighed down, slow, clunky, and i get depressed...

when i ride the da bike, WOW! i fly! shifting is atomic! i am filled with joy!

[please, no one destroy this myth: it's all i've got to cling to when those credit card bills come in...]

But are these two bikes identical ... aside from DA and Ultegra? Same frame, fork, and wheelset (even saddle could make a huge difference)? If not, that's really not a true assessment of DA vs. Ultegra.

Psst https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarcasm..._communication

More of a difference between 105 and Ultegra then Ultegra and DA. I also have a Ultegra bike and DA bike and to be honset,just not that much difference to justify the price difference. If i had a choice,i'd be just as happy with all Ultegra. I'd be even happier when its time to replace the cassette at half the price.

Care to explain yourself? What I said was exactly true. Comparing components or wheelsets on two bikes where the rest of the stuff isn't identical is not a true comparison. Read skokhead's response.

so would there be any need to upgrade my 105 brifters to ULTEGRA???? What about upgrading the crank to ULTEGRA, its currently a Bontrager Race 52/42/30.**********? If so what would be the advantages?