Shimano upgrade
 

If you were to begin upgrading from 105 to Ultegra one piece at a time, in what order would you swap each component?

Rear cassette- Rear derailler- Crankset and I wouldn't go any further till the rest broke.

edited for factual clarity.

10 speed ->10 speed or 9 speed -> 10 speed?

To second Botto, I wouldn't begin with the Casette; in fact that would almost be last on my list.

I'd go Fd and RD first since they are relatively cheap and are 9 and 10spd compatible.

You could get both for under $100 from PBK.

that's a meaningless upgrade.

Thanks for the input. Everyone has confirmed my initial thought - rear der. then probably the crankset.

But.. but.. ultegra shifters are shinier!

Why?

Because the 105 and ultegra FDs are virtually the same. The only difference I can notice is the look. Not much in a FD. The difference in shifting quality between chainrings comes from the shifters which there is a noticeable difference between.

If you have older 105, I would go crank first.

right before the fd, but after brakes

Ok, so not to derail the thread, but say you wanted to go from Sora to 105? Could you do something similar, or would the 8 spd to 9/10 spd make it difficult?

Upgrade time and if a 105 has been used- Time to replace. My 105 cassette did not last more than 2,000 miles- wheras the Ultegra has been on for 3K and still good.

And as no-one has given an answer to not changing the Front Derrailler- I still have an 8 year old ACERA (Just about bottom of the lowest you can get) F.D. on the MTB that shifts perfectly and has no sign of any wear in it. Unless you NEED instant changes- The front deraiiler is fine. And better changes will come from Experience and Better brifters.

Upgrading from Sora can be a losing exercise financially for a lot of reasons....but

My Take:

If upgrading from 105-Ultegra (I think some people missed the fact that 105 is 10spd now and has been for a few years so I will assume we are talking about upgrading from 105 10spd to Ultegra 10spd)

1st make sure you are running a good aftermarket chain...then...
1. Shifters - (most of the nice feel of a higher system comes from the shifters)
2. RD

That's all that's really needed IMHO. If you have the money and are struck with upgraditis then I would upgrade:
3. Crank - little gain because you are already using the newest version of Shimanos shift pins on the 10spd 105 crank.
4. Brakes - I have a soft spot for stopping.

If you still want more then go for:
5. FD
6. Cassette

Now Sora (8 or 9spd I am assuming?) to 105 10 spd
1. Shifters, Cassette, chain same time (abosolutely needed for # cog change)
2. Crank (Nice to have newer shift pin configuration - but probably need to pair with new FD to fully benefit)
3. RD and FD - both are compatible with any number of cog systems.

brakes when you feel like it.

Is there a substantial difference between the rear derailleurs?

I have had the opposite experience -- my 105 casette with all else Ultegra shows almost no wear. Casette longevity is closely tied to chain inspection, I suspect.

If the casette is worn, upgrade if the cost is not too different. If the casette is fine, stick with it.

This is a meaningless upgrade altogether. Nevermind debating which individual components are meaningless. It's funny to see you guys debating which one is better to upgrade than the other.

I guess I was thinking since he's doing it one piece at a time he's looking at the cheapest parts first. ...which would typically be the FD and RD. Oh well... <shrugs>

Then feel free to sit this one out.

I second this line of thought. I don't know that I'd go so far as to say there is no difference in performance but the major differences are in appearance (and slight weight advantages). Having said that, if I were to do the upgrade in stages, I would follow Psimet's advice.

I'd also say the shifters is where you'll FEEL the biggest difference between 105 and Ultegra. Shifters, Rear der., Cassette, Cranks. Just My $0.02.

That's the order i did my Force --> Red Upgrade.
Front der. I did last [unless you count saving up for the Zero-G brakes].

This is a really good read on the 105 vs ultegra vs Dura Ace debate
https://www.bikesportmichigan.com/fe...-ultegra.shtml

That is an interesting comparison.

Does anyone know of a similar comparisons available for 105 vs Ultegra?

Primary strategy: whatever is broken, worn out or pissing me off (in that order). Secondary: whatever is massively discounted somewhere.