SidelinedRunner

I have made 105 my cutoff for components. I don't want to use Tiagra because I have heard bad things about them. Are they really that bad? Should I reconsider Tiagra for a starter bike?

Raerfani

There's a good thread that discusses Tiagra in some pretty good detail. Do the search and decide for yourself. I just bought my first road bike with 105 and let me tell it is NICE. But, you won't necessarily be going wrong with Tiagra. Try to save up and bargain with your LBS especially since the 09s are coming in you can probably get some better deals.

Raerfani

https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...ghlight=tiagra

ShadowGray

I ride a full Tiagra bike, it works great if you take care of it.

The most important decisions in buying a bike should be money-frame-wheels-components. Tiagra is only 9 speed and isn't as high quality as the upper groups, but it works fine especially if it's your first bike.

re-cycler

This issue is going to be coming up more often, I think, as entry level Shimano replaces mid-range at certain price points, just to keep the affordable bike set-ups. We've already seen the dumbing down of the crankset over the last few years, so that getting any Shimano crank period is unusual where it used to be standard in an otherwise Shimano spec. I think alot of 105 riders will be getting used to Tiagra at best. I've been spoiled on Ultegra for awhile now, so....

My point being, not a question of if you should settle or not. If people stick with their budget ranges from before, more people will be "settling" for less than full 105. Or they'll be increasing their budget. It was important to me to have that as a baseline level of components, but it meant increasing my "entry level" budget from a few years ago. Non-aluminum frame and full 105 minimum is no longer near a starter bike range. Or the starter bike range has gotten alot higher.

Retro Grouch 

Actually, fit and budget are your two main decisions.

Spend as much time as it takes to find a bike that fits you well. The size of your budget will determine everything else.

entukay

i wouldn't, personally

johnny99

Don't scrimp on the frame, either. Some less than scrupulous bike companies sell entry-level frames (heavy and sluggish) and dress them up with 105 or higher components. The bikes are still heavy and sluggish. The name brand companies like Trek or Specialized sell bikes with components well matched to the frame quality.

Slackerprince

105 really is a solid group.
You won't be disappointed.


S.

SidelinedRunner

Thanks for the info. I am looking at the Trek 2.1 (Tiagra w/ 105 RD) $1150, 2007 BMC Streetfire SSX (105 w/ Ultegra RD) $1299, Fuji Roubaix Pro (105/Ultegra) $1000, Giant OCR A1 $1100 (105). I will give them a ride next week, but for now I am uncertain.

Geoff326

I think 105 is worth it in the long run. You won't feel the need to upgrade 105 where as if you get tiagra that might be a different story.

ShadowGray

That is true, you do get the itch to upgrade tiagra after a while. On the other hand, it shifts smooth, doesn't let me down, gets the job done. And the problem is that 105 bikes are usually $200 more than tiagra.

And besides, that doesn't mean that if you have 105 you won't want ultegra/dura-ace.

Nippon_Road

I upgraded from SORA to FULL 105 5600. To be honest.....I was not blown away. My Sora components weighed more, were more susceptible to rust and corrosion, had many plastic parts where my 105's currently have metal. I will say this though, Minus the extra 2 speeds the SORA lacks compared to my 105...when I first rode my brand new SORA equipped bike....it shifted great.

My 105's shift much better at slower speeds than my SORA's did, but the 105's are still rough at times that it causes me to lose my foot placement on my pedals, or slip off my pedals altogether when shifting at lower speeds (high chain load). I have regular platfom pedals though so clipless might help diminish this with any of the shimano group sets.

My LBS owner here in japan said that you will not notice a big difference between 105 and Ultegra, and I am here today telling you that my 105's offer only noticeably better low speed shifts and an extra 2 gears and lighter weight than my old SORA's did at their prime.

SORA and Tiagras probably require more maintenance and babying than anything 105 or higher....but I don't think they lack drastically in performance. Steel bikes for example....more maintennace/babying, not necessarily a "Low Performing" frame material (Know what I mean?).

If you want btter performance, at a lower cost, with an open door for upgrade-ability...Mix components by checking here....

Shimano Parts Compatibility Charts

Remember, that even 10 speed RD can shift 9 speed cassettes, and FD are more about chainwheel teeth and double /triple cranksets than actual speeds (8,9,or 10 SPD for example.)

You could get 105 5600 RD, 105 5600 FD, Tiagra 9 speed cassette, compatible chainwheel (any manufacturer will do), Tiagra brake/shifters. and YOUR SET but make sure that the list I made is compatible at your LBS.

If you go this route...then full 105 5600 is just a crankset and Brake/shifter's away. Buy these as your budget/wallet allows .

ShadowGray

Shouldn't the money be spent towards having a better shifter than better FD? The FD only moves a chain left or right, and it's not that much used either.

Either way, remember that you're paying for a piece of metal that moves a chain left/right and up/down. Once you're in gear and you're moving in a straight line, it doesn't really matter as much.

johnny99

Yes, the shifters are the most important part of the group. Remember that once you upgrade to 10 speed shifters, you must also get a 10-speed cassette and 10-speed chain.

rufvelo

Tiagra is OK, but if you can afford full 105 then get it and don't bother with Tiagra/Sora. 105 is not considered a premium group, but it performs well. Personally(and since these are just opinions anyway), I think Sora is awful.

ShadowGray

If anything the sora shifters are terrible with the thumb triggers. Tiagra is fine though.