CNY James

could you be sold on a 105 rd, Tiagra fd, and Tiagra shifters?

how much difference is there, really?

I made my mind up that my new bike would be 105+ or Rival+ but one of the LBS is telling me that I will be just as happy with 105 rd, Tiagra fd, and Tiagra shifters. Are they just trying to make a sale or am I too busy shopping for the right stickers?

rufvelo

Tiagra has improved quite a bit over the years to the point where it shifts pretty well and looks very polished today - so why did you decide to go with 105 minimum?

Cdy291

Its not 10 speed, and it weights more. Other than that it is not far off from 105. Shimano classifies Sora and Tiagra as their recreational level groups, 105 as enthusiast level, Ultegra as race level, and Dura Ace as pro level.

alpha_bravo

The 105 "upgrade" is the biggest sham in the bike industry. A rear deraileur is very cheap compared to shifters, so companies often throw in an "upgraded" deraulieur to get the next level groupset name in the spec sheet. Difference in shift quality between shifters is a very noticeable feel - deraileurs not so much.

With that said, Tiagra that's in tune doesn't shift poorly at all. It's very close to 105, but to me, 105 seems to shift smoother, especially in the front ring. Rear is a toss up. For me the difference has been that 105 requires far less tuning than Tiagra did. It seemed that once a month I had to adjust my Tiagra rear deraileur. With 105, it's basically been set it and forget it.

If I were you, I'd just go with 105, especially the new one as the shape of the hoods is much more comfortable than the skinny Tiagra's. Buy what you want, to hell with what the LBS is trying to shove down your throat.

simonaway427

If you're happy with 9 speeds instead of 10, then go for it.

wunderkind

Ultegra. No less. Great value. Or try SRAM. They are pretty snazzy these days.

Treefox

I used to race on Tiagra.

I find 9-speed easier to tune than 10-speed (chain and cogs wider, a little more margin for error).

The whole RD upgrade trick is pretty silly. If anything, an upgraded FD would be better.


My answer for you - - go test ride all your options and see how they feel in action.

TnDiamondback

Did 53 miles yesterday on my full Tiagra Felt F90, I do not feel deprived because I don't have 105 or better, Tiagra is better than most people riding it, take care of it and it will take care of you.

akansaskid

If you're okay with 9 speeds, Tiagra. If you want 10, 105 or better. If you want a triple, Shimano. And, yes, your LBS is trying to sell what's in stock.

What's the difference? 10 speeds can offer slightly closer ratios over the same range. But the cost is more expensive shifters, chains, and cassettes that all may well wear out sooner.

Is it worth it? It is to me, but then I'm not an especially strong rider and I enjoy small jumps in ratios out on the road.

CNY James

I want to go with 105+ b/c it seems like a good mid point for price & quality (overall value) my last bike had Sora and it served me well but I recognized its weaknesses too. No sense in springing for Ultegra/Dura Ace because in all reality, I am not and probably will never be that serious or strong of a rider where it will make that much difference to me. Based on what I've read (and correct me if I'm wrong...) 105 and Ultegra are more or less the same except for the overall weight of the components. Furthermore, looking mostly at bikes with double/compact double and having that extra gear out back seems like a good idea (at least in my mind...)

I agree and think to a large degree, the same can be said with any level.