WorldIRC

Hi Guys,
Currently have a 105 Cassette and Chain mixed in with an Ultegra Groupset

Looking to get them upgraded to at least match everything else on the bike.

While I'm decided on the Ultegra cassette, there are an infinite amount of chain choices, Ultegra included. Advice?

milkbaby

Personally, those two items are not worth upgrading until they are worn out unless you are a weight weenie. From personal experience an Ultegra cassette won't shift any better than 105, but it'll be lighter if you weigh it on a scale before you install it (which I did).

I'm chain agnostic (have used Shimano, SRAM, and KMC with similar results) but buy KMC X10SL ten speed chain because it is dependable, light, and comes in a selection of colors.

gg-madone

+1

AK404

What if he's changing from something like a 12-25 to 11-23? Wouldn't it be worth it then?

I'm also a fan of KMC, mostly because I like the bright silver chain color.

IRideTiBikes

Another fan of KMC X10SL chains. As far as the cassette as noted unless you need different gearing, the existing cassette is worn out or want to save a few gram there will be no noticable difference

lechat

As said, wouldn't bother unless you're building a light bike. In which case, Ultegra wouldn't be a good starting place.

Mike F

Yet another KMCX10SL fan

Juan Foote

Even all this "light" talk aside...use your chain and cassette until they are worn out. The weight savings comes down to grams, a difference that is a swallow or two out of a water bottle.

WorldIRC

How about from a performance standpoint? Shifting quality / quietness? The upgrade would not be for weight savings.

topflightpro

You won't notice much of, if any, a performance improvement.

milkbaby

The 105 cassette in 11-23 will still be cheaper than the Ultegra 11-23...

I actually downgraded from Dura-Ace 11-23 to Ultegra 11-25 on one of my wheelsets. Not worth the $$$ to keep Dura-Ace on there, but Ultegra on sale was similar to 105 retail.

AK404

I just ask because I'm moving from a Tiagra 12-25 to a Dura-Ace 11-23, both 9sp.

achoo

Save your money. I think the only differences between 105 and Ultegra cassettes are the color of the finish and the use of an alloy lock ring on Ultegra vice the heavier steel on used on 105 cassettes.

Even if you are a weight weenie, just buy one Ultegra cassette and reuse the lock ring for 105 cassettes.

Of course, if you really were a weight weenie you'd be using something like an SRAM Red cassette at over $200 a pop.

WorldIRC

I ordered new wheels. While I was at it, took advantage of the cheap pricing on an Ultegra Cassette and KMC X10SL Chain.