Brand New Shimano 105 or gently used Ultegra 6700?
 

After much research and several test rides, I've decided on a new bike at my favorite LBS. It's in stock and fits me perfectly, and is currently built up with a full 2012 105 group.

Here's where I need some advice. For the same price, I can have the bike built up with a full 2010 Ultegra 6700 group with about 2500 miles on it, that he just bartered/traded for. It would include a new chain and cassette. I know the original owner, and he's very meticulous about cleaning and lubing his drivetrain.

So help me decide! For the same price, would you buy the exact same bike built up with new 105 or gently used Ultegra 6700?

I'd go with the Ultegra, just for the pride-of-ownership thing. At 2500 miles, it's barely broken in. Having said that, I don't think you'd notice a difference between the two.

I'd go with the Ultegra too.

Ultegra, bit better everything, more Dura-Ace like.

Both are good. I would lean towards ultegra but the current 105 is also good.

IMO 105, Ultegra and DA all perform very well with Ultegra being slightly better than 105 and DA slightly better than DA. Only real difference is in weight savings where 105 will be the heaviest (but still very good). I would go with brand new 105 rather than used 2 yr old Ultegra.

http://www.shimano.com/publish/conte.../105_5700.html

See if you can get all Ultegra except for the new-with- warranty 105 shifters.

I vote brand new 105. A friend of mine bought a used bike with Ultegra. The STI right shifter failed that summer. Granted it was older than 2 years...

if anything is going to fail it would be the shifters.

can you mix and match.
keep the brand new 105 levers but swap everything else.

I'd probably go new 105 rather than 2 year old ultegra. If you don't like the 105 for any reason, you can always upgrade it at a later point in time.

My vote is Ultegra. If it is indeed only 2500 miles then you should have 10's of thousands of miles left in them

The Ultegra may be better, but I would go with a new groupo any day.

105.

I'd go with the new 105. It's new!

In my experience, shifters are one the most noticeable improvements as you go up the Shimano line. I wouldn't go for 105 shifters warranty or not, just stick with Ultegra.

Have both and can't tell the difference. Go with new. New 105 is just as good as older ultegra anyways.

I had the 105 and recently upgraded to Ultegra Di2. If you have the money upgrade to Di2 or just get the Ultegra.

FWIW, Ultegra from two years ago is the current iteration.

Used Ultegra. 2,500 miles is nothing for a group. I have 2006 6600 on my bike that's still in perfect shape.

Sidenote: I've ridden a bike with 6700 and actually think 6600 shifts significantly better.

Chuck you are correct, every time there is an improvement on a line Ultegra or what not, the same components drop to a lower line.

then why would you not want new?

I interpreted what he's saying to mean that Ultegra hadn't changed in 2 years. Not that the new 105 components migrated down from Ultegra components of 2 years ago. But my interpretation could be wrong. I believe they HAVE migrated down over the years. They typically learn, then migrate.

Same here. I currently have one road bike with a 105 group (5700) and one with an Ultegra group (6700) and I don't really notice any difference at all when riding, and both bikes were upgraded from versions (5500 & 6500) that worked the same as well. To be honest, the 9-speed groups have 9 speeds and the 10-speed groups have 10 speeds, and the 5700 105 parts are black, but other than that.....

I'd probably go for the new 105 group though, because then I don't have to deal with any potential mishandling/abuse by previous mechanics or riders.

Ride Safe!

See if you can pay a little more and get the 105s with new Ultegra shifters. Maybe they will go for that.

+1