Difference between 105, tiegra and ultegra for a noob?

Jumpy

Hi all,

I am limited to 1k for a bike due to the cycle to work scheme. So obviously I cant go crazy.
The only bikes available to me at the shops listed on our companies scheme have 105s and tiegras for the gear systems. Ultegras are on the over 1k bikes.

Will I see any difference as a noob road biker? Can a higher quality gear make that much of a difference?

Raam

I went for 105 on my first road bike, just cos I knew I was gonna keep it up. If you can get 105, I say go for it. However, Tiagra will certainly do the job for you. Shifting on 105 would typically be smoother and crisper. The groupset would be lighter also. That's about it. I'm not sure if you are limited in speed by Tiagra (8 or 9). Personally I'd want 10spd on a new bike, but that's just me.

ednwireland

go crazy simple as

i have a 105 front shifter, sora rear shifter all snickety snick when new starting to get a bit rougher after 2000k but no biggy

depends on the mileage the breakpoint is tiagra to 105 if you can stretch to 105 you get 10 speed and better build quality (trying to make sure my own new machine has 105 drivetrain on it)

DePurpereWolf

You can buy a bike over 1000 euro in the bike to work scheme, you will only get a cost reduction for a 1000 though. So if you buy for 1500 worth, only a 1000 will get the savings, the rest is out of your own pocket. It's possible that a 1200 euro purchase will only cost you a 1000.

I think for a noob tiagra is good. 105 is better, but more expensive generally speaking.

Quigs Snr

Higher quality gear is over-rated. Put a decent bike racer on a Sora equipped bike and he will spank the life out of you no matter what you are riding, nonetheless I would still suggest to get the best gear you can.

Difference between 105 and Ultegra is nil for all practical purposes, ignore the brochures, when they are on the bike 105 is a tiny bit heavier but that will not be a factor for you. They are both 10 speed.

Tiagra is a step down on both of them. It is only 9speed too. It works, it works well, but if I was getting a bike I would go 105 minimum, at least that way its parts are interchangeable with the higher groupsets should the upgrade bug bite (and it probably will, how many folks on this forum started off with an entry level bike and then realised they couldn't upgrade and bought a whole new bike ? Whats that ? 90% of you ? Thought so.), Ultegra and Dura Ace and you have the possibility of upgrading one piece at a time should the mood take you (as long as your frame is worthy of putting upgraded parts onto)

Also if you race, much better to have the 10 speed than 9 speed if you need to get a wheel change.

Wez

Something pretty relevant to me, have the exact same conundrum, with all the Shimano gear, but does anybody know much about Miche, i.e. order of preference for groupsets.

Was checking out a bike there yesterday with Miche running gear nearly all around, bar one or two peices, which I couldn't find any branding on. I know it's atleast "alright" it's not the worst, just not sure which is their best line vs most profitable..

Jumpy

Ok from the stock list of all the local shops on the list for the scheme, the only 105 full group set I can find is a Trek 1.7. At €1200 best price its a little above what I am looking for.

ednwireland

looks like your going for tiagra then - decision made

blorg

Wez wrote: »

Something pretty relevant to me, have the exact same conundrum, with all the Shimano gear, but does anybody know much about Miche, i.e. order of preference for groupsets.

Was checking out a bike there yesterday with Miche running gear nearly all around, bar one or two peices, which I couldn't find any branding on. I know it's atleast "alright" it's not the worst, just not sure which is their best line vs most profitable..

You mean a Miche track groupset? I believe it is meant to be decent stuff. I am not sure track stuff works so much on the basis of groupsets as you are really just talking about BB/crankset, a chain and a cog, the first of which is probably the only bit that really varies that much.

Chips Lovell

Miche are mainly known for their track components, of which there is only really one range.

They do sell road groupsets though. However, they don't make the complete group themselves, only cranks, bb, brakes, cassette and chain. The shifters and deraileurs sold with them are Campagnolo. The full range of gear is on their website.

I think Supertype is the top one, followed by Primato, Race, Team and Sporting