Letsbike: 105 vs Ultegra for a hobbycyclist?

I have a bike with the current 105, and it's really good and will be a substantial upgrade over what you have. That being said it's worth springing for Ultegra if you want it and can afford it. You never regret having something good.

The Trek Domane SL5 Disc could be what you're looking for, if you don't mind carbon. 105 groupset, endurance geometry, under $3k.

Get this:

https://www.giant-bicycles.com/us/tcr-advanced-2

Use the rest of the money to get (in order of importance):

1. a professional bike fit

2a. parts your fitter recommends you swap out- stem (angle and length), handlebar (width, reach, and drop)

2b. saddle- which your fitter, if he/she is a good one, should make you swap off the bat

3a. shoes- get some with stiff carbon soles

3b. foot wedges/insoles- as recommended by your fitter

4. pedals- Ultegra pedals are bombproof and requite no maintenance

Being comfortable on a cheaper bike is better than uncomfortable on a more expensive/lighter bike. I went to a pt to get a bike fit who specializes in cycling (and even worked with a few former pro tour riders). Swapped saddle and added insoles. That, along with the fit, made me pain-free (junk and pinkys went numb after a few hours), and gained 15 watts FTP- which only matters if you are training seriously or racing. Also- talk to you insurance/doctor and see if a bike fit is covered in your policy- the above one for me wasn't but I have has a few others that were. Definitely worth looking into.

Read over endurance geometry- look at this:

https://www.giant-bicycles.com/us/defy-advanced-2

I bought a road bike about 3 years ago. I got caught up in the "which component set" mind game, and FOMO if I bought the wrong thing. In the end, I bought a bike with carbon frame and Tiagra components. No regrets. It works great.

I don't ride a ton, and haven't ridden a century, so the only tradeoff I would consider with a higher end group set would be durability. But expect even that has diminishing returns.

I ride centuries and 348 miles across ohio, albeit across 4 consecutive days, which is pedestrian and recreational to be sure, on a 25 pound pig of a bike with Sora groupsets that cost $300 brand new, keeping up with more determined yet also recreational roadies on 10k featherweight race machines...............point is, don't buy speed. Get something entry level to see if you'll even stick with it (again, since you already didn't) and disgrace those spendy fools wafting farts in your slipstream as you pull the draft line. I also second the guy who said to spend money on the creature comforts more so than the bling.

How your bike fits is infinitely more important than the drive train you have. Honestly, the new Tiagra set is really, really good. 105 is excellent, too, and may be the best bang for your buck. Ultegra probably won't perform any better than 105, but it will be lighter.

You are better off upgrading your wheelset and paying for a bike fit than dumping money into your drive train. Disc brakes are nice but not critical. I'd go with a carbon frame, 105, upgraded wheels and a professional bike fit if it were me.

I just bought a Canyon Endurace with Ultegra Di2. Canyon is a direct to consumer only bike and as such, IMO, you can get a much better price that other bikes. I'm very happy with my bike. The fit is perfect for me and I really like the Di2. Canyon is really building a great reputation. There are several Pro teams that use Canyon bikes (if that's important to you).

I have both, although my bikes are nearly ten years old at this point. Honestly I liked the old 105. The Ultegra shifting is snappier and stays in alignment a little bit better, but I wouldn't pay $1500 for it. Test ride both and see what you think?

I've owned much of the Shimano lineup from Dura Ace to the long-gone RX100. 105 is great. For hobby cycling, I wouldn't bother paying for higher levels than that. Ultegra felt a tiny bit more positive than 105, but definitely not worth the extra money. And for mountain biking, LX is the sweet spot, with XT not being worth the extra money, IMO.

Bullet the Blue Sky wrote:

I bought a road bike about 3 years ago. I got caught up in the "which component set" mind game, and FOMO if I bought the wrong thing. In the end, I bought a bike with carbon frame and Tiagra components. No regrets. It works great.

I don't ride a ton, and haven't ridden a century, so the only tradeoff I would consider with a higher end group set would be durability. But expect even that has diminishing returns.

Current production tiagra beats the top of the line from 20 years ago. It is definitely the top of the "bang for the buck" curve.

That being said, if you want to spend more money, 105 is nicer and ultegra nicer still. Di2 is great, but very expensive and definitely trades lighter weight at the expense of some performance, it's really more race oriented.

One big upside of tiagra is it is 10 speed. 11 speed will wear slightly faster. Modern materials have mitigated this to some extent, but tiagra should still outlast 105.

Good call!!! I have a Giant Defy 1 bike, with 105/Ultegra mixed components, bought in '13 for $2,100, and it is the best bike for my needs. Super comfy, the difference between alu or steel frames is like night and day. You'll feel it on those long 60-100 mile rides;) If you don't intend to race, full carbon frame is fine, less chance to wreck it. I think now, they come with disc brakes, which is even better for wet days riding... Don't overthink it just get one, make sure it fits you properly!

VanHoutte wrote:

Read over endurance geometry- look at this:

https://www.giant-bicycles.com/us/defy-advanced-2

Another great carbon option for around 2K.

https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en_US/bikes/road-bikes/performance-road-bikes/%C3%A9monda/%C3%A9monda-sl/%C3%A9monda-sl-5/p/24219/?colorCode=black_red

Buy a mountain bike or at the very least a cyclocross bike. Road biking sucks and is dangerous, unless you live in a sparcely populated area. A leaned out XC mountain bike can be just as much fun if you have rolling dirt roads or mellow trails--and same goes for a cross bike.

Get the 105 or even Tiagra and then upgrade the parts yourself. You can get amazing used or last year model Ultegra groupsets for dirt cheap (cheaper than 105 new) and you have the next level bike for a fraction of the price.

In terms of importance, the rear derauiller, then shifters, then front D, then crankset. Brakesets are soo similar across the series that's its not worth it. Often times though, the Ultegras will fit wider tires if that's your thing while the 105 has not been updated as much in recent years (until last year).

Either way, buy a used bike or get a 2018/2017 model. If you are not doing any Di2 electronics stuff the advancements in tech recently have been non existent.

I never buy new bikes and instead get a good frame, then just upgrade it myself with cheap fancy ebay parts.

Oh and in terms of performance any recent 105 vs ultegra will be soo minor its not worth the price difference. Only item I have found is the brakes accepting wider tires/wheels and maybe handling large rear cassette ranges like (11-34, 11-36 which is better with ultegra).

Once you go electronic it only starts at Ultegra.

That is assuming they know how to work on a bike or want to take the time to learn. Buying a complete bike is almost always cheaper then building from the ground up especially when you factor in the labor costs of building said bike. Same goes for buying a cheap complete and upgrading parts- the parts may be cheap but the labor costs can be prohibitive.

I would never buy a used carbon bike- I worked at a shop for 9 years and I can't tell you how many times we had to tell people the new- to them- carbon bike they bought has frame damage or cracks in it (significant or not).

I agree though, make the rounds at the shops in you area and find a new, year or two old, model bike and save some money.

My bike is 105. Bomb proof, reliable, and light.

The 105 group was designed with you in mind.

Do the labor yourself:) or borrow buddies tools.