Do I need to get over 105?

[Buzzinonbikes]

Hi lads and ladies,

I'm looking into a new road bike for next year. Thinking of getting a 2012 model early next year. Problem is I want to stay as far under £1,000 as I can. This bike will be used for club runs, sportives and light touring in the summer.

The price difference between 105 and Tiagra seems negligible when purchasing separately but on built bikes separates most by about £200-£300.

For info I have been looking at Cannondale Caad10, BMC Street Racer, Sensa Trentino (my fave!) and Stevens Stelvio to name a few. Basically as good as aluminium can get, not interested in entry level carbon.

 

[ianrauk]

2012's Tiagra is 2011's 105 anyway.
It all trickles down as the years pass.

 

[Buzzinonbikes]

Both great points thanks guys. Very true about the trickle down, but like you say nigelnorris - Tiagra looks a bit crap!

 

[JoeyB]

I couldn't get over 105.... But ended up with Ultegra! Go figure....

 

[oldfatfool]

Depending on what size bike you need, Rose have some nice 105 equipped bikes discounted to around £850, or Ultegra for a smidge over £1k

 

[Buzzinonbikes]

Depending on what size bike you need, Rose have some nice 105 equipped bikes discounted to around £850, or Ultegra for a smidge over £1k

Yeah I'm a long'n so those sizes look good. I'm quite scared at buying straight online though without trying! Canyon have the same sort of pricing at the min.

 

[JoeyB]

I bought my bike a month or so ago... If I knew for certain what frame I was going to need I would seriously look at the Canyon bikes...seriously good spec for the moneyz.

 

[MattHB]

105 is awesome, and miles better than tiagra.

I have 105 and ultegra and you will feel no difference so long as they're set up properly. Other than materials, 105 and ultegra components are more or less identical.

 

[Buzzinonbikes]

This is not what I want to be hearing guys!!
Fingers crossed for a nice Christmas Bonus!

 

[Manonabike]

105 is awesome, and miles better than tiagra.

I have 105 and ultegra and you will feel no difference so long as they're set up properly. Other than materials, 105 and ultegra components are more or less identical.

Good point and when you consider that the difference in weight of groupsets is only 220gms

 

[cyberknight]

2012's Tiagra is 2011's 105 anyway.
It all trickles down as the years pass.

And the cycle press reckon that tiagra is actually better at shifting because of the external cables meaning less drag due to routing.

 

[Drago]

Ride with a blindfold (not recommended) and I doubt our OP would notice the difference. Ride with a stopwatch and I'm sure there'd be no performance difference for him.

For the every day run of the mill cyclist the only tangible advantage 105 offers is the pub bragging rights.

 

[MattHB]

And the cycle press reckon that tiagra is actually better at shifting because of the external cables meaning less drag due to routing.

It isn't though, it's much less definite and the lever travel is more.

 

[jdtate101]

My old 9-speed tiagra is as smooth as butter, but I've heard of issues with the new 10-speed version. 105 is the workhorse of groupsets, dependable and long lasting.

 

[Rob3rt]

As for 105 vs Tiagra, then take your absolute max budget and buy the bike with the best frame you can, if you get a good deal and get the best frame and 105, consider it a bonus. If you are in the situation where you either get the best frame or best groupset, take the best frame and don't sweat the groupset. Don't worry about having an "inferior" groupset if you end up having to get Tiagra to get the better frame, I have run Tiagra for 3 years and do considerable milages (I also have a 105 equipped bike btw but it is hard to compare due to the different type of shifters in my case) and it is a dependable groupset, smooth shifting and robust.

Ride with a blindfold (not recommended) and I doubt our OP would notice the difference. Ride with a stopwatch and I'm sure there'd be no performance difference for him.

For the every day run of the mill cyclist the only tangible advantage 105 offers is the pub bragging rights.

Who brags about being middle of the road?