Gearing question

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uclown2002

Guru
Location
Harrogate
20%
 
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Onthedrops

Onthedrops

Veteran
Location
Yorksha
Define 'better'..?? Both do the job they are designed for.
Looking at Tiagra equipped bikes and 105 equipped models.
There seems to be quite a bit of a difference price wise.
What benefit would I get from buying 105? Is it a smoother gear change? More reliable, less prone to wear? Just seems a bit confusing.
 

Citius

Guest
Looking at Tiagra equipped bikes and 105 equipped models.
There seems to be quite a bit of a difference price wise.
What benefit would I get from buying 105? Is it a smoother gear change? More reliable, less prone to wear? Just seems a bit confusing.

I think the benefit would be hard to pin down, if I'm honest - as the two groupsets are right next to each other in the series anyway. The newest 4700 Tiagra is probably even closer in performance terms, I would guess. The main difference is that Tiagra is still 10 speed, while 105 is now 11. Depends if that's important to you or not...
 

Cyclist33

Guest
Location
Warrington
It is the setup that matters. I've got 105, 105 and sora on my three bikes and the order of 'best' goes

One of the 105s
The sora
The other 105

It just depends how much marketing you want to believe in (the new religion).
 

Cyclist33

Guest
Location
Warrington
I think the benefit would be hard to pin down, if I'm honest - as the two groupsets are right next to each other in the series anyway. The newest 4700 Tiagra is probably even closer in performance terms, I would guess. The main difference is that Tiagra is still 10 speed, while 105 is now 11. Depends if that's important to you or not...

Can't speak for tiagra 10 as not tried to be fair, but 105 11 is a different system to the 105 10 and thus far I haven't found a qualified cycle mechanic who can make the 11 shift as well as the 10 does.

And I've tried three mechanics all of whom I would trust.
 

vickster

Squire
Test out both and decide for yourself. 105 is neater, possibly a little smoother, parts cost a bit more. That's comparing the 10 speed options. Which 105 bikes are you looking at? Exact same bike and frame?

I can't brake effectively from the hoods of either, so I'd say SRAM is best ;)
 
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Onthedrops

Onthedrops

Veteran
Location
Yorksha
Can't speak for tiagra 10 as not tried to be fair, but 105 11 is a different system to the 105 10 and thus far I haven't found a qualified cycle mechanic who can make the 11 shift as well as the 10 does.

And I've tried three mechanics all of whom I would trust.
Now that's a worry. I've been looking at possibly getting a Cube Peleton Race with 105 set up. The 2015 models are equipped with 11 speed 105. I looked at this as an improvement on earlier 10 speed models and which would benefit me as it's quite hilly round here.

Currently riding a triple. As much as I tend to avoid the granny ring I do use it on particularly taxing climbs. A bit worried now in case I may be buying some trouble with and 11 speed 105 setup.
 

Cyclist33

Guest
Location
Warrington
Could be right. I've managed to avoid 11-speed stuff so far, and plan on keeping it that way for as long as possible ;)

Good luck with that.

But on the other hand I have anecdotal reports plus magazine articles where the 11 speed shifting is the world's most awesome experience, so it goes to show, these discussions are basically meaningless unless subjective opinion and empirical relativity can be fully detailed and then collated and accurate conclusions drawn. Which I have yet to see in any sphere of existence.
 

Cyclist33

Guest
Location
Warrington
Now that's a worry. I've been looking at possibly getting a Cube Peleton Race with 105 set up. The 2015 models are equipped with 11 speed 105. I looked at this as an improvement on earlier 10 speed models and which would benefit me as it's quite hilly round here.

Currently riding a triple. As much as I tend to avoid the granny ring I do use it on particularly taxing climbs. A bit worried now in case I may be buying some trouble with and 11 speed 105 setup.

As far as I'm concerned... The benefit gained on hills is dependent on the number of teeth on the larger cogs on the rear cassette. So it is irrelevant whether you're running 11 or 10 speed, provided that you can get to the same lower gears on the lowest couple of cogs at the back. Since you can pick n choose rear cog cassettes, it's immaterial to the question of whether 11 or 10 speed 105 is better for hills. Because it's the ratios that would matter.

Like I said I'm only speaking from my own experience. Some people seem to wuvv 11 speed.
 

Citius

Guest
Good luck with that.

But on the other hand I have anecdotal reports plus magazine articles where the 11 speed shifting is the world's most awesome experience, so it goes to show, these discussions are basically meaningless unless subjective opinion and empirical relativity can be fully detailed and then collated and accurate conclusions drawn. Which I have yet to see in any sphere of existence.

I've never tried 11spd, so it could be a totally awesome experience. The main reason for avoiding it is a bit more mundane though. My son and I have several bikes between us and all are currently 10spd Shimano or SRAM, which means we can share wheels and all the spare stuff is also 10spd. Moving to 11spd would be very expensive...
 
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