Is the census of opinion that Ultegra is worth the extra money over a 105 groupset

[Boyfrom64]

I am seriously considering buying a Trek Domane (2015 model) and there are two models in question, the 4.5 or the 4.3. Purely from a look perspective i.e. colour of the bikes, I prefer the 4.5. The difference between the two models, is that the 4.5 runs an Ultegra groupset (105 chain) and lighter wheels which are Tubeless ready.

The price difference between the two is £300.

So putting the wheels to one side, do people think it is worth spending the £300 now or keep the money and updgrade the groupset at a later date?

All opinions greatly received.

 

[Cuchilo]

Spend it now as you wont get a group set for £300
I cant really understand why you are asking . You prefer the bike to look at . It has better wheels ? and better groupset . Its a no brainer .

 

[Sea of vapours]

I know what you said 'putting the wheels to one side', but I'd suggest that running tubeless tyres is considerably more of an upgrade than 105 > Ultegra. All-in-all, including colour, the 4.5 sounds a much better choice.

 

[Fab Foodie]

I know what you said 'putting the wheels to one side', but I'd suggest that running tubeless tyres is considerably more of an upgrade than 105 > Ultegra. All-in-all, including colour, the 4.5 sounds a much better choice.

I'd agree.

 

[Saluki]

One of my bikes has 105s, the other Ultegra. I can't tell the difference in performance and the weight difference isn't enough to give me any sort of advantage in my riding. Once I have a curly wurly in my jersey pocket, the weight difference is negated.

Go with the one you like best.

 

[StuAff]

Better to upgrade the wheels than the group, and £300 for better wheels and better group when either would cost more on their own....4.5 every time.

 

[smutchin]

I'd suggest that running tubeless tyres is considerably more of an upgrade than 105 > Ultegra.

I'd agree with this, though whether the wheels are worth the upgrade partly depends on a) how interested you are in tubeless, and b) just how much lighter they are.

Wheels aside, 105 is so good these days that there's no reason to spend more just for Ultegra, but taking the other factors into consideration, I would agree the 4.5 is probably worth the extra cost.

Either way, you will be happy - it's an excellent bike.

 

[Fab Foodie]

I know what you said 'putting the wheels to one side', but I'd suggest that running tubeless tyres is considerably more of an upgrade than 105 > Ultegra. All-in-all, including colour, the 4.5 sounds a much better choice.

I'd agree.

 

[Citius]

Tubeless is no upgrade. It all comes down to whether you want a slightly lighter groupset or not - and whether that weight saving is worth £300. (It probably isn't).

 

[bpsmith]

Ultegra has higher quality finish and more precision build. I find it shifts and feels smoother than my 105 and should last longer.

 

[winjim]

Out of interest, what are the actual differences between 105 and Ultegra?

 

[Citius]

Out of interest, what are the actual differences between 105 and Ultegra?

As 'bp' says, differences in material quality mainly, which affects things like weight, mostly. Function is identical.

 

[bpsmith]

Function is closer with the the latest iteration of 105, yes. Was worlds apart from 5700 to 6800. Not tried 5800 to see just how close it is now. Depends who you converse with really.

 

[T4tomo]

Both stock bontrager wheelsets so not a lot of difference, albeit 4.5 has "race" version so yes prob lighter, both tubeless ready I think, although probably a red herring for everyday use. ultegra is marginally better than 105 but not a lot in practical terms.ngo with what colour scheme you like best

 

[400bhp]

Depends upon how much money you have, how bothered you are about saving 200g, what you are using the bike for,how long you will keep the bike and whether you like the prettier look of ultegra.

There's probably other things too.

If it was my best bike and I could afford it I would go for the ultegra.

However, I find treks the dullest of the dull and would never consider buying one.