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

[EasyPeez]

Condor over Trek every time for me.

Apologies for my naivety, but how is

running tubeless tyres is considerably more of an upgrade than 105 > Ultegra

isn't it just a different, rather than better, set-up? Or does tubeless confer some performance and/or puncture protection benefits that I'm unaware of?
Cheers.

 

[Sea of vapours]

Apologies for my naivety, but how is
isn't it just a different, rather than better, set-up? Or does tubeless confer some performance and/or puncture protection benefits that I'm unaware of?
Cheers.

It depends entirely on your priorities: punctures in tubeless tyres self-seal in most case, which to me is better than having to change a tube / repair one. Tuebless are slightly more fiddly to fit though, so that aspect isn't better.

 

[Boyfrom64]

@EasyPeez, I see you run a Genesis Equilibrium, so as someone who rides a steel frame bike, have you previously had a carbon / aluminium frame? If yes, is the ride of your equilibrium smoother than the other materials?

 

[EasyPeez]

It depends entirely on your priorities: punctures in tubeless tyres self-seal in most case, which to me is better than having to change a tube / repair one. Tuebless are slightly more fiddly to fit though, so that aspect isn't better.

Ah, ok. On London-Paris recently my mate was riding tubeless and had a puncture right near the end. His didn't self-seal, just sprayed white gunk all over the street, then we had to put a tube in. I appreciate one anecdotal incident doesn't prove anything, so maybe he was just unlucky. I'd be keen to go tubeless myself if I thought the self-seal element worked well. Will have to do more reading.

@EasyPeez, I see you run a Genesis Equilibrium, so as someone who rides a steel frame bike, have you previously had a carbon / aluminium frame? If yes, is the ride of your equilibrium smoother than the other materials?

This is my first road bike so I have little to compare it to unfortunately. It's certainly smoother than my aluminium Land Rover MTB!!
I rode 20 miles on my mate's alu Synapse recently and his ride was definately 'softer' than mine - felt much comfier over the rough stuff but slightly less stiff and poised in terms of power transfer. My model has the cheaper Mjolnir steel plus carbon fork; I'd be interested to try the higher model Genesis' Reynolds 725 to see if I could tell the difference in weight/smoothness. I know steel is meant to give a better ride, but my ride can be pretty hard to be honest; I wouldn't be surprised if similar/higher priced alu and carbon frames were just as smooth or maybe smoother. That said, I tried an alu Super Evo when test riding and that was worse. Also a CAADX and that was definately softer (is that the same as smoother?!) but again less precise and poised. If I get chance to try any carbon or alu rides anytime soon I'll let you know how they compare. Cheers.

 

[Eagone]

Which one did you eventually go for the 4.3 or the 4.5?

I have today picked up the 4.5 and my decision was based on its looks - which are so darn secy I could marry it, if I weren't already married with 2 kids.

I also brought mine from Trek Coventry - what a guy (Chris) nothing was too much trouble - he's done me a fantastic deal and I've walked out feeling well looked after.
I brought a MTB from them earlier in the year and the service received has been fantastic - if your in the market for a new bike and live anywhere in the midlands - go here first.

Anyway as your from Tamworth I'll be looking out for another 4.5 or 4.3 at Rolliston Cafe over the next few weeks, assume you head out that way....

 

[ayceejay]

I like the Condor but with a silver chain set to match wheels seat post and stem.

 

[Boyfrom64]

@Eagone I have not brought a bike yet. However, I am heading over to Trek Coventry later today as Chris has got me a Emonda SL5 to try out this weekend. Once I have ridden the bike, then I will decide which way to go Emonda or Domane.

I also brought mine from Trek Coventry - what a guy (Chris) nothing was too much trouble - he's done me a fantastic deal and I've walked out feeling well looked after.
I brought a MTB from them earlier in the year and the service received has been fantastic - if your in the market for a new bike and live anywhere in the midlands - go here first.

I have to second your comments about Chris. My wife Mandy, and I brought Mandy's bike from Trek Coventry and the service / help Chris gave Mandy in choosing a bike was second to none. I had not really considered Trek as an option before but now I do not see me buying another brand. So as @Eagone says, if you live in the Midlands then go pay Trek Coventry a visit.

Funnily enough, I have not made my way out to Rosiliston cafe; I ride out not to far from there on occassions but I have never stopped. However, now that Mandy has started riding, it is somewhere on my places to ride to, so hopefully I will see you there in the not too distant future... and on a Trek; but which one??

 

[Boyfrom64]

Bike ordered. I have gone for a Trek Emonda SL5; 2016 model in White, not Lime Green! thankfully, after test riding an Emonda over the weekend.