Tiagra v 105, Couple of Questions

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Vapin' Joe

Formerly known as Smokin Joe
I've always been a Campag man, but the bargain priced last-years-model Veranti I got recently came with Tiagra kit. I don't like the washing lines spouting from the shifters and fancy an upgrade, I can get 105 shifters for £109 from Wiggle and quite fancy them. I presume the shift quality is an improvement over the lower spec Tiagra, anyone used both and care to comment?

Also am I right in thinking I'd also need a 105 mech (£26) as I believe Shimano altered the pull ratio when they changed to concealed cables? Any info from those in the know would be appreciated, especially anyone who is successfully using Campag 10 speed setup with a Shimano cassette as that is another option.
 

Paul99

Über Member
I upgraded my tiagra/fsa mixed groupset to 105 and think it does shift better. In reality it probably doesn't but it does look nicer. HTH!
 

outlash

also available in orange
I went the other way round in that my bike originally had Tiagra all round but I've replaced everything bar the shifters with 105. Concealed cable don't mean much to me but having 105 mechs with Tiagra shifters works fine. I would hazard a guess it'd work despite the different pull ratios.


Tony.
 
U

User6179

Guest
Have Tiagra , 105 and ultegra , no difference with R/H lever but the L/H Tiagra needs less pressue to shift than 105 or Ultegra , ironic that the cheapest one needs less effort to move but if you think about it concealed cables on 105 or Ultegra does not improve shifting .
 

PK99

Legendary Member
Location
SW19
I've always been a Campag man, but the bargain priced last-years-model Veranti I got recently came with Tiagra kit. I don't like the washing lines spouting from the shifters and fancy an upgrade, I can get 105 shifters for £109 from Wiggle and quite fancy them. I presume the shift quality is an improvement over the lower spec Tiagra, anyone used both and care to comment?

Also am I right in thinking I'd also need a 105 mech (£26) as I believe Shimano altered the pull ratio when they changed to concealed cables? Any info from those in the know would be appreciated, especially anyone who is successfully using Campag 10 speed setup with a Shimano cassette as that is another option.

i've got Tiagra on the tricross and 105 on the Van Nic Yukon.

Yes the 105 is neater. And yes the shift quality is better somehow, just that bit more precise and quicker and a better feel in the hand,. not a deal breaker that makes me want to change but if I needed to replace the tiagra I would upgrade and if buying new with a choice it would definitely be 105
 
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OP
Vapin' Joe

Vapin' Joe

Formerly known as Smokin Joe
Thanks for the replies so far, but I specifically want to know if 105 shifters are compatable with a Tiagra rear mech. Both are ten speed but I have a suspicion that Shimano altered the pull ratio when they switched all the higher spec groupsets to concealed cables though I can't find any reference to it anywhere.
 

vickster

Squire
Thanks for the replies so far, but I specifically want to know if 105 shifters are compatable with a Tiagra rear mech. Both are ten speed but I have a suspicion that Shimano altered the pull ratio when they switched all the higher spec groupsets to concealed cables though I can't find any reference to it anywhere.
@jefmcg has said combo still (I think)
 

400bhp

Guru
, I can get 105 shifters for £109 from Wiggle and quite fancy them. I presume the shift quality is an improvement over the lower spec Tiagra, anyone used both and care to comment?

I have Tiagra shifters and tiagra mech on my winter bike.

I have 105 shifters and a tiagra rear mech on my better bike.

I agree with @Eddy that tiagra has a softer shift, however the 105 is what I can describe as crisper. I also have less problems with the index going out of synch with the tiagra/105 combination.

I would personally buy the 105 shifters exactly for the reason you describe. I don't like the cabling from tiagra. It also makes it difficult to get in that pro stylee elbows resting on the bar position:whistle:
 
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