Upgrade to 105/Ultegra

[James D]

Hi All,

Am in the process of getting a Pinarello FP1 (once my CTW Voucher finally arrives!) and am thinking of upgrading the groupset to from 2011 Tiagra to a 105/Ultegra mix. Benefits as far as I can see - 10 rather than 9 speed, weight saving over Tiagra, and a groupset which complements the frame.

Has anybody done this and do they think it was worth the ££? I'm worried I've developed upgradeitis...wouldn't be the first time...

Cheers
J

 

[smokeysmoo]

Everyone suffers from upgradeitis IMO, and if you do this one there'll be another upgrade waiting around the next corner to catch your eye
Only you can decide if it's worth the investment, but remember also that 10 speed components are more expensive to replace than 9 speed, not really a deal breaker but definitely a consideration.

 

[James D]

That's all very true, buying a bike/upgrading is only the start of the spending! Think I am going to go with the upgrade though as aside from the above reasons my commuter bike (2008 Giant SCR2) needs the groupset replacing. Instead of buying a separate new Tiagra system I can upgrade my new bike and use the spare parts to improve my old one!
Don't you just love it when a plan comes together

 

[Moodyman]

It's your money and spend it how you like. But, a few considerations from me.

If you want 105/Ultegra why not buy a bike with it on. A bike that comes with the right stuff on it, is cheaper than upgrading afterwards. You will not be able to buy 105/Ultegra at the same price that Pinarello get it from Shimano. I know you're constrained by the £1k cycle to work limit, but look at negotiating with the retailer to pay the difference in cash.

Also, have you used Tiagra and the other groupsets. In the real world, very few riders can tell a difference between Tiagra and the two groupsets above it.

Also, 9 speed parts are cheaper and some would say more durable. This matters if you do lots of miles.