Opinions : 105 vs Ultegra

[robc]

Roadie dudes,
Last night on my commute home I caught a stick in the rear der. which promptly turned it into several small shiny bits rolling along the road. Since I now need a new rear derailleur, I am thinking of upgrading to Ultegra if its worth the price increase. Anyone have any comparative experience on how much better an Ultegra would be for twice the price?

Thanks for the info.
Rob

[robc]

How hard is it to swap out the derailleur for a new one and get it shifting nicely?

[Tex]

From my own experiences Ultegra just has tighter tolerances, and will hold a tune for longer time. Whether or not it's worth it, depends on your present financial situation. If you have the extra cash, upgrade to Ultegra. I know most people will say that there's really no difference between 105(Deore LX) to Ultegra(XT), to Dura Ace(XTR), but after spending enough time on each, I would have to disagree. With each step up the shifting becomes much crisper, smoother, and seems to hold a tune for much longer.

As for swapping out the derailleur, it's not that tough. I'm sure you could find instructions on the web somewhere. Or even just use the paper work that comes with your new derailleur, that's how I learned.

-Good luck

[jzipfel]

I have 2005 Ultegra equiped bike and after a few hundered miles this season, I would have to say it is very nice, but the tolerances are very tight. Took a while to have the front derailleur to stop rubbing when in the highest and lowest cogs.

Are you going to use the bike for more than commuting? How much are you going to ask the bike to do? 105 is good and reliable. To relate it to MTB going from LX to XT did make a difference in both training anf racing. Crisper and more reliable shifts. Why didn't I go to XTR? Money and price for performance. I figured untill I tune up the engine (me) no sense spending the extra $$.

Cycling news had a review of the new Ultegra groupset recently:
http://www.cyclingnews.com/tech.php?id=tech/2005/reviews/shimano_ultegra

One other question that I don't know the answer to is the Ultegra set is now 10 speed. Will it work with a 9 speed cogset?

[robc]

I put a lot of miles on this bike, and after reading the review you posted (thanks!) I think I'll upgrade to Ultegra. Since I use this bike for all my road miles, I suppose its worth it. I commute 50 miles a day and do some centuries and triathlons on this bike. I spose the amount I am saving in gas will certainly pay for the difference!

Rob

[Crash]

How hard is it to swap out the derailleur for a new one and get it shifting nicely?

Pretty darn easy. The best step by step instructions I have found are on the Park website http://www.parktool.com/repair_help/FAQrindx.shtml

Just install the new one and maybe throw on a new cable and housing while you are at it and then follow the instructions above for how to dial it in!

[dejorn]

I would definitely install a new housing. Check the cable, if it is smooth and free from any corrosion it should be fine. If you do buy a new cable make sure that it is a high quality "drawn" stainless steel cable. I also believe that teflon coated cables are a waste of money. The liner inside the cable housing is already made out of a polymer (probably HD polyethylene or polypropylene) and typically "plastic" to "plastic" contact should be avoided. Steel on "plastic" has less frictions and more reliable.

[robc]

Thanks for the link. Those look like great instructions! I am hoping I can get away with the same cable, as it is internally routed through the frame and I don't want to muck anything up too bad. My Ultegra der. and hanger is ordered so I should be back in business next week. I guess I am commuting on the mountain bike til then.

Thanks!
Rob

[Rocky Mountain]

If you are handy enough to install it and want to save some dough buying online then check out www.comparisonpricing.com (http://www.comparisonpricing.com) for all Shimano and Front Shock price checks. This is way cheaper than buying LBS.

[robc]

I would assume I would be able to find a better deal online, but I see the Ultegra rear best price on that site is $71. I called Erik's and they have them in stock for $65. I wonder if maybe they have an older year's model? I think you can get Ultegra 10-sp now, so maybe that's the big price diff.
Well, since that price is pretty good I will buy locally. Thanks for the link, that will come in handy down the road!

-Rob

[soupboy]

...at www.roadbikereview.com for people selling parts. I've had good luck there as both a buyer and seller.

Upgrading only one part of a gruppo is not likely to have a meaningful impact. If you still have lesser grade cassettes, rings, chain, etc. one fancy derailleur ain't go do much especially if you were coming off of something as decent as 105.

I think XTR and Dura Ace are a waste unless $ is simply not an issue. XT and Ultegra are rock solid and far better values anyway you cut it.

I ride SS now but my next gearie will be SRAM - zero Shi+mano.

[Beau]

I think XTR and Dura Ace are a waste unless $ is simply not an issue. XT and Ultegra are rock solid and far better values anyway you cut it.

I ride SS now but my next gearie will be SRAM - zero Shi+mano.

http://techhelpers.net/e4u/drink/trink39.gif

[Primo Tiki]

I think XTR and Dura Ace are a waste

Not when you get a 16 pound Dura-Ace bike for $2K.... You just have to shop around for deals. But yes, Ultegra is pretty much manufactured the same way... just a little more mass to it. And it's "race-worthy".