Shimano 105 vs Ultegra: Which Groupset Should You Choose?

[@Sportivecyclist]

What is your groupset of choice? 105 or Ultegra (or something else)?

[@francescorota2982]

105 r7000 all the way, great shifting, sooo cheap on full bikes and the weight difference with Ultegra is not important. We are not pros, we don't need that much.

[@francescorota2982]

My gf has a Tiagra r4700 10s groupset mounted on her bike and the difference with 105 is not huge but the shifting is a bit clunky and harsh. Tiagra and 105 are perfectly fine for most riders.

[@danielgutherman286]

Great video! I enjoy my Ultrgra R8000

[@heptonstallmark]

105 on my commuter and ultegra on summer bike, I don't notice the difference as summer bike is so different, no problems with 105.

[@elvzwoods]

My 10 year old Hong Kong Pinarello knock-off has a used Dura-Ace-Ultegra-105 9 spd conglomerate. Thinking of doing a full 105 R7000 upgrade.

[@rkgr2]

If you have 105, you need to upgrade and give me a deal on the used 105.

[@tobiasvonseydlitz3852]

🤣👍🏻

[@svfutbol20]

I sold my R5800 shifters and rear derailleur and upgraded those to R7000, and they were noticeably much better.

[@cyclingSausage]

I'm glad People are hypnotised my marketing. It means I can replace my 105 5600/5700 components for sweetie money when they sell their old perfectly functional components on ebay.

[@roberthoneyball3298]

Just bought a TCR Advanced pro for 3k with 105. My budget was no more than 3k and I figured that taking 105 as a slight compromise allowed me to get a very good frame and wheelset, which is more important. The Ultegra package was £600 more although it did come with power metre. 105 is so good now, I feel that I got the most from my budget.

[@stonefishislearninighowtoc6023]

Thank you for explaining the differences between the groupset. I learnt a lot today.

[@averageuncle8176]

The difference is like between pizzas. Instead of sauce you will use ketchup, sunflower oil instead of olive, fake cheese and you will get a completely different product that looks the same for an amateur. But the difference is between material, comfort, durability, weight. And you eat it yourself for +5 years.

[@ShubhamMody]

@@averageuncle8176 Hahahaha that's a great explanation! And very much honest as well!

[@ChrisGreen-kn2ob]

105’s all the way! They are the workhorse of the Shimano range.. I believe the difference in weight between 105 and Ultegra is 200 grams, but at a cost of $1000 CAD, definitely not worth it 🤑

[@averageuncle8176]

Ultegra set cost in local shop 699.95€. 1000CAD = 672.04€. 27.91€ for 105 set is damn cheap. Only chain cost that much. Canada must be a paradise for cyclists. By the way for 700€ you can buy a Iphone 12 mini 64GB or Ultegra set. I think a Ultegra is worth more.

[@TboneTenEighties]

@@averageuncle8176 Ultegra is way more healthier LOL

[@averageuncle8176]

@@TboneTenEighties Absulutely True!

[@ChrisGreen-kn2ob]

@@averageuncle8176 Canada is a paradise period 🤫

[@user-nu5fx6en9h]

It’s worth it

[@DmitriGordon]

This video definitely swayed me away from ultegra. Thanks for saving me a bunch of money. I wish there was a rule that once you ride above a certain speed you can justify spending more money. I cruise at 17 mph max 20 and would look silly with an expensive race bike!! But they sure do market their product well

[@elvzwoods]

Great video, thanks for not following the "just throw money at it" mantra that so dominates road cycling these days.

[@megnon22]

I got ultegra but some rider have sora or tiagra but are also faster than me hahahaha

[@raphaelklijn6358]

Then you definitely need Dura-Ace.;)

[@jonnythelegs2597]

@@raphaelklijn6358 nah 2k's worth of carbon wheels ftw lol

[@mtakinasghost9889]

You need to train harder!

[@golf5555555]

@@mtakinasghost9889 only wrong answers please

[@cooltwittertag]

​@@golf5555555cocaine

[@ryanmchugh7840]

Super helpful video, exactly what I was looking for. I’m currently running a 105 cassette and looking to upgrade to an 11-34 and this has just saved me a shed load of money. Will just stick with the 105 and upgrade my crankset to the same! Thanks mate

[@MegaMoneygod]

Why have I not found your channel before? Follows several bike channels where the latest is celebrated while you nuance the whole thing and gives me a more realistic picture of it, thank you very much and continue with this fantastic channel.

[@Sportivecyclist]

Thanks Shallow Grave. Getting comments like yours makes me want to continue!

[@Solarsystem50]

I really like your channel. Your perspective is within 85% of the market: entusiasts who want to have a nice bike, easy to maintain, with a good balance between value and performance.

[@Sportivecyclist]

Thanks Juan. Glad you’re enjoying the channel.

[@joshdrewpic]

I just found your channel and as a fellow domaine 4.3 from 2013 owner I can really appreciate the insight as I've been thinking about this on mine too! Subbed thanks for the content

[@Sportivecyclist]

Thanks Joshua. Have you seen my videos about renovating the Domane? Replacing the bb bearings etc. I’ve just bought a non press fit bb90 replacement- will be making a video about it.

[@joshdrewpic]

@@Sportivecyclist Good to know! Yes I saw your BB90 replacement. I was just rewatching that now cause I was removing my crank and the BB bearing just came out with it! Not even sure how that's possible, same bearings that you have. So yeah I'd love to see a vid about some bb90 conversion! Thanks!

[@thabangmotaung4759]

I am a new rider , have been riding since October 2020. I use 105 group set on a Look 556.

[@PatoLorenz]

Best video ive found so far about the topic for a beginner. Thanks!

[@dannybruns7595]

Exactly what I needed to hear as I was pulled between the 2022 domaine sl5 and 6! Thanks!

[@dominishka3]

I upgraded my commuter a few years ago from its original Claris/Tourney-level mix to a mix of Tiagra/105 in one fell swoop thanks to massive end-of-season sales, and have had to replace just a chain and cassette since then. When I bought my n+1 "for the joy of riding only" bike last year, I opted for the Tiagra-level groupset. I'm not intending to set any world speed records, so prioritized "works fantastically and will last" over "will provide incremental gains for the competitive cyclist."

[@Chris-we9pb]

Thank you Monty! Great breakdown of the differences. Super helpful.

[@jaroslavscz1821]

Great video and thanks for the honest review. 105 is a fantastic groupset and probably the best choice for most recreational riders.

[@Chrisb286]

Great video that speaks my language, keep up the great work👍

[@MirzaPlavcic]

In September 2019 I upgraded my Specialized Allez Shimano Sora equipped bike to Shimano 105 R7000 full groupset... What a difference wow 😍 At the moment I had sufficient funds to buy Ultegra but decided not to worry about 300g of wight difference and it was a right decision. R7000 works like a charm, shifting, braking and ergonomics are superb. Love the content you're posting on your channel, keep up the good work 👍🏻Cheers

[@sarnng]

Thanks for the review. Having owned a bike 20 yr bike with Shimano 105, I was looking for ultegra as an upgrade. After your review, I would be perfectly happy with a current generation 105 groupset. Saved me some $$. Thanks.

[@1Adventures2]

another Fantastic & Insightful presentation ..... Excellent, Thank you!!! My recently purchased Roubaix Sport is just fine and no need to fork out an additional 2000+ for electrons as the 105 is now electrified ... In 1970 on my first road bike, A Raleigh 'Supercourse'. Reynolds Aluminum butted frame I up-graded to Campagnolo Nuevo Record front and rear detailers ... 17 and 29 dollars respectively.... they were awesome and designed like a piece of high-end sculpture ... But not as svelte as the 105 gear set with my recent purchase .... for my 70th Birthday.... Thanks again!!!

[@terbennett]

I'm a Masters racers but if I wasn't running Dura Ace, I'd go 105 all day, everyday. 105 is the "Jack of All Trades." With the exception of MTB, track and BMX, I can't think of a cycling discipline 105 isn't good for. I saw a CAT3 get third place with 105 R7000 on his CAAD12 in a crit race I did last year (I took 9th). He said that he used to ride Ultegra and the 105 was just as good.

[@KushPizzaSleep]

you do realize that chris froome would still win the tour using 105, there is literally no real world difference between the two

[@AndrewTSq]

@@KushPizzaSleep Chris Froome would win over me if I had a Tour de france winning bike, and he was on my grandmas old 3 speeder at 15kg.

[@simplicissimus9822]

hey, I love your video. If I could give you a hint: Try to structure your Video and give an outline in the describtion. That way, the viewer is able to instantly find (or to find again) the most relevant parts. You could either do this by your Video settings in KZbin (more complex but more user friendly, I suppose) or by simply adding the relevant time steps in your video describtion: like 00:00 Introduction 0x:xx Overview shimano groupsets 0x:xx ...... 0x:xx ...... so the viewer is able to click on the timestamp and can rewatch curcial parts. I think that would be amazing for your video (or future videos) , cause the content of this video is very well worked out and needs to be spread :D Thank you very much again.

[@raphaeltiziani7476]

I went Ultegra Di2. I know its non sense but I like it and thats make me ride more.

[@stuartdryer1352]

Not nonsense at all. Superior shifting, more stable, far more ergonomic. It's the best upgrade I ever made.

[@raphaeltiziani7476]

@@stuartdryer1352 nah best upgrade was the powermeter+ coach 😬

[@stuartdryer1352]

@@raphaeltiziani7476 The PM was big for me too, I have to admit

[@antonhelsgaun]

@@stuartdryer1352 far more ergonomic?

[@stuartdryer1352]

@@antonhelsgaun Yes, you really notice after you get used to the mouse click shifting on Di2 that on mechanical systems, even really good ones, there is a substantial wrist movement needed to shift. You notice it most shifting while climbing or cornering. I have a Tarmac SL5, not a top of the line one (it originally came with 105), but I upgraded it to Ultegra Di2 (and better wheels). Back in July of 2019 I was able to rent a Pinarello Dogma F10 in Italy with mechanical DuraAce. The Pinarello is lighter and stiffer, and the frame alone cost more than my whole bike even with the Di2 upgrade. Geometries were quite similar. Riding the Pinarello was great, but I very much missed having Di2. A lot of people agree with me that once you have Di2 you'll never want to go back. The ONLY downside is price.

[@RatraceDave]

I'm rocking tiagra on a giant fastroad co max 2. I've hit the groupset hard and wish to upgrade due to moving a further distance from work. Great video. im going to 105 I was going this direction this video just solidified my decision thank you.

[@stephenlamley541]

I doubt very much you will be disappointed i have the older 105 on my trek madone

[@joshismynamehi]

Excellent video and overview - thanks! You're right, it's mainly about aesthetics and not performance for non-pro cyclists

[@johnwedlake5543]

I bought a Van Rysel winter bike with full 105 R7000 and it is superb, can’t fault it at all. I looked at going electric shifting on my next bike but honestly no one and nothing I have read has provided me with a reason to go electric. The things people list as reasons are the things that make you a competent cyclist, like knowing which gear you need to be in for the climb ahead and taking some force off the downstroke when changing gear rather than grinding through a gear change. Sticking with my Campagnolo record and saving the cash thanks.

[@yakobcdiego]

I have upgraded from mechanical 105 to the electronic one. Love at first sight. Just a better riding experience, smoother, faster, less issues, I don't know, I just feel a lot better, if you can afford it it's worth it.

[@Sir-Prizse]

I learned on 6-speed Campa Record, then Tiagra 4400 9-speed which served me well for 6 years, followed by DA 7700 9-speed and now I ride two entry-level road bikes with Claris 8-speed, one with mechanical disc brakes and the other rim pared with 43 mm mid-depth rims, which together with the tyres cost as much as the bike itself. If Dura Ace 9200 12-speed would release this year, a new 105 should come out in 2 years, hopefully with Di2. Because I like to work on my bikes myself and am grateful for simplified technology I would enjoy Di2. I like these entry-level road bikes because they offer incredible value for the money, but the simple 8-speed R2000 also leaves you wanting more. Especially with training bikes, it's not worth spending much money for marginal weight savings... that's why I have my Trek 5500 OCLV 120 project, which I can get to under 7 kg without much effort.

[@Sportivecyclist]

I think we may find ourselves waiting a long time for 105 Di2 but then who knows...?

[@Sir-Prizse]

@@Sportivecyclist Hmm, it's probably not worth it either, considering how good mechanical groupsets are nowadays and how long you can get use out of them...

[@santafe8440]

After having TCR C3 carbon frame with 105 for 12 years, I decide to buy TCR advanced SL 2 KOM with mechanical ultegra 2021. The upgrade is from 8.4kg to 7.2 kg with pedals. It is so sweet to have crispy,light and agile ride with the new bike.

[@domingo8689]

Loved the charts and realistic comparisons.

[@91LX50Mike]

Love your videos....For the “everyday cyclist”

[@matejburian3191]

I would go for 105 and definitely use those extra 500€ which left me wiser, e.g. better cycling shoes, better helmet, top end tyres and tubes, lighter handlebars and seatpost

[@zzzgarage2704]

better helmet all the way

[@greg37gmw]

I like Ultegra group set. If I had the gears I needed with the 105 it would have worked for me. However, it seemed hard to shift at times.

[@liveyourbestlife1513]

What better way to get in shape than riding a Claris-equipped steel-framed bike through the Alps? Make it a beach cruiser steel frame, and you'll get in shape real quick.

[@svfutbol20]

It’s a common misconception that a heavier/slower bike will be better for fitness. A bike that is fitted to the rider properly is much more important to preserve one’s hips, knees and back/neck strain

[@PeatyBlinders]

I use 105 on my 2021 Emonda SL5 and it is faultless. 200g weight difference is irrelevant to me. Crisp gear shifting. Pound for pound best groupset

[@svfutbol20]

I upgraded my 2018 Allez Sprint from R5800 to R7000 and the difference was night and day, the new 105 is gloriously great

[@PaulRowlandsfromLeadout]

great video as always chief.

[@elmerrichardson6413]

I have both; the latest Ultegra and older 105-5800. I got the Ultegra because the Canyon Ultimate I wanted with 105/disc was out of stock, so I got the Ultegra/Rim brake model for $100 more. I love them both.

[@UselessRandom]

Before COVID came along and inflated everything bicycle related, the difference between Ultegra and 105 was not much at all. When I built my bike in Dec 18, an R8000 groupset cost A$750 vs R7000 for A$600. Needless to say I went for the R8000.

[@ectwins8128]

one of those components is a groups? A groups is several components, hence the Group word ;-) Love the content mate xx

[@carvi1129]

so glad I found this vid!

[@jgogl9791]

PS would love a video on electronic shifting. Why’s it so much better, costs, battery considerations etc. Thanks!

[@averageuncle8176]

Just go and try bike with electronic shifting. I was tested Dura-Ace Di2. It's a useless improvement which I'd like, but I don't need.

[@jonathancory7241]

My thoughts entirely. Although I am currently running Ultegra R8000 which works seamlessly, I would probably downshift to 105 next time.

[@austecon6818]

So freaking helpful. Thank you. Answered exactly what I wanted to know with not too much or too little detail of the technicals... I will therefore be going for a canondale aluminium frame with CF forks + 105 shimano group set (or something in that equivalent price range). If I was serious about cycling I could afford to splash out but for what I want it for that would be totally ridiculous.

[@cheungjianhui]

Great video!! Keep it up dude

[@trevorwild195]

So well explained my man!

[@certain_ed]

Thanks for the no BS opinion!

[@antonhelsgaun]

In the used market, people have also realized r7000/r7020 is a great deal, so its priced way closer to r8000 there

[@colnagocowboy]

I rebuilt my Klein Quantum with a full Mavic SSC goupset ttt bar/stem and Hutchinson tires

[@daviddd_ggg]

thanks, it was interesting, I'm a beginner and I'll probably choose 105

[@markflajsner9944]

105 is an excellent groupset, and as you said unless you prefer electronic, most probably more than enough for most - just one little proviso, make sure that the compete 105 groupset is installed. Bike manufacturiers & media push bright shiny new things which is their job, good for them, but...if you're not doing compétitive stuff, I don't see the point, most will really hard pressés to notice the difference.

[@MarkGeraghty]

I have 6800 mechanical Ultegra and R9100 Di2 disc equipped bikes. The DA is a big weight saving over 105, and the shifting and braking is excellent. So I would say, forget Ultegra, upgrade straight to Dura Ace. Shimano are bringing out wireless 12 speed DA next year, so now is the time for some deals on the 11 speed 9100 groupset,

[@mikemorehead5794]

Had to go with Ultegra to get the 46-36 gearing. Went with 105 on other bike with 50-34.

[@ceen3237]

With Ribble's bike builder you can see (and customise) what all the other components are. With all else being equal Ultegra is £500 more. (1500/2000 on the R872 for example). I think instead of asking if it is worth the extra £500, it is best to ask how that £500 upgrade compares to £500 spent elsewhere. Clothing, head unit, wheels, power meter, bike fit, shoes, sportive entries, roof rack, etc. Sticking with Ribble, you can get what seems a better bike, the Endurance SL, with 105 for £1900 instead of the R872 with Ultegra for £2000.

[@MrAgglo]

OMG you started on the same Domane as I did in 2010

[@Dimashoey]

Great content. Suggestion to put soft items in your room or at the wall so the sound picked can be better

[@Sportivecyclist]

You are speaking my language. You are dead right. The sound is pretty poor. I need proper sound deadening stuff for the walls. On the list (eventually...)

[@Seby1kinobi]

I wouldn't upgrade from Ultegra to Durace but the shifting on the mechanical Ultegra is a lot smoother than 105, lighter and not that much more expensive.

[@karl8805]

Finally someone normal that gets it!!!

[@mowhugspanda7769]

It’s time to upgrade to ultegra I need that smooth shifting.

[@peterscuba]

My 105 shifting feels smooth

[@ryanwood9sqn]

Great video which saved me from spending money on something I ultimately didn’t need.

[@mavismcdavis]

I have had 105 on my last 2 bikes which is perfectly fine for my pootling around, (latest version easier for my small hands) & DEFINITELY better than the Sora I had on my 1st ever road bike. But it doesn't stop me looking wistfully at Ultegra bikes...GREAT, common sense video that made me give myself a bit of a talking to about wants vs needs.

[@HarishChouhan]

followed you just to hear your future rants ;)

[@jamesrichmond8409]

My Tifosi flat-bar Frankenbike has Tiagra 10 speed flat bar shifters (4600 series native 10 speed), Ultegra 6800 calipers, Ultegra R8000 chainset and 105 5700 front and rear derailleurs with a 10 speed 105 cassette. A very carefully planned hodge-podge. Hodge-podges work, except when they don't. RTFM.

[@kierontse]

I went for 105! But when I upgraded to a power meter, I went with Stages L+R Ultegra

[@Silidons91]

Right now on eBay in the states there's only a $300 difference for full 105 vs full ultegra for rim brakes. I currently ride 105 but the new bike I am building will be ultegra mechanical.

[@andresmith3308]

I've had top range and lower range like the 105 group set. The only thing that will make you go faster is you fitness and you body weight. 200 grams for that price not worth it unless you a sponsored rider. I've been cycling completive for 20 years now. So take it from experience, if you not currently riding in the top 10 in most races, upgrading will not get you there. So buy what you can afford, and train better.

[@Sportivecyclist]

Aggggrreeeeeeeeeedddddddd!

[@r1skbreak3r61]

My bargain basement Btwin Triban 3 is running 105 5800 and it's the smoothest shifting bike I've ridden. Not that I've ridden many, but I did have an Ultegra carbon Ribble, and still have a fancy Boardman Air running full Dura Ace Di2. I've upgraded a few groupsets via the ebay/facebook route, you can get some good bargains if you're careful. I would also say that Tiagra is perfectly acceptable, and feels very similar to 105, just with one less gear.

[@svfutbol20]

Interesting, I upgraded my R5800 rear derailleur and shifters to R7000 and the difference was night and day to me. Left the rest of the components alone though

[@stephenlamley541]

With the exception of the bottom bracket on my trek 105 is great just need to update the cassette on it as its tiagra

[@martinwilliams3365]

I just wish you could get the silver finish on 105. Not keen on the Black finish.

[@svfutbol20]

You can!

[@petergiourelas3753]

Hate the black finish on new 105s, deal breaker for me

[@svenlima]

The question is if the 105 of today is better than the Ultegra of 2015. And what about durability?

[@TheChancerdog1]

The owner of my local bike shop says I’d you rode them both at night you wouldn’t know the difference

[@epexusJeffryDalisay]

If you're not budget conscious and if you have lots of money then go for dura ace hahah 😁✌️

[@TheWorldisaLIE2]

ultimately it comes down to money. if someone has lots of it, might as well get all dura ace. if someone doesn't have money they'll be just fine with 105.

[@Nico-lw5ol]

7:11 well thats not entirely true. You can get ultegra bikes for "cheap". This bike for example www.bike-discount.de/de/kaufen/radon-r1-disc-ultegra-1073232 There are Tiagra, 105 and Ultegra versions of this and they differ a little bit, but their mostly part of one product family.

[@meibing4912]

Using Ultegra myself, but 105 is really great today. Comes down to your purse, better get 105 if it helps you buy some high quality wheels to go along. I can afford whatever I want - but am still not getting Dura Ace as it mostly comes down to weight. GNC made a test showing that today's 105 beats a ten years old Dura Ace (except on weight) - go figure.

[@BlueMarbleToday]

Some people say that Ultegra is less hardy and break easier than the hardier 105. Is it true that 105 will lasts longer , and hardier. Most likely not damaged in a crash?

[@isaacarmijo4016]

How about Ultegra vs 105 when considering a new bike purchase? I ride a late 80's Centurion Ironman Master steel frame and am looking into a new bike. Would it be better to "future proof"rather than deciding to upgrade later down the line?

[@grantelamparo949]

As a non professional and not that rich cyclist and just want to feel a smooth shifting I'll choose ultegra and soon I'll upgrade to dura ace mechanical/di2

[@peterscuba]

There is definitely a psychological boost when you buy new stuff, but it doesn't last, might as well stick with 105. di2 sound over rated but those that buy it don't like to admit it

[@markcavandish1295]

Great Stuff

[@chadmyles-theclevelandcyclist]

I do feel that with Ultegra you get better shifters if your bike has hydraulic disc brakes because you get more adjustment options. If I was riding rim brakes I’d stay with 105. Although I would use an Ultegra cassette because they come in fewer pieces than 105.

[@amarramoul4027]

I have shimano claris 8 speed groupset in my steal gravl bike ..is it worth it to upgrade to the 105 ?

[@coco10060]

I don't have neither the 105 or the Ultegra but I know which one I will be going for now. The 105. So which disc brake is better? They both look different. Which one stops better? Any thoughts or opinions please?

[@rareoldschoolbreakbeathard7583]

i just bought a second hand PLANET X carbon pro with full ultegra groupset apart from crank which is 105 it has fulcrum wheels set and frame is mint condition £400........is that good

[@lovenottheworld5723]

Twenty years ago you had to get ultegra because the shifters lasted more than twice as long, but didn't cost twice as much as 105.

[@jirdesteva]

I'm looking to upgrading from Claris to 105. What problems might I run into? I have mechanical discs and would like to keep them.

[@RileyDao]

The only thing should be is to make sure your rear wheel is 11speed compatible. If youre upgrading every single component to 105, everything should work. Mechanical discs will work with 105 levers as long as they are the non hydraulic levers (r7020 are the hydraulic ones, r7000 is the mechanical)

[@jirdesteva]

@@RileyDao Thanks

[@GOlone9597]

Will still wait for Claris DI2

[@Sportivecyclist]

Yeah. Makes sense.

[@carlosvan21]

Because of supply issues (jan 2021)I ended up buying a 2nd hand carbon bike with 105 groupset then purchased a 2nd hand carbon wheel set.... at time it really was best I could do and got lot for 1000 euros .... Like others have said any more bike would be wasted on me....

[@streamdreams]

Listening to the carefully my take homes are; 1) Ultegra is better ok do you need / want it. 2) Upgrading piece by pice is not finically sound, better to buy a new bike. ( the will be because there are so many middle men trying to get a cut on each piece. This also applies to buying you own frame and building it up. Only create to day in C19 shortages is getting anything. I recently bout a wheel set and got the fron in Germany and the rear in the Netherlands just because of stock / availability. getting all in one place to build a bike. one royal pain in the ....... Finally the biggest reason for electronic - aerobars : have additional shifters on the aerobars when ultra / audax cycling - pure gold. FYI Aerobars are not use in this scenario for aero as much as giving different muscle groups a rest. Anyway thanks for clearing away a lot of the propaganda and BS

[@htmonaro1969]

I'm looking at getting a flat bar road bike, currently got a good offer on a Giant Fastroad SL 1 with 105. At 62, I'm not really looking to become a MAMIL (is there such a thing as an OMIL?), I'm actually a ultramarathon runner looking to easy my load and ride with my 21 yo son on his long runs, as well as commute to work 2 or 3 days a week on gravel roads while running less. That is clearly a lot of bike for what I want to do, but there is a serious pandemic induced supply problem right now, and it's very difficult to get anything other than a MTB. How do you think the 105 will perform in a quasi hybrid/gravel bike scenario as outlined above? The SL 1 rrp in Australia is $1499 and the dealer is offering it for $1550 with pedals and shoes. I get these will be low end, but I don't have anything atm, so that is a genuine discount for me.

[@stanislavvasic6799]

One thing on my mind: I am considering putting a crank based powermeter from Stages on my 105 groupset road bike. Unfortunately they only offer single sided (left) crank based powermeter for 105. Yet, they offer a double sided powermeter for ultegra crank sets. Is this compatible to my 105 crankset, provided the number of chain rings and teeth on each is the same? Thx

[@Sportivecyclist]

You'll want to check the exact Ultegra model (i.e. the number) and the exact 105 for compatibility - maybe ask on a forum or at a bike shop. I could replace my 105 crankset (5700) with the Ultegra version (6700) without a problem, and it should still work with *most* of the rest of the drivetrain (I'd need to buy new chainrings I think). I might be misunderstanding though - a double sided Stages power meter would basically replace the whole crankset I think.

[@ESHANABROOK]

Is there a durability difference, that is what might sway me? The higher end stuff has more ball bearings in them, I.E. durability etc.. My winter project, 2010 Ultegra to R8000.

[@Sportivecyclist]

No I don't think so. Your maintenance schedule probably has more influence than the underlying durability. I am not good at keeping on top of maintenance, so replacing 105 parts is cheaper than repeatedly changing Ultegra components because I haven't put the effort in to look after them

[@ESHANABROOK]

@@Sportivecyclist I have basically decided on 105 or R7000 (same thing) because of bike shops talking about drilling holes in my Habanero titanium bike frame to house the battery (in the seat tube) and the brifters have to be wired with cable brakes. My 2 cents. Keep riding!

[@samoreabhishek]

What will you choose ... , carbon frame with 105 R7000 or aluminium frame with ultegra R8000 ... ?

[@rangersmith4652]

My 2000 Allez Pro (before there was a Tarmac) has Ultegra 6500/6501, a 2x9 setup that is still very good. I suspect today's (mid-June 2022) 105 is better, but not enough better to upgrade this bike. If I buy a new road bike, it will very likely be 105 mechanical (Di2 105 has been "leaked/announced").

[@PopkosCZ]

I´m here on Sora R3000. Just tried in the shop bike with ultegra that was mounted on indoor trainer. Have to say that shifting rear derailleur was a bit more satisfying over the Sora, but I was expecting more.. btw the front derailleur felt exactly the same as on the Sora R3000.. that really got me. But when you look at them, they are very similar in design imho.

[@Silidons91]

Yeah but try adjusting those Sora derailleurs once they're out of spec....they're a pain in the ass.

[@AndrewTSq]

I have a Ultegra and a !05 and a Sora bike, and after I changed the gearcables on the Sora to some good ones, The shifting worked perfectly. I would say the ultegra feels like it changes gear quicker. I use Jagwire Pro on the Sora bike, (well on all my bikes) and never had any trouble with the shifting. Dont know why the Sora would be a pain in the ass to adjust, thought it was as easy as the 105 and Ultegra.

[@jeffroom]

105 vs Ultegra i dont think there alots different. Im from 105 to Campagnolo Chorus, damn alots of different...im not a strong rider, but the power transfer from my campy is so good especially climbing hills. But if you’re strong rider like a pro, any groupset will do the job.

[@LvanderM]

Is that a container in your garden?

[@JFomo]

Can i just swap out my 105 chain ring for an Ultegra? Or does it require other changes too?

[@CharlesCarlsonC3]

A fun video! I’ve been thinking about upgrading my LeMond Buenos Aires from 2001. It has R6700 or 6500 Ultegra and is a triple, that works great on the local hills. But parts are hard to find. So my question is what to do? I have another bike, a Moots titanium which is also great but it has SRAM components. Comparatively, I like the LeMond frame better. It’s steel. Love to hear your thoughts. Thanks

[@terbennett]

2001 model year means you're running 6500 triple. It has 9 speeds in the rear. You have three choices actually: replace parts with used or NOS Ultegra parts, replace parts with Shimano's more current Sora parts to keep it 9 speed, or replace entire groupset. That is a sweet bike and if I'm not mistaken, the Buenos Aires was one of the top of the line models.

[@chair1234567]

Ok he's got me. I subbed. Why does this always happen???

[@Sportivecyclist]

Watch this one and you'll want to unsubscribe: kzbin.info/www/bejne/q5a0momAf82piKM

[@chair1234567]

@@Sportivecyclist Ok, thank you👍

[@HooxNZ]

I got my 2002 giant tcr adv Pro 2 with carbon wheels and ultegra, TBH I'd prefer it had 105 and had cost me less... I want the quality of all the other upgrades especially the slr1 wheel set

[@jgogl9791]

Thanks Monty. Could you do the same for SRAM, I haven’t got a clue about their groupsets, particularly the electronic and x1 (one by) options. The only thing I’d add to your pithy analysis is that some of the fancier (ie lighter) frames of a range of a particular model only start at Ultegra. So, if you want the near pro-level frame and their lightest carbon, the entry level for that frame will be Ultegra.

[@tobiasvonseydlitz3852]

Well the price you'll be paying for that you shouldn't mind getting ultegra with it ;)

[@zhammmy]

I have a Cannondale CAAD 9 with 105 5600 gruppo, and I also have a 2015 Chinarello F8 with Ultegra 6700 gruppo, they are almost the same in performance, but the price difference is too big. It's like comparing a Toyota Camry to a Lexus ES 350.