105 vs Ultegra

[SomeOrdinaryGuy]

On a quest for my first 'new generation' road bike.
Have couple of bikes in the shortlist, and specifically two of them are pretty similar yet Shimano 105 vs Ultegra makes considerable difference in price. Is Ultegra worth the extra $ or naah?

[Zviedrs]

(07-11-2019, 08:19 PM)SomeOrdinaryGuy Wrote:  On a quest for my first 'new generation' road bike.
Have couple of bikes in the shortlist, and specifically two of them are pretty similar yet Shimano 105 vs Ultegra makes considerable difference in price. Is Ultegra worth the extra $ or naah?

I have full Ultegra on my road bike and I can't be more satisfied with it & it's worth it. However, I haven't experienced other road groupsets in wider time-span, so can't really compare. Naturally the easiest comparison point is the weight saving, but not everyone comprehends or absorbs its benefits.

Personally, I think that Shimano 105 is certainly a quality/reliable choice + popular among new generation newbies. For road bike I wouldn't go under it, with the entry groupsets of Sora/Claris (corresponding other components + frame = not the best comfort). Only in case when I will go into the cyclo-cross. It would be best to know which two bike models are you talking about?

[Nigell]

You have to look at the whole bike; have to know the models to give an advice.

[SomeOrdinaryGuy]

(07-12-2019, 07:54 PM)Nigell Wrote:  You have to look at the whole bike; have to know the models to give an advice.

Alright, a comparison for example here. I understand that the frames on different levels though:

Trek Emonda SL 6 on sale: https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en_US/bikes/road-bikes/performance-road-bikes/%C3%A9monda/%C3%A9monda-sl/%C3%A9monda-sl-6/p/24012/?colorCode=black_grey

Trek Emonda ALR 5 Disc: https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en_US/bikes/road-bikes/performance-road-bikes/%C3%A9monda/%C3%A9monda-alr/%C3%A9monda-alr-5-disc/p/24166/?colorCode=purple

[J_R_Schultz]

I used to have a Carbon Trek with 105. I now have an aluminum Giant with Ultegra. I found that my preference is to have better components on my bike over a lighter frame given similar price. I love my Ultegra. Such smooth shifting and great brake feel.

[SomeOrdinaryGuy]

(09-26-2019, 09:51 PM)J_R_Schultz Wrote:  I used to have a Carbon Trek with 105. I now have an aluminum Giant with Ultegra. I found that my preference is to have better components on my bike over a lighter frame given similar price. I love my Ultegra. Such smooth shifting and great brake feel.

Thanks for the tip. Is it full Ultegra or a mix?

[J_R_Schultz]

(10-21-2019, 11:15 AM)SomeOrdinaryGuy Wrote:  

(09-26-2019, 09:51 PM)J_R_Schultz Wrote:  I used to have a Carbon Trek with 105. I now have an aluminum Giant with Ultegra. I found that my preference is to have better components on my bike over a lighter frame given similar price. I love my Ultegra. Such smooth shifting and great brake feel.

Thanks for the tip. Is it full Ultegra or a mix?

Sorry for late reply. It's a 2013 Giant TCR SL1 with almost full Ultegra. The cassette is 105.