Tiagra offers excellent value for money but 105 is certainly the better groupset and we'd recommend going for it if your funds allow because of the better brakes, the small weight saving and the upgrade to 11-speed.
Dura-Ace Di2 (9150)
Making the best just a little better (if you like the idea of electronic gear shifts), Dura-Ace Di2 is the flagship Shimano groupset and demonstrates the current zenith of groupset technology. It's light, it works well, and it's used by pro riders in the world's biggest races.Tiagra offers excellent value for money but 105 is certainly the better groupset and we'd recommend going for it if your funds allow because of the better brakes, the small weight saving and the upgrade to 11-speed.
Although Ultegra is more expensive, all of the same technology features in 105, and you operate them in exactly the same way. The differences are mainly down to materials used, and because of this 105 components are a little heavier.
Shimano Road Groupsets: The Hierarchy
- Before we begin, here's a brief explanation of gearing systems: Front gears.
- SHIMANO CLARIS: Introduced around this time last year, Shimano Claris 2400 replaced the simply named entry-level '2300' groupset.
- SHIMANO SORA:
- SHIMANO TIAGRA:
- SHIMANO 105:
- SHIMANO ULTEGRA:
- SHIMANO DURA ACE:
Tiagra offers excellent value for money but 105 is certainly the better groupset and we'd recommend going for it if your funds allow because of the better brakes, the small weight saving and the upgrade to 11-speed.
Essentially, the Tiagra is a better option if you want a slightly lighter and quicker groupset. If you want a mix of performance and value, opt for the Sora. If you are looking for more performance (without having an 11-speed groupset), opt for the Tiagra.
The shifters have two levers – a big one, and a smaller little one behind it. The left shifter controls the front derailleur, and thus the chainrings. From Tiagra onwards, to change into a larger chainring, adding more resistance, you press in with the biggest lever.
There is no longer any real technological difference between 105 and Ultegra, and the only real difference is that Ultegra is a lighter groupset. That means we have 2 answers to the question of 105 versus Ultegra. If you want to make, a cash value judgment go for 105 if you want to save weight go for Ultegra.
Both 105 and Ultegra are 11-speed systems and there are many more similarities between them than differences. Although Ultegra is more expensive, all of the same technology features in 105, and you operate them in exactly the same way.
The main thing here it doesn't feel cheap or plasticky. In fact, it is very hard to distinguish between the new 105 and Ultegra. With the new Shimano 105 R7000 you get a good range of gears for both the front and rear. Anything from 11-25 to 34, though a long caged rear mech will be needed for the 34 tooth cassette.
There is no longer any real technological difference between 105 and Ultegra, and the only real difference is that Ultegra is a lighter groupset. That means we have 2 answers to the question of 105 versus Ultegra. If you want to make, a cash value judgment go for 105 if you want to save weight go for Ultegra.
Tourney components are reliable, long lasting, but on the heavy side, and may not shift as quickly or as smoothly as higher end stuff. A continuing difference as you go towards higher end is lighter weight, which eventually starts hurting reliability and life.
Shimano Claris put to the test. In use, Shimano Claris is a surprisingly adept performer. As you would expect considering the price, gear changes aren't quite as smooth and refined as Shimano's 'posher' options, but once set-up correctly, it all works very impressively. The rear shifting is probably the highlight.
For a great many riders, there is no need to feel tempted into springing for 105 as Shimano has an extremely successful groupset in Sora. It's smooth, reliable and will serve most riders well for many years.
No delay in shifting, works perfectly each time. Di2 was definitely worth it for me. Especially if you put in a lot of miles. I really like my Di2 and don't want to go back.
Chains might last about ~3000 miles for 10 speed units, you can usually get about three cassettes per chain if you keep an eye on chain wear (no more than 1/16" over 12" of chain).
Shimano's 1:1 ratio means the cable and derailleur move further during each shift. For many riders this leads to a crisper shift, translating into better feel and all-round robustness on muddy terrain and under load. SRAM works on the tighter tolerance of a 2:1 ratio.
The 10 Best Road Bike Cranksets
- Shimano Dura-Ace FC-9000. REVIEW.
- Sugino XD600. REVIEW.
- FSA K-Force Light 386. REVIEW.
- Shimano 105 Triple. REVIEW.
- Origin8 XLT Road. REVIEW.
- Sram S300 Courier. REVIEW.
- Vuelta Corsa Comp SQ. REVIEW.
- Shimano M361 Hybrid. REVIEW.
SRAM's groupsets are sought-after for their industry-leading weight-saving properties. SRAM's latest groupset is the NX Eagle which offers an affordable 12-speed option. Eagle XX1 is SRAM's top-end drivetrain collection, used by many professional riders in elite competition.
It is because they can be rebuilt and that with care they last forever. Yes other components can also be rebuilt but they are also very expensive. I am personally fine with my 105/ultegra mix. Most newer campy stuff cannot be rebuilt anymore.
The main difference between Claris and Tiagra or 105 is in the number of gears. You can get much closer ratios for the same gear range. The crankset will also be a bit stiffer and the brakes better. Shifting will be a little bit smoother but Claris isn't bad at all in this regard.
The top of the range mountain bike groupset from Shimano, Deore XTR takes full advantage of all the firm's off-road component innovations. As well as being incredibly light, Deore XTR comes as an 11-speed option and offers superb performance as well as incredible looks.
Of all the top-of-the-range groups, SRAM RED is the lightest on the market at 1,747g. SRAM RED eTap launched in 2015, a wireless electronic version of the 11-speed RED groupset.
Upgrading your crankset typically means shedding grams, improving stiffness, and often getting much better craftsmanship and materials. Usually resulting in improved performance both under load and not under load.
Average speed - indications
Most cyclists can achieve 10-12 mph average very quickly with limited training. More experienced, short-medium distance (say 20-30 miles): average 15-16 mph. Reasonable experience, medium (say 40 miles): average around 16-19 mph.Assuming you're on flat and windless courses and are riding while holding the hoods on a road bike, sustaining a steady speed of 20 mph appears to be equivalent to running at 8.35 mph (7:11 per mile).
$1K USD for 8050 Di2 shift parts is a bargain. New parts are around $1,500. If you are leaning toward Di2 now, just get it.
Both Shimano and SRAM offer similar ranges, and usable tech. SRAM are the cool kids on the block, and are often first to market – the big gold Eagle cassette launched in 2016, for example, that's already trickling down to cheaper groupsets. Shimano are more conservative.
There's no reason to replace your bike outright when you already enjoy riding it; making improvements is the way to go. Other times, though, your bike might simply be too old to upgrade easily. If it isn't, though, you should think carefully before stripping parts off the frame.
