dksix

If given the choice between a low miles used 6700 or new 5800 group which would you choose? Cost would be about the same ($400), only optional difference would be 12-32 cassette with the Ultegra and 11-32 with the 105. The group be installed on a used frame of equal condition cosmetically to the 6700 FWIW. The Ultegra would have new chain, cables and housings.

BTSyndrome

Since all of my bikes are 10 sp w/ extra sets of wheels... easy choice. 10sp
If you only have one bike and have 11sp wheels, then the choice is... 11sp

JOrange

Having tried 6700 and raced with 5800, I have to say 5800 is excellent (bombproof actually)! Pair it with great cables and you have a group that will shift reliably and quickly.

CliffordK

I think it is a tossup.

Personally I'd be moving to the 11s. Plus, I like the 11T cassettes

Do both shifters have Aero cable routing?

Do you already have 11s wheels?

FeltF2Tarmac

5800 Is a better groupset. I have used 5700, 6700 and 5800. If it were me I would not think twice about it. If your wheels are only ten speed it's really more about do you want to spring for new wheels or not.

fa63

105 5800, hands down. 5700/6700/7900 were not the best iterations of Shimano groupsets.

dksix

Both have rear exiting cables, I assume that's aero cable routing.

Yes, my wheels are 11 speed compatible.

Jiggle

5800 no contest

Steve B.

I've had various Ultegra groups, 8/9/10 and find the 11spd 105 group as reliable and fine a shifting system. If anything, the front on the 5800 is the best I've ever used, easy to setup and smooth with a very light action. Overwhelmingly when I researched the 11 spd groups, the general consensenous was that 5800 was as good as 6800 and I've found that to be the case.

ridelikeaturtle

I recently pieced together a secondhand Ultegra 6700 10-speed groupset on my wife's bike, and I'm regretting it as I could've had a new 105 5800 groupset for about the same money and arguably better performance. Oh well, at least there's some "bling" factor in having Ultegra. But if I were to do it again, I'd go for the 105 group.

dksix

That's pretty much my story. I had already had Ultegra brakes and a new IRD cassette when I found what I thought was a great deal on the rest of the 6700 group. The partial group only cost me $275 out of pocket at this time but I value the used brakes and cassette that I already had at $60-$90. And that is real money as I will move the take off parts to another frame eventually and at that time I'll have to buy for that build.

I guess live and learn but having a clean use Ultegra probably won't be anything I regret. I do like the Ultegra gray better that 5800 black now that I have it but didn't expect to, not like it was a favorable factor when deciding to buy.

budgetbike

Sorry to side line this, although it seems clearly 5800 is the way to go, what shifting cables do you guys recommend?

dksix

I've used the Jagwire Pro Road kit all 3 times I've replaced or installed cables, have no complaints with them but I'm sure you couldn't go wrong with Shimano SS cables and compressionless housing (whatever model that is).

I just ordered from 365cycles.com, they have most colors in stock Complete Cable & Housing Kits | 365 Cycles
I don't know that they have the lowest price you'll find on that kit but they had a bar tape I wanted to try for the best price and I just got the cables while I was ordering since they were in stock.

budgetbike

Cool, thanks!

franswa

These have been great for me. Their brake cable/housing system is also impressive. Could stop an elephant if one were to ride my bike.

Yokozuna Jet Lubed Shift Cable and Housing Kit - Up to 70% Off | Steep and Cheap

Hiro11

Agreed. I have experience with 5700, 5800, 6600, 6700 and 6800. 6600 is actually my favorite with 6800 coming in second. 5800 is extremely similar to 6800. 5700/6700 are fine but not as good as any of the other options.