jinnjia

Hi, can you help me make a decision about the following two bikes, basically it is the parts that I am trying to compare if the difference justify the $1000. It is the 2011 Cannondale Supersix 105 vs Ultegra.

For $1000 less, I get the new 105 group with Aksium wheels, or the Ultegra with Ksyrium Equipe for $1000 more.

Am I better off save the $1000 with the 105 and buy a much better wheels, or do you feel a decent bike should at least come with Ultegra group ? I am a recreational rider doing about 50 miles a week with some climbing and decent, I find the new 2011 Supersix with 105 a very good deal but not so sure if 105 is good enough, the previous 105 was good, but I tend to hesitate using the new released products especially this time Shimano were able to reduce the cost while making the improvements, I hope the material used has not been affected.

Any comments or idea will be much appreciated !

AngryScientist 

105 is good stuff, especially if its the new stuff with the hidden shifter cables, they will provide years of reliable service. for a $1k price difference, i would definitely get the 105 bike, buy some really nice wheels, and still have the aksiums as a back-up wheelset, along with some $$ still in my pocket.

blindfolded i doubt anyone could tell the difference in shifting between the new 105 and ultegra.

tagaproject6

There is absolutely nothing wrong with the 105 group. As a recreational rider, you will not notice a difference. Save your $1000 for something else.

LowCel 

I agree. If you are only riding 50 miles per week I wouldn't even worry about upgrading wheels.

longbeachgary

Yeah, I agree that 105 is perfect for what you are doing now and probably for even in the future.

intence

Get the 105, moving to Ultegra + Equipes isn't worth $1k. Maybe not even $500.

How much is the MSRP on the 2011 Super Sixes if you don't mind my asking?

I would get the 105, sell off the wheels (brand new) and buy some nicer wheels for whatever you get for the Equipes plus maybe $200, for a very sweet ride

jinnjia

The 105 will be priced at around $2000 where the Ultegra will be at $3000, they should be available in store at around middle of September.

Thank you for all your kind replies !!

jinnjia

Sorry, I forgot to also mention the crank difference, FSA Gossamer vs FSA SL-K Light Carbon, I dont have much faith in the Gossamer, in this case should I still opt for the 105 ?

kleinboogie

I'm assuming you're getting the Supersix because of stiffness and not weight savings. If that's true then 105 is fine. $1K for Ultegra, wheels and crank doesn't seem like a major upgrade. GL

tagaproject6

Why the lack of faith?

eric01

The 2011 should come with the 5700 version of 105 (newly refreshed for 2011). Looks like pretty good stuff based on the reviews / previews I've read.

Oh and re: the goassamer crankset -- its pretty good. Used to run a version a while back. Its FSA's carbon cranks that have a spotty reputation. Some models were great (the original carbon pro compact, from Tyler Hamilton fame), some models not so much. I haven't personally used some of the more recent carbon versions. I had an older slk that had some strange alignment issues.

intence

You can buy a new crank for $200, minus whatever you sell the Gossamer for. I'd still get the 105, and if you must spend the other $1000, you can upgrade wheels + Crank + anything else that isn't full 105.

krtassoc

I visited my LBS a few days ago and was given a look at the 2011 USA catalog. Besides the Super Six Shimano 105 5700 there is also a SRAM Rival/Force mix Super Six (Force crank set, Aksium wheels) priced at $2,400. I was also told that the Ultegra version of the Super Six is $2,700.

RiPHRaPH

get the 105. Then you've got a decision to make. When I bought my bike, I took my Ksyrium Elite's and sold them on ebay before I ever used them for $400 and upgrade immediately. Even if you wanted to upgrade, you could upgrade the rear derailleur, cassette and chain later if needed.

You could always upgrade components as you increase your passion and miles per week.
And a new Super Six is a good way to increase the passion.

Sylv

I disagree, there's quite a noticeable difference in the front derailleur performance. But with that said, 105 is a perfectly functional and durable group and should fit the OPs needs just fine.

Blaireau

Save your money. 105. When you ride more, get better wheels. Will cost less than $1000.

makeitso5005

Since it's a 2011 and it's coming via LBS ask to see how much the LBS will charge you to change out the crank to a 105 or Ultegra while they keep the FSA with 0 miles on it. BTW I say get the 105 equipped bike too.

datlas 

I agree, get the 105 unless you have money to burn.

jinnjia

Got it !
But since its a BB30, I dont think Shimano's crank can fit without some adaptors ?
I dont understand why Shimano havent thought about the BB30 which SRAM has also looked into.

Thanks again for your suggestion !

jinnjia

Wow really !!??
For the 2011 Supersix non Hi-Mod, I was only told of Ultegra ($3000) or the 105 ($2000), if Force is available for $2400, I really think this could be the real deal !

makeitso5005

If they only have BB30 then pick up a SRAM Rival/Force/Red crank then or really, whatever crank you think you'll be happy with. Most LBS will work with you to get you what you want on the bike at a decent upgrade cost. Better than always worrying about something on your bike.

Slowrollin'

Get the 105 and send me the 1K for lap dances!!

Mike

jinnjia

What I don't understand is, Rival gruppo is priced lower than the 105, and while the Force crank is much better than the Gossamer, but it doenst really make up the $400 difference. Even the new 2011 105's price has been reduced, but still.......
Maybe Shimano's product has a much bigger profit margin which can allow the bike manufacture to get a bigger discount compared to the SRAM ?

intence

Are you also posting over on RoadBikeReview? I suspect Shimano gives bigger discounts to manufacturers than SRAM. So they probably sell to Cannondale to far less than MSRP, while SRAM might be a bit closer or whatever. Also 5700 is supposedly being sold to OEMs for a bit less than 5600.

Get the 105, eBay the parts as brand new. Buy SRAM parts. I've done this with 2 Cannondales in the past. It's a lot of hassle, but you get the bike equipped the way YOU want it. Just don't ride it when you first get it, remove the parts so they can be sold as new take-offs, then buy the parts you need. You should be able to equip it with FULL rival (as opposed to off-brand brakes or cranks or whatever) or even with a Force Crank for a decent price.

jinnjia

Thanks fo your adivse, much appreciated !
Yes, I also post under RoadBikeReview