Is Ultegra worth $150 over 105 on a new bike?
07-13-07, 03:28 PM
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Is Ultegra worth $150 over 105 on a new bike?
I'm getting close to a decision about a new bike. I'm OK buying last years models and saving a few dollars. I started out looking at aluminum frame bikes with carbon stays, but the local Giant dealers still have a few all carbon frame '06 and '05, OCR-C bikes that can be had in the $1500-1600 range. There are two bikes I've focused on. An 06 OCR-C3 and an 05 OCR-C Limited. The frames, wheels, brakes, cranks, stems, bars and seat post are identical. The only difference is the 06 OCR-C3 has 105 10 speed derailers, chain and shifters and Fizik Vitesse saddle. The Limited has Ultegra shifters, chain and derailers and a Sella Royal Viper saddle. The 05 Limited is $150 more than the OCR-C 3. So the question is: Is the 05 Limited with Ultegra worth the extra $150 or should I save the differnce, buy a year newer bike with 105 equipment? I've looked at other brands of bikes. None of the all carbon offereings offer a price anywhere close to the Giant OCR models. Thanks for your comments.
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07-13-07, 03:35 PM
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07-13-07, 03:38 PM
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The realy benefit would be some small weight savings between the Ultegra 10-speed and 105 10-speed (I don't know about the saddles). That being considered, if you're willing to shell out the extra $150 for approx 15 GRAMS difference according to Performance (Ultegra brifters=490, RD=209, FD=89, Cassette=217) (105 brifters=500, RD=221, FD=80, Cassette=??), then go for the '05 Limited.
Personally, the '06 with 105. You'll probably want to change the saddle out regardless.
Personally, the '06 with 105. You'll probably want to change the saddle out regardless.
07-13-07, 03:41 PM
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Go with the 105 - save the $150 for other more practical upgrades.
07-13-07, 03:44 PM
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there is a performance difference between 105 and ultegra
105 is good bang for the buck, but ultegra is the baseline for the real quality groupsets
105 is good bang for the buck, but ultegra is the baseline for the real quality groupsets
07-13-07, 03:50 PM
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For $150 I would go for the ultegra every time.
There is more to it than just weight.
There is more to it than just weight.
07-13-07, 04:02 PM
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Originally Posted by 80vette
For $150 I would go for the ultegra every time.
There is more to it than just weight.
There is more to it than just weight.
07-13-07, 04:04 PM
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Originally Posted by 80vette
For $150 I would go for the ultegra every time.
There is more to it than just weight.
There is more to it than just weight.
I noticed no one seems to think I should be concerned about paying more for the '05 model vs the 06. That's interesting and good to know. Thanks for the comments and please keep them coming.
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07-13-07, 04:12 PM
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Yes.
07-13-07, 04:12 PM
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It seems to me that Ultegra is made of better materials and manufactured to closer tolerances. It's not a HUGE difference, but it's the difference between shifts that are just a little sloppy/loose and shifts that are crisp and immediate. It also seems that Ultegra holds its crispness longer before wearing out. For $500 difference? Go with 105. For $150? Ultegra, every time.
07-13-07, 04:12 PM
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Originally Posted by Frunkin
there is a performance difference between 105 and ultegra
105 is good bang for the buck, but ultegra is the baseline for the real quality groupsets
105 is good bang for the buck, but ultegra is the baseline for the real quality groupsets
I'd say sink the $150 into a better seatpost, stem and bars. That'll drop your weight considerably as Giant uses some low-level stuff in those categories, and as I've heard from many people for the last 12 months that 10-speed 105 is better than 9-speed Ultegra, I wonder even more.
I'm more apt to chalk it up to successful marketing hype than a real performance gain.
07-13-07, 04:20 PM
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Originally Posted by roccobike
So the question is: Is the 05 Limited with Ultegra worth the extra $150
... Brad
07-13-07, 04:29 PM
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Yes. That's a nice frame and Ultegra is a good match. It's not as though you're putting nice components on a gaspipe frame.
07-13-07, 04:36 PM
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Originally Posted by ryanspeer
I'm not so sure that in a blind ride test that most of us would have even a clue. I'm not saying there are NO differences, but I wonder if they're more marketing hype than anything else sometimes.
I'd say sink the $150 into a better seatpost, stem and bars. That'll drop your weight considerably as Giant uses some low-level stuff in those categories, and as I've heard from many people for the last 12 months that 10-speed 105 is better than 9-speed Ultegra, I wonder even more.
I'm more apt to chalk it up to successful marketing hype than a real performance gain.
I'd say sink the $150 into a better seatpost, stem and bars. That'll drop your weight considerably as Giant uses some low-level stuff in those categories, and as I've heard from many people for the last 12 months that 10-speed 105 is better than 9-speed Ultegra, I wonder even more.
I'm more apt to chalk it up to successful marketing hype than a real performance gain.
07-13-07, 04:38 PM
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07-13-07, 05:10 PM
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I have an '06 105 Scott and an '05 Ultegra Ridley. I can definitely tell a difference in the engineering. When the 105 is dialed in, it works great, but I have to tweak it every few days to keep it running perfectly. If you
1.know how to adjust derailleurs really well,
2.don't mind taking the time to do it, and
3.don't think that $150 is a lot of money,
then get the 105. If any of those are no, get the Ultegra. The Ultegra is a lot less hassle.
1.know how to adjust derailleurs really well,
2.don't mind taking the time to do it, and
3.don't think that $150 is a lot of money,
then get the 105. If any of those are no, get the Ultegra. The Ultegra is a lot less hassle.