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I’m building up a new road bike for going to work on and busting some quick road miles on when I’ve not got time to go on my mountain bike. I’m part way through the build and so far have-
Frame - Focus Cayo
Wheels - Velocity A23 rims on Strada hubs with DT spokes
Tyres – Conti Gatorskins for commuting duty
Chainset – 105
STIs – Tiagra 10 speed
Rear Mech – 105
I am part decided on the some of the remaining build parts but I am mulling over the benefits of spending extra on certain items as to whether there is a performance benefit that justifies the price.
Tiagra or 105 brakes? There is a £13 difference and while this isn’t a lot on its own it all adds up, but are the 105s better stoppers?
Tiagra or Ultegra cassette? Both of these offer 12-30 ratios that I want but there is £17 difference to save about 50g?
Cheap Chinese carbon seatpost or Branded Alloy? Same price but will the carbon be comfier as well as lighter?
I’ve got some old compact drops but pondering some comfier ones such as the Easton Ergos – anyone used these?
Front mech is the easiest part as a 105 can be had at CRC for Tiagra money as can an Ultegra chain.
Having both Tiagra and 105 brakes, I would say get the 105s - they definitely feel better in use. Cassette, I would go Tiagra for the sake of 50g - not worth the extra cost and it's something that will be replaced several times so no point going extra. Chinese carbon seatpost would be my choice.
no benefit in cheap carbon seatpost over alu.
I never spend on light transmission components prefer lighter tyres for consumables.
Dunno about the brakes but be aware of the cable pull change.
My Tiagra brakes seized in months, as did their replacements, 105 infinitely better. Come with cartridge pads too, so you recoup your £13 in no time.
I'd get the lighter cassette myself, cheap 50g and they last for ages.
Chainset – 105STIs – Tiagra 10 speed
personally i would spend the money on STIs over chainset.
105 STIs will offer hidden cable management, whilst the Tiagra will not, (unless they have been updated 2015).
From a pure aesthetic point of view hidden cables are so much nicer.
Come with cartridge pads too,
You'll be able to easily swap the standard pads for something better if you find they're not up to scratch - as it sounds like you'll be riding in the wet.
Personaly I'd just get a 5800 groupset if the budget stretches to it. The Strada wheels are £300, the hubs are generic novatechs so you could get them for £60/pair off ebay and build that wheelset yourself for <£150. That £150 saving would pay for the groupset upgrade
OK thanks.
I like stopping and ride everyday whatever the weather, so the extra here sounds worthwhile getting the 105 calipers. Koolstops are on the shopping list too...
Tiagra cassette here we come!
I need to do homework on the seat post.
As for STIs they were secondhand and concealed cables can equal cable friction... I am running 8 speed Soras at mo so should be better!
As for STIs they were secondhand
fair enough - they'll be fine anyway. i thought you meant "already have" as i've decided not, i've got....
Thisisnotaspoon I bought wheels secondhand for the money professionally built.
Personaly I'd just get a 5800 groupset if the budget stretches to it.
See Ribble have the 5700 105 for £300 or the 5800 for 315 if you want 11 sp. Is it really that much cheaper to buy bits of Tiagra and bits of 105?
Either that or classifieds. I've two very lightly used 5700 105 chainsets in 170 and 175 from some crank length experimentation sitting in the parts box that I could do a good price on 🙂
Edit...
105 STIs will offer hidden cable management, whilst the Tiagra will not,
Upgraded my old winter bike from Tiagra STI to 105 recently. I do rather miss the barrel adjusters on the hoods and the ease of replacing outers. They're on my turbo bike now and still work well.
being? and colour?mrblobby - MemberI've two very lightly used 5700 105 chainsets in 170 and 175 from some crank length experimentation sitting in the parts box that I could do a good price on
From a pure aesthetic point of view hidden cables are so much nicer.
And don't shift as well. And don't have barrel adjusters. Tiagra 10 speed are excellent. I'd prefer some blanking for gear indicator windows, but a small price to pay. 11 speed 105 has better cable management than 10 speed and is back up tp external cable shifting, apparently.
being? and colour?
Silver, with 53/39. 45 quid plus whatever postage is.
Interesting, may take you up on the 175. Will revert shortly.
My choice of cranks was largely influenced by my dislike of the aesthetic of the Tiagra chainset and the gopping large chainring.
Ribble has some good deals on groupsets.. full ultegra for £459
mrblobby, cheers for the chainset details - I'm going to give it a miss but thanks anyway.