General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Shimano 105's vs Tiagra on Scott bikes Rss Feed  
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2006-02-06 7:08 AM

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Extreme Veteran
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Subject: Shimano 105's vs Tiagra on Scott bikes

Okay, looking at bikes Saturday. Got around 8-900 to purchase one. The LBS owner suggested that I purchase a Scott Speedster S30 which has Shimano 105 components for around 1100-1200 bucks. He said if I could go a little above my price range that it would benefit me in the long run b/c it is has 10 gears? vs 8 or 9. And that the 8 or 9 is out of date-he compared it to a computer-if you went out to buy a computer today, you wouldn't buy a pentium II because they are so obsolete. You'd buy a more up-to-date one, and that's what I'd be getting with the Scott S30-the more up-to-date one.

So, my question is, is this he a great salesman, or is this true? Would I be better served by getting the Shimano 105's components on the Scott S30 ($1100-$1200 bike) versus the Tiagra componets on the Scott S40 (~$900 bike). The more expensive bike is really more than I wanted to spend, but if it's really that big a deal than I could cough up the extra. And, I'm currently riding a mountain bike, and I am an inexperienced cyclist.

And, I'm not sure why he suggested Scott bikes in the first place. I figured I'd be looking at a Felt or something, but Scott was the only brand we looked at.

Thanks.



2006-02-06 8:58 AM
in reply to: #339520

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, Texas
Subject: RE: Shimano 105's vs Tiagra on Scott bikes
First, if there is any other bike shops in your area, go to them all and ride as many bikes that are in your price range you can. You should never buy a bike wit it being the only one you've ridden.

For the 8 vs. 9 vs. 10 speed issure. In December I bought a new wheelset for my old, old bike. It came with a 8/9/10 speed compatable hub. Really, the differnece in a 8 speed and 10 speed cassette is that the 10 speed will offer more of the "in-between" gears. At least for the 9-speed, a 12-25 cassette comes standard. This gearing is available in both 9/10 speed (and 8speed for reference):
8speed: 12-13-15-17-19-21-23-25
9speed: 12-13-14-15-17-19-21-23-25
10speed:12-13-14-15-16-17-19-21-23-25

So, the low end and the high end are the same, but there are more choices in between with the more "speeds" offered.

But, the LBS guy was correct in stating that the 9-speed is no longer the "new" stuff. It is obsolete in the current 105 and up component lines. Heck, the Sora line is still on 8-speed.


PS. You should be able to get a 105 equiped bike for <$1000
2006-02-06 9:34 AM
in reply to: #339612

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Cycling Guru
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Subject: RE: Shimano 105's vs Tiagra on Scott bikes
A Tiagra bike that costs $900???

Rip off .........

You can easily find a 105 equipped bike for that.

And don't forget to calculate in your costs for all the accessories you'll need. They add up as well.
2006-02-06 10:13 AM
in reply to: #339520

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Subject: RE: Shimano 105's vs Tiagra on Scott bikes
First, I would definatly put 105 as minimum. The '06 105 has really improved and borrows a lot of technology from more expensive lines. Tiagra is not that nice... Cheap yes, and maybe for a touring bike it would be OK, but you will notice the diffence if/when you are racing and trying to give it your all... 105 is much better!

Second, you should easily be able to get yourself a 105 equipped bike for $1000. Either you shop around a bit at other dealers in your area (which sounds like a good idea with the pricing this dealer is quoting you) or go back and tell this dealer that either he drops the price to a more reasonable price or you will go somewhere else. But be ready to walk if you threaten him with it!
2006-02-06 6:02 PM
in reply to: #339520

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Subject: RE: Shimano 105's vs Tiagra on Scott bikes
Look for more bikes first, if you have cash spend it on an ultegra, you wont regret it in the future.
2006-02-06 6:55 PM
in reply to: #339520

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Subject: RE: Shimano 105's vs Tiagra on Scott bikes
Scott may have some cheaper bikes. At least compared to Felt.

From my limited experience, get the best you can afford. If you are not sure if you will stick with it, sure, just buy the cheapest bike and you will be happy. If you are the type to throw yourself into your riding, then you may want to opt for as much as you can afford.

No matter what you buy, it will get you down the road. More gears and lighter weight components will just do it a little better. From my riding on 8,9, and 10 speeds --I have decided the best money is spent on Ultegra 10 speeds. If I wanted to spend less, I would still opt for a 10 speed--- 105.

That being said, I love my Tiagra 9 speed. Nothing wrong with it. It's just not as nice a component group as the Ultegra and 105.

Have fun shopping

Snookdude

(No matter what you buy, in a year, you will want more.)



2006-02-06 8:09 PM
in reply to: #339520

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Champion
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Ottawa, Ontario
Subject: RE: Shimano 105's vs Tiagra on Scott bikes

If you CAN'T afford the 105, get the Tiagra.  It will serve you well.  If you CAN afford the 105, buy it.  It will serve you better! 

2006-02-08 11:53 PM
in reply to: #340183

Elite
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Laurium, MI
Subject: RE: Shimano 105's vs Tiagra on Scott bikes

i would most definatly get the 105 over tiagra.  It's a huge improvment in shift quality and crispness.

10 speed cassette???  ewwwwwww.  so much wrongness that I don't want to get into. 

2006-02-09 9:41 AM
in reply to: #339520

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Subject: RE: Shimano 105's vs Tiagra on Scott bikes

I'd say that if you are buying this bike as a temporary solution and don't rerally plan to stick with it more than 1-2 seasons then Tiagra would be fine.  If you're looking for a reasonably priced bike to last a while longer then the step up to 105 is a smart investment.  I can't comment on the particular Scott bikes you are looking at but they sound a bit overpriced to me.  I suggest looking around for an IronHorse dealer in your area.  They build quality bikes and typically sell for ~20% below a comparable model from the big names because they don't have...well, the big name.  The 2006 Exceslior looks to be a nice option.  I bought my girlfriend a 2004 Glory last year and it's a fantastic bike for the price.  It looks like there are still some available online...$900 with Ultegra shifters/levers and FSA cranks.  The Triumph Comp is $100 less and replaces the Ultegra with 105 components.  If you're willing to give up the included services that usually come with buying from your local shop (and it sounds like they aren't exactly looking to give you a reasonable price anyway) you can get a killer deal on a sweet bike.  Honestly, aside from putting it together and an initial fit, you really don't get a whole lot of additional service from buying locally.  I'd be willing to pay for the building and fitting to pick up one of these bikes:

http://www.bicyclebuys.com/Items01.asp?NavID=moreinfo&SKU=IHGL4PART

http://www.bicyclebuys.com/Items01.asp?NavID=moreinfo&SKU=IHTC4PART

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