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Shimano Tiagra compared to Ultegra
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 2010-09-29 7:10 AM |
Member  308 |  Subject: Shimano Tiagra compared to UltegraWanted to get an opinion from the bike experts with regard to cranks. Relatively new biker so not as versed with all the options out there. I have a cannondale CAAD9 roadie which I love and has been great for me. I recently did a HIM and planning on doing a few next year with a IM tossed in there. Over this winter I wanted to upgrade some components on it. One of the things I was looking at was the crank. I honestly don't know too much about cranks in general but my bike came with a Shimano Tiagra. From what I have researched it seems solid, but I hear alot speak volumes about the Shimano Ultegra. A few questions: 1. I am not sure of cost and what it gets you. It looks like a couple hundred dollars and does it include the crank with derailleurs? 2. To be honest I am not sure what the benefits would be? Smoother shifting (the Tiagra is good anyways) or allowing be to spin up steeper hills? 3. If not this crank what would one recommend? 4. If upgrading a crank is not worth it, what should I consider upgrading on my roadie that won't break the bank? In all, I wonder if I should just save money for a tri bike? I honestly love the roadie and I think I'd like to get a few more HIM and IM Canada for 2011 before I make that leap. Besides my wife would kill me if I bought a tribike since I just got the CAAD9 earlier this year. :@) |
 2010-09-29 7:13 AM in reply to: #3123196 |
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| 2010-09-29 7:25 AM in reply to: #3123196 |
Resident Curmudgeon 25290   The Road Back Gold member | Subject: RE: Shimano Tiagra compared to Ultegra Upgrading components on an entry-level frame is akin to putting lipstick on a pig. No offense intended. Individual components are going to be relatively expensive and seldom are youu going to see performance benefits that warrant that cost. My advice is to never upgrade fuctioning components but rather save the money to put toward a new bike. |
| 2010-09-29 7:29 AM in reply to: #3123196 |
| Member 308 | Subject: RE: Shimano Tiagra compared to Ultegra Thanks, yeah I had that feeling to just save toward a new bike. I got some nice aerobars and rear hydration rack so that probably is enough. I can see myself getting new wheels, crank for a entry level frame which would be dumb. Thanks! |
| 2010-09-29 7:29 AM in reply to: #3123196 |
Champion 9407 Montague Gold Mines, Nova Scotia | Subject: RE: Shimano Tiagra compared to Ultegra Izlude - 2010-09-29 9:10 AM Over this winter I wanted to upgrade some components on it. Why - are the components worn out, do you want to improve performance or do you have upgrade fever? One of the things I was looking at was the crank. I honestly don't know too much about cranks in general but my bike came with a Shimano Tiagra. I have a Tiagra crank on my old road bike turned commuter and have no complaints with lots of miles on it. Unless there is a reason to upgrade the crank, I wouldn't worry about it. 1. I am not sure of cost and what it gets you. It looks like a couple hundred dollars and does it include the crank with derailleurs? Not sure what you are looking at but you would at least get a shiny new crankset that likely performs just as well as the one that is currently on your bike. 2. To be honest I am not sure what the benefits would be? Smoother shifting (the Tiagra is good anyways) or allowing be to spin up steeper hills? Not likely to have smoother shifting (unless things are poorly adjusted or overly worn). Unless you change the number of teeth in the rings, it will make no difference to your ability to ride hills. Now, if you currently have a 53/39 and go with a 50/34, that will make a difference in your gearing. 3. If not this crank what would one recommend? Unless it is worn out, I would stick with what you have. 4. If upgrading a crank is not worth it, what should I consider upgrading on my roadie that won't break the bank? Replace anything that is worn out and check the chain for stretch and cassette for wear; replace if necessary. Otherwise, put the money in a new bike fund. In all, I wonder if I should just save money for a tri bike? I honestly love the roadie and I think I'd like to get a few more HIM and IM Canada for 2011 before I make that leap. Besides my wife would kill me if I bought a tribike since I just got the CAAD9 earlier this year. :@) Upgrades are rarely worth it; especially in terms of performance. Replace anything that needs to be replaced and just get lots of time in the saddle. Shane |
| 2010-09-29 7:37 AM in reply to: #3123196 |
Champion 5868 Urbandale, IA | Subject: RE: Shimano Tiagra compared to Ultegra Gonna agree with Bill and Bear here. The only reason to change a crank is if it is broken. I would never upgrade components on a bike that worked well. A full upgrade to Ultegra is going to cost you in the neighborhood of $900 if you buy it altogether. If you buy each part (fr4om ebay or some such) you could probably get it for less, but not that much. Manufacturers get the parts for cheaper than what they sell to the public, so you will generally find the whole bike a much better deal. There will be a point this winter when you will find this years (or last years) tri bikes for $1500. That's the frame and all the parts and wheels for some $600 more. This happens every year as bike retailers attempt to get rid of the previous years models. Keep an eye on these boards as people will start posting about great bike deals they see. Buying a 2009 or 2010 tri bike is not going to place you out of sorts vs. a new 2011, but the price sure is a lot better. |
| 2010-09-29 8:36 AM in reply to: #3123196 |
Elite 3022 Preferably on my bike somewhere | Subject: RE: Shimano Tiagra compared to Ultegra I'm going to play devils advocate here. Spend money on your bike if it keeps you jazzed and riding. Upgrading your gear if you can find stuff really cheap, even on an entry level bike. I would probably not replace the crank, but if I found some cheap used ultegra f and r der, I would probably entertain the idea. Paying full price probably isn't worth it on any bike, much less entry level frame. |
| 2010-09-29 8:38 AM in reply to: #3123196 |
| Extreme Veteran 5722 | Subject: RE: Shimano Tiagra compared to Ultegra I have Tiagra on my road bike and Dura-ace on my tri bike, so we're talking the two extremes. In terms of smoothness of shift, performance......I cannot tell the difference. The only difference I can tell is the Tiagra is compact and the Dura-Ace non compact. Until this year I did not know there was a difference. When I started climbing a lot more hills I learned the difference. So if it's for performance, not worth the change. If you want to change your crank for a compact to better climb, I can see why. |
| 2010-09-29 8:51 AM in reply to: #3123196 |
| Pro 5011 Twin Cities | Subject: RE: Shimano Tiagra compared to Ultegra Keep in mind that Ultegra is 10 speed, and Tiagra is nine. You know, just if you start monkeying with your drivetrain and shifters and all. As far as componentry goes...the only time I've ever swapped out a crank on any of my bikes was b/c there was An Incident and the crank arms got stripped. I wouldn't go as far as saying swapping components on an entry level frame is lipstick on a pig--it depends on the frame--but if you've got an entry level bike, I'd probably just sell it or save up and eventually buy something new. And look at 105, if you want to save some money. Also...I haven't ridden it, but the new SRAM Apex is getting some good reviews, and is lower priced than 105, IIRC. If you wait a year, you oculd probably pick up an 11 bike at a cheap price. |
| 2010-09-29 10:06 AM in reply to: #3123196 |
| Regular 102 | Subject: RE: Shimano Tiagra compared to Ultegra I didn't think the CAAD9 was considered an entry level frame. While not carbon, it is a well respected frame, isn't it? |
| 2010-09-29 10:31 AM in reply to: #3123196 |
| Pro 5892 , New Hampshire | Subject: RE: Shimano Tiagra compared to Ultegra In general, I would agree with Bears comments not to spend too much money upgrading the components on an entry level frame. In this case though, the CAA9 is definitely not entry level... it's actually a really nice frame that deserves good components (i.e. the frame is definitely not the weak link). If it was my money, I would upgrade in this order... rear derailleur and shifters (just think about how many times you shift each time you ride!), no need to go high-end... stick with the middle/high mid of the brand range (ex. Shimano Ultegra, SRAM Rival, Campagnolo Chorus). Crank set, brakes and front derailleur, replace when the old one wears out. |
| 2010-09-29 11:17 AM in reply to: #3123196 |
| Member 308 | Subject: RE: Shimano Tiagra compared to Ultegra On the same note of upgrading, would it be worthwhile to change wheels out. I was thinking of the HED3 clincher wheel with a disc cover for the rear tire, which seems to be a popular option. It seems with the season coming to an end, it may be feasible to get used HED3 front wheel and get a disc cover. Much benefit? |
| 2010-09-29 6:46 PM in reply to: #3123196 |
| Extreme Veteran 635 Georgia | Subject: RE: Shimano Tiagra compared to Ultegra My caad 9-5 came with 105 and ultegra rear d. This has been a very solid good shifting setup. If it were me I doubt I'd bother going up to full ultegra since 105 has been so good. Dura ace maybe if the 105 ever gives out. And I agree the frame is nice enough to dress up. ,I'll take cdale alum over bargain carbon. |
| 2010-09-29 7:51 PM in reply to: #3123243 |
| Veteran 174 Southern New Hampshire | Subject: RE: Shimano Tiagra compared to Ultegra jdwright56 - 2010-09-29 8:37 Keep an eye on these boards as people will start posting about great bike deals they see. Buying a 2009 or 2010 tri bike is not going to place you out of sorts vs. a new 2011, but the price sure is a lot better. It's already happening. I picked up a 2010 Felt S32 for $999, a savings of $500 over the usual 2010 price as well as the 2011 price. The S32 has Ultegra rear and 105 front for derailleurs which work well together. |
| 2010-09-30 5:09 AM in reply to: #3123728 |
| Expert 1023 Ft Gordon, GA | Subject: RE: Shimano Tiagra compared to Ultegra tgrunnin - 2010-09-29 6:06 PM I didn't think the CAAD9 was considered an entry level frame. While not carbon, it is a well respected frame, isn't it? Completely agree. A CAAD9 is NOT an entry level frame or a"pig" at all  Darn good frame! As others have mentioned, Shimano 105 and Ultegra mix would be all that you need if you wanted to dress it up. But, for th money, I'd go with a set of decent wheels (not sure what you have currently). |
| 2010-09-30 7:07 AM in reply to: #3123915 |
| Pro 6582 Melbourne FL Gold member | Subject: RE: Shimano Tiagra compared to Ultegra Izlude - 2010-09-29 12:17 PM On the same note of upgrading, would it be worthwhile to change wheels out. I was thinking of the HED3 clincher wheel with a disc cover for the rear tire, which seems to be a popular option. It seems with the season coming to an end, it may be feasible to get used HED3 front wheel and get a disc cover. Much benefit? Yes, per all the recommendations out there. Just stay off eBay for the H3, I'm looking for and bidding right on front H3 clinchers right now!  |
| 2010-09-30 8:27 AM in reply to: #3123196 |
| Champion 9407 Montague Gold Mines, Nova Scotia | Subject: RE: Shimano Tiagra compared to Ultegra I agree that the CAAD9 is not an entry level frame, however I would still hesitate to upgrade components unless they are worn out if you are seeking a performance improvement. IIWY, I would replace drivetrain parts as they wear out (primarly chain and cassette) until your STI's fail. When they fail, I would look to upgrade the STI's to 10 speed (105, Ultegra or DA) and upgrade the chain and cassette to 10 speed. Your derailleurs and chainrings will work with the 10 speed setup until they are worn out and need to be replaced. As for the wheels, it depends on what you are hoping to gain but keep in mind that even the most aero wheel setup is likely to save you less than two minutes over 40km. Shane Edited by gsmacleod 2010-09-30 8:27 AM |
| 2010-09-30 12:23 PM in reply to: #3125485 |
| Master 2426 Central Indiana | Subject: RE: Shimano Tiagra compared to Ultegra gsmacleod - 2010-09-30 9:27 AM I agree that the CAAD9 is not an entry level frame, however I would still hesitate to upgrade components unless they are worn out if you are seeking a performance improvement. IIWY, I would replace drivetrain parts as they wear out (primarly chain and cassette) until your STI's fail. When they fail, I would look to upgrade the STI's to 10 speed (105, Ultegra or DA) and upgrade the chain and cassette to 10 speed. Your derailleurs and chainrings will work with the 10 speed setup until they are worn out and need to be replaced. As for the wheels, it depends on what you are hoping to gain but keep in mind that even the most aero wheel setup is likely to save you less than two minutes over 40km. Shane Wise advice. Currently having components from Sora to DA in my home's cycling stable, I think the functional differences from Tiagra through DA a darn small (except for T being 9sp). FWIW- I get more wear out of 9sp chains & cassettes vs my 10s gear, even though my 9s is my commuter/bad weather bike. |
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