Why is Specialized changing their components?

Does anyone know what's up with Specialized and their shimano components. I am looking for bikes. I am going to be riding an 06 Dolce Elite which has all Shimano 105 components and an 05 Dolce Comp which has all shimano ultegra (and a dura-ace rear derailluer).

So I did a little poking around on Specialized's website. For the 2005 bikes, the Dolce Elite has 105's and ultegra rear derailleur. The Comp is as stated above. The Expert has all Ultegra components.

For 2006, all the bikes have shimano 105 components (elite, comp, ruby comp) until you get to the Ruby Expert which has Ultegra components.

So my question is this: did they decide that everyone really likes the 105's so they don't move up to the ultegras until the really top end bikes, or is it a function of the cost of the components.

I ask because I'm wondering how much *better* are the ultegra components? Is it something that most folks really don't see a difference in? Or is it all a function of cost to the company?

Thanks in advance for all opinions and information!

Cathy

I am not 100% sure, but I think the new components, including the 105 are now 10 speed instead of 9. So that is an upgrade in itself. If I am not correct, someone please correct me.

JoAnn

I believe that it is a function of cost. Jo is right, the newer groups have moved up to 10 speed, and while I haven't checked the cost of the groups, I wouldn't be surprised at all if the manufacturers have changed their standard components because of the cost. Just out of curiosity, I checked online for prices for cassettes for the different Shimano road groups - since that is something that needs to be replaced often (although if you replace your chain before it gets to the replacement stretch sometimes you don't need to replace the cassette...). Anyhow, I found prices at $28 for a Shimano 105 cassette, $73 for Ultegra, and $162 for Dura-Ace. Obviously you can shop around, but I think you are still going to find that type of price difference between the groups.

I remember the last time I bought a non-custom bike having the LBS switch the components so that they were all the higher group. It was long enough ago that it was before Ultegra came out, but the bike had the equivalent of Ultegra front and 105 rear. I upgraded the rear. And I never got a reasonable explanation from the LBS about why the bikes were built with mixed level components.

The component groups really are different though. They are often made of different materials, and the more expensive groups are generally lighter.

--- Denise

I knew you ladies would have some answers for me! I didn't realize that the 105's had gone to 10 speed. I want to have as much knowledge and information as possible so I can make the best choice based on fit and function!!!

Thanks!
Cathy