Shimano 105 or Ultegra

[MauiRockHopper]

I ride the 2006 version of 105 with an Ultegra rear, keep everything lubed and tuned and she shifts like a dream. I have over 5,000 miles on my bike right now and have only had a basic tune up and a routine bottom bracket service. My husband rides 2004 Dura Ace and said he thinks my 105 shifts *almost* as crisply. Save the money for spoiling yourself with new bike clothes unless you are hung up on labels. In my mind it is like spending less on a Toyota instead of Lexus. There are perks to the pricey one but the other is still a nice ride you will enjoy.

Thanks for posting, I drive a Toyota Matrix too even though my "dream" car would be the Lexus SUV. The Matrix is way more practical (30mpg, plastic cargo floors). Owning a Lexus is just for the image or status symbol. I guess the same theory on bikes

[ttaylor508]

I swapped out my FSA for Ultegra on my Ruby Expert and noticed a huge difference in the smoothness of the shifting. I had 105 on my Giant OCR 1 and it shifted nice, but I really think the Ultegra shifts better and is quiet.