Ultegra vs. 105?

[Bike Goddess]

I have 105- 9 speed on my steel bike and Ultegra 10 speed on my Scott Carbon bike. Ultegra does shift more smoothly, but if that isn't a factor, then I'd stick with the 105. It's a good buy and a good product.

There is a catch here- the 10 speeds use a narrower chain and I have found that I need to replace the chain sooner than on my 9 speed 105. I can generally get about 4000 miles on my 105. I got about 2500 on the Ultegra and then had to replace the chain. It's a pain to know I have to keep an eye on my chain.

[alpinerabbit]

My boyfriend has 105 on his and he does not like it anymore.

Especially the front derailleur messes him up now and then, not responding and on the second go it will drop the chain into the small ring or something.

The LBS tried something to make it better, and did not really manage.

I've had Ultegra on my rental bike in Mallorca and it was smooth like my Campy Chorus.

[Starfish]

Hey everyone, thanks for all your input. I mostly asked out of curiosity and for future reference. I had read in another thread a comment that Ultegra is MUCH preferable to 105, and I didn't want to take that thread too far off topic, but I was curious, so posted here.

Appreciate the info! Learned some things here I didn't know, as usual!

[doc]

Hey everyone, thanks for all your input. I mostly asked out of curiosity and for future reference. I had read in another thread a comment that Ultegra is MUCH preferable to 105, and I didn't want to take that thread too far off topic, but I was curious, so posted here.

Appreciate the info! Learned some things here I didn't know, as usual!

I agree with what you read elsewhere. I had 105 and hated it. I now have ultegra and am in love. I tell my friends (use Long Island accent here) it shifts like butta (butter)