components - I'm confused

[btchance]

I'm looking into getting a road bike to do some triathlons and longer road rides on instead of just my MTB. I've just started test riding some bikes (Fuji and Felt) and am going out tomorrow to hit a few other brands. My problem is that I need to keep the price down (I can go up some if I need to, but I'd prefer not). Right now I'm thinking about Shimano 105, but I've also looked at a few bikes with ultegra, which the LBS recommends if I can swing the price, while my penny-pinching side says to look at the Sora. My question is how much of a difference is there between these? About all I know is the order they go in, and that I haven't been happy with the shifting on my MTB, which has Acera as it always seems to need adjusting.

Do you ladies have any of your oh so useful knowlege to pass on about the differences here for me

[Eden]

I have only personal experience with 105 and Dura Ace, my husband has a good deal of Ultegra on his bikes.

105 is solid, works and is a good value for the performance, but it can be fiddley when you start getting high mileage on it. My derailleurs started getting hard to adjust after about a year and a half - but I put a lot of mileage on the bike - at least 4,000 miles, not counting all of the trainer time during the winter and the times I forgot to put on the computer or it wasn't working.
My new bike has Dura Ace on it - this was a big jump for me - WOW is all I can say, every thing about it is crisp and smooth smooth smooth. I especially like the brakes - they are much better than the 105's, which were a bit grabby for my tastes.
My husband says Ultegra is right in between, it feels more like 105 - solid though not so crisp, but is reliable like Dura Ace.

some of the differences can be subtle - like the jockey wheels on the 105 rear derailleurs have metal bearings and the ultegras have ceramic ones. My (105) jockey wheels were always getting squeaky because I was riding in the rain alot and no matter how well I dried everything it was hard to keep the grit and water from messing up those bearings.

[Fredwina]

With Sora , you get only 8 speeds on the rear. Sora also has different shifters , with the "downshift" levers on the inside(you use your thumbs) instead of behind the brake levers.
My main bike has a mix of 105(shifters, Brakes, and Front Derailleur) and Ultegra, but it's older 9speed stuff, I've got about 12,000 on her and she still shifts fine. I did replace the cables, though.
You may also want to look at Tiagra if you're on a budget. It's Shimano's group between Sora and 105. It's 9 speed.

[kiwi girl]

My (105) jockey wheels were always getting squeaky because I was riding in the rain alot and no matter how well I dried everything it was hard to keep the grit and water from messing up those bearings.

Maybe this is my problem. My rear derailer is 105 and my bike has developed an annoying squeak. I cleaned and lubed the chain a couple of times to no avail - at one stage I thought I had traced the squeak to the jockey wheel, but when lubing that didn't help I started to wonder.

Is there anything particular you do to clean them in this situation?

[Eden]

Maybe this is my problem. My rear derailer is 105 and my bike has developed an annoying squeak. I cleaned and lubed the chain a couple of times to no avail - at one stage I thought I had traced the squeak to the jockey wheel, but when lubing that didn't help I started to wonder.

Is there anything particular you do to clean them in this situation?

Mine were sounding like a little flock of birds chirping every time I shifted. Lubing helps for a little while - you have to take the jockey wheels completely off to clean and lube the bearing inside. We use something pretty heavy to lube them - Dumonde Tech Liquid Grease (my husband calls it smurf snot because its blue ), but I eventually had to replace mine completely when winter was over. They had worn to the point that the hole was no longer round- it was oval! They aren't terribly expensive - about $15 US for a set of 2.

[bcipam]

I realize one of the price points on bikes are components but if you can swing it - get full Ultegra (at least). You will never have to upgrade if you do. It works well and is very reliable. Then when you have some money - buy good wheels and you are set!

Note new Ultegra is 10 speed. Talk about smooooooth shifting! It's pretty close to the Dura Ace 9 speed in performance.

[annie]

Don't go with Sora! Seriously, if you can afford better, you will want to do so. Tiagra is acceptable. 105 is VERY acceptable and dependable and may be the best compromise between cost and performance. Ultegra is awesome and Dura Ace is exceptional!!! MOST of us do not need Dura-Ace (tho' we may covet it.) When price is a factor, get the best you can possibly afford. 105 will hold up smoothly for many, many miles. I had 105 components for over 30,000 miles, without changing anything but the chain and brake pads. Finally got a new bike and moved up to Ultegra. Could I tell the difference? I have to say, yes. Was it a HUGE difference? No. Noticeable, yes, because I ride so much that I am very sensitive to my ride. I can only imagine what Dura-Ace would be like. (Insert drool smilie here.) Point being, we make compromises between what we desire and what we can afford. Good luck in your choices.

annie