Racing level 3 or 4 : Budget group to buy?

[LouisN]

Hi there, I'm doing a little racing in the summer (up here, we can ride from end of april to october) and am doing about 5000 km a year, mostly on flat and small hills. Most of the races are 40 to 60 km criteriums and short road races, 60-80 km.
My question is, for around $300., what's the best 6 piece group for the money? Is it better to buy a new 2007 105, or an old Ultegra?
Thanks for your insighs
LouisN

 

[Paulie-AU]

I race 9speed ultegra at a Cat 2 level and have no problems with it. As for performance, in theory the 9 speed Ultegra should be at least on par with 105 (evolution blah blah blah). I would actually think that internal components in shifters in Ultegra is still better than 105. Dura ace hasn't added magic parts and was fully sorted in 9speed guise.

 

[capwater]

It's all about the engine, mate. 105 has always been a great groupset in terms of price and performance. I'm still racing 9 speed Uletgra as well.