Tiagra to Ultegra Shifter Upgrade - is it worthwhile?

[timbradley]

Hi all!

I'm currently running a Drive-train consisting of:

1. Tiagra 9sp double STI shifters
2. DA Front and Rear Mech
3. Truvativ Rouleur 53-39
4. Ultegra Cassette

I was thinking of upgrading the STI levers to 105 or Ultegra, but i wanted to know if it's actually worthwhile in terms of a difference in shifting performance - or is it mainly up to the derailleurs?

And will 10sp ultegra shifters work with my 9 sp drivetrain?

Cheers!

---------------------------------------------------------
http://www.tim-bradley.net

 

[Retro Grouch]

Hi all!

I'm currently running a Drive-train consisting of:

1. Tiagra 9sp double STI shifters
2. DA Front and Rear Mech
3. Truvativ Rouleur 53-39
4. Ultegra Cassette

I was thinking of upgrading the STI levers to 105 or Ultegra, but i wanted to know if it's actually worthwhile in terms of a difference in shifting performance - or is it mainly up to the derailleurs?

And will 10sp ultegra shifters work with my 9 sp drivetrain?

Cheers!

---------------------------------------------------------
http://www.tim-bradley.net

Why would you think that 10-speed shifters might work with a 9-speed drivetrain?

Shifting performance is a function of all of the parts working in concert. I doubt you will feel very much difference by upgrading just one part. Unless you have a CHEAP source for Ultegra 9-speed shifters I wouldn't think that it would be very cost effective.

 

[capwater]

If your Tiagra stuff is working fine, why bother? Functionally, the Tiagra, 105, Ultegra and even Dura Ace are the same (assuming we're all in the 9 speed world here). Now wanting to convert to 10 speed is another story and a thread topic that has been discussed here many, many times previously.

 

[timbradley]

OK then - you're probably right...I hate people who talk with reason

I guess saving the £150+ for the shifters is probably best...but what can I spend the money on instead???

 

[geoffs]

OK then - you're probably right...I hate people who talk with reason

I guess saving the £150+ for the shifters is probably best...but what can I spend the money on instead???

We wore out our Ultegra 9sp levers and changed to DA. There was a noticable difference. Then again they may ahve felt better due to the wear on the Ultegra. Try out a few bike at your LBS's and see if you can tell the difference. If you can then go for it.
I've just built up a new road bike with DA 10sp and the shifts are so smooth and crisp.

Cheers

Geoff

 

[meehs]

OK then - you're probably right...I hate people who talk with reason

I guess saving the £150+ for the shifters is probably best...but what can I spend the money on instead???

I agree you probably won't notice much (if any) difference switching your Tiagra brifters out for Ultegra. Spend your money on beer.

 

[capwater]

New 105s will shift better than old Ultegra or even D/A.