Groupset information
Discussion
I am sure this has been gone over before, but I will ask anyway.
A little over 18 months ago I bought myself a shiny new bike (alu frame, tiagra equipped) thinking this will do me.
Anyway, inevitable upgraditus has set in and I think I want something carbon (in the spirit of riding upgrades rather than buying upgrades I won't be buying until my flabby girth of 13 stone has reduced to a 'healthy weight' 12 stone).
The majority of my riding is commuting or being out alone. Odd sportive here and there, and really need to extract the digit and join a club.
My rough looking around has lead me onto the planet x website, and the pro carbon frame, which is available at several different prices depending on groupset componentry.
Basically, for someone like me, is there any difference between a SRAM Rival set, and 105? I understand that 105 is meant to be me a little smoother in the change, but SRAM is lighter. There is an ultegra equipped bike, which I understand is like 105, but a bit lighter and smoother still?
Basically - will I notice a difference in usability between Rival and 105? For someone like me is Ultegra worth the premium?
Currently leaning toward SRAM rival as it is cheaper and lighter, but would appreciate some experience input.
A little over 18 months ago I bought myself a shiny new bike (alu frame, tiagra equipped) thinking this will do me.
Anyway, inevitable upgraditus has set in and I think I want something carbon (in the spirit of riding upgrades rather than buying upgrades I won't be buying until my flabby girth of 13 stone has reduced to a 'healthy weight' 12 stone).
The majority of my riding is commuting or being out alone. Odd sportive here and there, and really need to extract the digit and join a club.
My rough looking around has lead me onto the planet x website, and the pro carbon frame, which is available at several different prices depending on groupset componentry.
Basically, for someone like me, is there any difference between a SRAM Rival set, and 105? I understand that 105 is meant to be me a little smoother in the change, but SRAM is lighter. There is an ultegra equipped bike, which I understand is like 105, but a bit lighter and smoother still?
Basically - will I notice a difference in usability between Rival and 105? For someone like me is Ultegra worth the premium?
Currently leaning toward SRAM rival as it is cheaper and lighter, but would appreciate some experience input.
If you're used to the Shimano shift system I'd go 105/Ultegra. SRAM uses double tap, I went for Ultegra on my RT58 purely because I didn't want to find myself going up hill one day and selecting the wrong gear 
The Ultegra definitely feels a bit nicer than the 105 when you're changing but if you go 'full' the choice of ratios is a little limited. I've actually fitted a 105 cassette instead of the Ultegra because I wanted to run 12/27 and you can't get Ultegra in that combination. I can't tell the difference TBH.
The Ultegra definitely feels a bit nicer than the 105 when you're changing but if you go 'full' the choice of ratios is a little limited. I've actually fitted a 105 cassette instead of the Ultegra because I wanted to run 12/27 and you can't get Ultegra in that combination. I can't tell the difference TBH.
The Pro Carbon has to be one of the most discussed bikes on forums. There isn't a huge amount of choice in your price range if you want Carbon and you certainly won't go wrong with the Planet X. Their customer service is a bit and miss and lead times can vary, but you just have to keep the pressure on.
I ride both SRAM Force and 105 and I prefer SRAM. The downshifts are quicker, but on the flip side it isn't as smooth as Shimano systems.
If you decide to go SRAM, you will learn the system system very quickly, so I wouldn't worry about switching brands. The double tap works very well IMO
If you want to go Shimano, I would go Ultegra as the brakes are much better than 105 IMO. I have ridden a Rival equipped bike, but to be honest I can't remember that much about the brakes.
I ride both SRAM Force and 105 and I prefer SRAM. The downshifts are quicker, but on the flip side it isn't as smooth as Shimano systems.
If you decide to go SRAM, you will learn the system system very quickly, so I wouldn't worry about switching brands. The double tap works very well IMO
If you want to go Shimano, I would go Ultegra as the brakes are much better than 105 IMO. I have ridden a Rival equipped bike, but to be honest I can't remember that much about the brakes.
I run both SRAM and Shimano but Force and Claris, and have ridden other Shimano gruppos. SRAM hoods are more comfy to me, and the shifting is faster, it also needs less of a push to engage the next gear. However Shimano feels smoother to shift and seems to be cheaper for the same (theoretical) quality.
I don't think the double tap shifting is a problem though, you learn it pretty fast and I can switch between the two pretty easily now.
I don't think the double tap shifting is a problem though, you learn it pretty fast and I can switch between the two pretty easily now.
jamiebae said:
I run both SRAM and Shimano but Force and Claris, and have ridden other Shimano gruppos. SRAM hoods are more comfy to me, and the shifting is faster, it also needs less of a push to engage the next gear. However Shimano feels smoother to shift and seems to be cheaper for the same (theoretical) quality.
I don't think the double tap shifting is a problem though, you learn it pretty fast and I can switch between the two pretty easily now.
Ditto, I run SRAM Force (Now a mix of RED / Force) on my nice bike, Rival on my commuter / Audax bike and Apex on my CX.I don't think the double tap shifting is a problem though, you learn it pretty fast and I can switch between the two pretty easily now.
Not a fan of Rival, I actually prefer the Apex (hard to put my finger on exactly why). Force / Red is lovely however.
The hoods are very different in feel to Shimano and I've got mine set up "just so".
I also have a bike with a Sora groupset (hasn't missed a bear despite endless abuse and sod all maintenance) and have ridden 105 and Ultegra. Nothing wrong with them, not a fan, I like the separate brake and shift levers.
The brakes for all of the above though are terrible compared to SRAM red callipers with Swisstop green pads - you need these. If not the callipers then at least the pads will make the biggest change to your bike regardless of the ones you've fitted.
Honestly though upgrading groupset (unless you're making changes like a medium cage mech for a much large rear cassette etc) will make the smallest difference in your bike.
If I'm honest, Sora is "good enough". Wheels, tyres, Frame, contact points and brakes will make the biggest changes you can feel.
I agree, Sora is indeed good enough for most, and my only reason for planning to use 105 over Tiagra is aesthetic - I don't like the brake cables poking out of the sides of the hoods!
I run Avid BB7 discs, so can't comment on brakes other than to say all calipers feel heavy and dead to me!
I run Avid BB7 discs, so can't comment on brakes other than to say all calipers feel heavy and dead to me!
TheLemming said:
Honestly though upgrading groupset (unless you're making changes like a medium cage mech for a much large rear cassette etc) will make the smallest difference in your bike.
I don't agree with that. The shifters are the part you spend a lot of time touching and using. They can make a big difference IMO. Also the aesthetics of shifters with built in cables are much nicer compared to the older shifters with external cables. It was one of the reasons I ditched by Tiagra kit.
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