Claris 2400 to tiagra 4700?

[Alsoran]

Hi all, newbie to road cycling here (been mtb only up to now). Looking for some advice.
I picked up a new giant defy 5 before Christmas (yet to be ridden due to work commitments). I've also been given a set of fulcrum wheels which I've put a set of gp4000s tyres on, bought a carbon fork and a set of 105 brakes. I should have my first ride in the forthcoming weeks. This last few days I've have been looking at groupsets, the tiagra 4700 in particular. It seems well priced and receives excellent reviews. Would it be a worthwhile upgrade or would I find little benefit at this stage?
My defy has 8 speed claris 2400.
Thanks in advance

 

[vickster]

I'd stick with the Claris and see how you get on

 

[Alsoran]

Possibly, though if I was to change now, I could sell my current groupset unused. Just wondering what I can expect to gain with such a change.

 

[cyberknight]

Possibly, though if I was to change now, I could sell my current groupset unused. Just wondering what I can expect to gain with such a change.

A bit closer spacing between gears is about it or a wider range if you want, otherwise i doubt you will notice any discernible difference,If you can afford it then why not but dont expect miracles.

 

[biggs682]

Possibly, though if I was to change now, I could sell my current groupset unused. Just wondering what I can expect to gain with such a change.

i would expect your bank account will notice the biggest difference

I'd stick with the Claris and see how you get on

follow the sound advice given above

 

[Alsoran]

A bit closer spacing between gears is about it or a wider range if you want, otherwise i doubt you will notice any discernible difference,If you can afford it then why not but dont expect miracles.

Exactly the info I was looking for. Would prefer to spend as little as possible. Would only change if it made a huge improvement and by the sounds of it, seems not. I'll cycle on as is for the time being.

 

[RMurphy195]

Isn't the Tiagra 10 speed? In which case you've a few bob to spend on cassette, chainset, chain, levers! I wouldn't worry about it - are you a twin or a triple at the front?

 

[Alsoran]

I've a double at the front and an 11-32 rear cassette

 

[jonnysnorocket]

I'd stick with the Claris TBH, I've ran it on my commuter for over two years without a problem.

 

[cyberknight]

I'd stick with the Claris TBH, I've ran it on my commuter for over two years without a problem.

Indeed i have claris on my commuter and sram on the nice bike which shifts a bit nicer but i think its mainly down to being only ridden when its nice and hasnt got gunked up cables and drivetrain.

 

[Dan_Marshall]

hi,

Thought I would offer my experiences on this.

I was running Claris on my bike as I needed a groupset and had one spare. Perfectly fine, great gear changes, nice brakes and all worked well. Got a great deal on some new wheels and the new Tiagra 4700. Changed over the set and put the Claris on my Giant defy (it had Shimano 2300).Wow. There is a real difference. The Tiagra shifters are more ergonomic, and feel great in your hand. The shifting is absolutely precise and literally only a very gentle tap to go up / down the gears. Brakes are good, in my opinion a little better than the claris (but the claris brakes for me were quite good anyways). The Gear cables under the hoods are a bonus too - makes it all look nice and neat put front.

It is only my opnion, but after having used both, the Tiagra 4700 group is miles ahead of Claris (I still rate Claris mind, and still enjoy using it on the commuter). I can only imagine how much better 105 / Ultergra / DuraAce is!

But as you are still new to the sport, I'd wait for the bug to catch you as you will eventually spend too much (not enough) on bike upgrades - like the rest of us