Old v. new bits

[Okeydokey]

I gather now that Shimano Ultegra are a well respected product group. So generally speaking would it be fair to say that an old Ultegra derailleur foreinstance, would enjoy better performance than a new Shimano Tourney at the same price but potentially different cosmetic condition?

Thought I'd try out my new avatar while I am at it!

 

[RoubaixCube]

Wasnt Tourney groupsets like really really low end MTB stuff?? Ultegra is for Road bikes (and possibly CX bikes)

 

[simon.r]

Yes, but...three things will impact:

1 - mechanical condition of the old part. An old derailleur with worn jockey wheels, sloppy pivots and knackered spring will be useless whatever groupset name it boasts.

2 - parts are better now than they were. A new Ultegra derailleur will be better than one from 5 years ago. A new 105 derailleur will (debateably) be better than a 5 year old Ultegra derailleur. There's a line somewhere though - I suspect a 5 year old Ultegra derailleur will be better than a new Tourney derailleur.

3 - compatibility issues may rear their ugly head. You'd struggle to run a derailleur designed for a 7 speed system with an 11 speed chain for instance.