Shimano groupsets

[ozboz]

what is the pecking order for Shimano groupsets , entry level to the highend stuff , there seems to be a lot on offer across the board on new bikes , and yet Ive seen the same model with differing groupsets being sold from different dealers,
So from what ive seen , it seems to go ,
Claris, Sora , Tiagra , 105 , and then Dura Ace and Ultegra are mentioned
Have I got it right ?

 

[ianrauk]

Swap Ultegra and Dura Ace round and you have it.

 

[ozboz]

Swap Ultegra and Dura Ace round and you have it.

Cheers !!
I have got to source a new bike for GF, she had her Cube nicked at work , the cops and gumtree are on the case , but it is only a slight glimmer of hope she will see it again ,
The groupset on the Cube was Claris , and after 9 months it is worn out , so im looking at 105 , but the bike she likes , a Merida Juliet has Tiagra , the LBS says they will do , im not to sure ,
More shopping around methinks ,

 

[DCLane]

The groupset on the Cube was Claris , and after 9 months it is worn out , so im looking at 105 , but the bike she likes , a Merida Juliet has Tiagra , the LBS says they will do , im not to sure ,
More shopping around methinks ,

Tiagra 4700 is fine - it's pretty much the old 105 10 speed.

 

[ianrauk]

As what my esteemed colleague Mr DCLane sez... Tiagra is fine. In fact it's more then fine. It's a good heardwearing, workforce of a groupset.

 

[Drago]

The last few years Tiagra has really leaped forward due to Shimano's trickle down development policy. It's slick and effective.

Claris is teetering on the brink. it's all there, and works well. Another model year or so and Claris will also be something very decent if previous incremental improvements are out to go by.

 

[S-Express]

Reliability = they are all reliable
Performance = they all shift nominally well
Weight = less weight means you pay more
Material quality = usually better higher up the range
Ergonomics = usually better higher up the range, although personal preference still rules.
Longevity = usually dependent on usage/maintenance

 

[Sharky]

Would be interesting if anybody has the info on Campag and SRAM. Where would they slot into the pecking order, based on price?

 

[S-Express]

Would be interesting if anybody has the info on Campag and SRAM. Where would they slot into the pecking order, based on price?

SRAM order is Apex, Rival, Force and Red. Same criteria as above, except the ergonomics are pretty much all the same.

 

[vickster]

I think the more costly group sets use lighter materials and thus if used in anger a lot paid not maintained properly they will wear out quicker. On that basis 105 may wear out cassettes, chains, chainrings quicker than Tiagra and Claris. What was actually worn out on the previous groupset? How many miles in those 9 months?

 

[Nigelnaturist]

I think the more costly group sets use lighter materials and thus if used in anger a lot paid not maintained properly they will wear out quicker. On that basis 105 may wear out cassettes, chains, chainrings quicker than Tiagra and Claris. What was actually worn out on the previous groupset? How many miles in those 9 months?

I think the reverse is true, i never got as many miles out of any 7,8 or 9sp cassettes as I have out of my current 10512-27.

 

[steveindenmark]

This may help.

https://www.evanscycles.com/coffeestop/advice/shimano-road-groupsets-the-hierarchy

 

[Nigelnaturist]

Don't forget Tourney at the bottom of the pecking order.

 

[cyberknight]

The last few years Tiagra has really leaped forward due to Shimano's trickle down development policy. It's slick and effective.

Claris is teetering on the brink. it's all there, and works well. Another model year or so and Claris will also be something very decent if previous incremental improvements are out to go by.

Looking at tiagra on my next bike if all goes well, using claris on my commuter and it certainly does the job, the rear mechs a bit clunky but it could be the fact im on my 3rd chain with the same cassette and one or two sprockets are getting a little past their past so the shift is a bit clunky but it still shifts and doesnt slip.

 

[CanucksTraveller]

I've got Tiagra on my Giant, I really like it as it works well and looks good quality, although it's too early to talk about longevity yet as it's still only a few months old.

As an aside, I'm actually waiting on a warranty replacement left shifter from Shimano after mine failed at 250 miles, but I'm putting that down as a one off. It's certainly not remotely common with this groupset and I appear to have been very unlucky.