Why is one groupset better than the other?

[lulubel]

I always think that, up to a point, there are noticeable improvements in ease of use or how smoothly it does the job. After that, you're paying a lot more money for a very minimal difference.

I had my sora shifters upgraded to tiagra when I bought my bike because I wanted to be able to change gear on the drops, but with hindsight I wish I'd upgraded to 105 because most people I've spoken to say they're smoother, and tiagra is a bit clunky.

 

[Paulus]

I have 3 different groupsets on my bikes. Tiagra which works very well, 105 on another which works very well but I would say smoother when changing gears, and Campag Veloce on another which is on a par with Tiagra. I would say also that when talking to a LBS owner that the higher spec components are generally of better quality materials and machining so last that bit longer.