{"id":68766,"date":"2024-08-29T13:00:00","date_gmt":"2024-08-29T11:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/ef649c53-ac79-440b-86f0-7273e847ec39"},"modified":"2024-09-02T18:25:27","modified_gmt":"2024-09-02T16:25:27","slug":"shimano-105-vs-shimano-ultegra-which-groupset-should-you-choose","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/rss_feed\/shimano-105-vs-shimano-ultegra-which-groupset-should-you-choose\/","title":{"rendered":"Shimano 105 vs Shimano Ultegra: Which groupset should you choose?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Is Shimano\u2019s more premium product worth the extra expense? <\/p>

By <\/p>

Published: Thursday, 29 August 2024 at 11:00 AM<\/p>

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If you\u2019re looking for a mid-range road bike, it\u2019s likely it will come with either a Shimano Ultegra or 105 Di2 groupset.\u00a0<\/p>

Both of these performance groupsets from Shimano have electronic shifting<\/a>, which Shimano calls Di2. This technology is increasingly trickling down into the mid-tier bike ranges and, relative to the ever-increasing price of bikes in general, is becoming more affordable. <\/p>

Comparable in price to a quality set of premium wheels<\/a> or many power meters<\/a>, a groupset upgrade is also relatively affordable.<\/p>

With Shimano\u2019s top-spec Dura-Ace groupset<\/a> costing significantly more than Ultegra or 105 Di2, many riders will be looking at a choice of Shimano Ultegra versus Shimano 105 Di2. But is there a reason to choose Shimano\u2019s second-tier Ultegra groupset over its third-tier 105 Di2?\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>

In this article, we’ll compare the two groupsets and, based on our own testing and their highlighted differences, recommend whether most cyclists should be prioritising Ultegra or 105 Di2.<\/p>

Shimano 105 Di2 and Ultegra at a glance<\/h2>

Shimano 105 Di2<\/h3>
  • Shimano\u2019s third-tier electronic-shifting groupset<\/li>
  • Same shifting logic as Shimano\u2019s higher-spec electronic groupsets<\/li>
  • Disc brake only and some less advanced features than Shimano Ultegra and Dura-Ace<\/li><\/ul>

    Shimano Ultegra<\/h3>
    • One down from the top-spec Dura-Ace in Shimano\u2019s groupset hierarchy\u00a0<\/li>
    • More premium materials drop weight by around 373g from 105 Di2<\/li>
    • Disc and rim brake options and more different configurations than 105 Di2<\/li><\/ul>

      Shimano 105 Di2 vs Ultegra: key stats<\/h3>
      <\/colgroup>
      \ufeffFeature<\/th>105 Di2<\/th>Ultegra<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
      Groupset weight (measured)<\/td>2,950g<\/td>2,577g<\/td> <\/tr>
      Groupset full retail price<\/td>\u00a31,730 \/ $1,890<\/td>\u00a32,328 \/ $2,400<\/td> <\/tr>
      Crankset options<\/td>50\/34t, 52\/36t<\/td>46\/36t, 50\/34t, 52\/36t<\/td> <\/tr>
      Power meter option<\/td>N<\/td>Y<\/td> <\/tr>
      Cassette options<\/td>11-34t, 11-36t<\/td>11-30t, 11-34t<\/td> <\/tr>
      Shifting tech<\/td>Hyperglide<\/td>Hyperglide+<\/td> <\/tr>
      Rim brake option?<\/td>N<\/td>Y<\/td> <\/tr>
      Third button on shifter?<\/td>N<\/td>Y<\/td> <\/tr>
      Satellite shifter compatible?<\/td>N<\/td>Y<\/td> <\/tr> <\/tbody> <\/table>