Shimano Cassettes

[buldogge]

So…I might possibly be running a Shimano 11s FHB shortly…

105 or Ultegra cassettes…~$20 difference…which to use???

Obviously there is a weight savings (~57g, I believe)…anything else???

I guess I will just use 12-25, as there is no 12-27,…can't really see the need for the 11-28.

TIA
-Mark in St. Louis

[Lanternrouge]

Unless you are a weight weenie, it may be worthwhile to save money on a part that will wear out (though you should get a fair amount of use from it). I've bought both, though I haven't actually installed the 5800 yet and it does not seem to me like there is a big difference. If you really want a 12-27, you can run with Campy wheels, though the cassettes cost a bunch more.

[regularguy412]

I have done it both ways, 105 quality and Ultegra quality. For my money, and the $20 difference,, get the Ultegra unless you're REALLLLY set on saving the dough. Not much difference in performance. I just like the way the Ultegra looks after 1000 miles compared to the 105. I also prefer the Ultegra chain , for mostly the same reason. I'd not buy DA chain or cogs for any reason, as long as Ultegra is available.

Mike in AR:beer:

[buldogge]

Thanx guys..This would be used on Campy 11 set-ups, FWIW.

-Mark

[johnniecakes]

For the value (cost/performance) I do not see a clear choice beside Ultegra. I half one Dura Ace but everything else is Ultegra, just can't be beat IMHO

[beeatnik]

Word on the street (WW Street) is that the 105 cassette will wear out in half the time. YMMV.

Get the Ultegra.

[kramnnim]

Does the 105 have more loose cogs that might bite into the freehub body splines?

[Likes2ridefar]

I bought a 105 recently and also have ultegra cassettes.

as far as i can tell the only difference is the finish on the cogs, the lock ring, and the spacers.

the spacers and lock ring weigh a few grams more with the lock ring notably more, if you are counting grams.

the finish on the 105 is shiny whereas the ultegra is matte. otherwise the cogs appear to be exactly the same.

they perform exactly the same as far as i can tell. since i have tons of spacers and lockrings I simply swapped in dura-ace spacers and lock ring and it weighed exactly the same as the ultegra cassette with the same 11-25.

the 105 was a lot cheaper where I bought it compared to ultegra.

[josephr]

I've ridden Ultegra and 105 cassettes and honestly I can't tell a difference in terms of shifting or durability...just not worth the extra $20. Of course, I'm not out there chasing KOMs or lining up at a crit races...just club riding/centuries, etc.
Joe

[oldpotatoe]

Word on the street (WW Street) is that the 105 cassette will wear out in half the time. YMMV.

Get the Ultegra.

Not true for 10s cogsets, doubt that's true for 11s. Besides, how would they know? 5800 stuff is brand new.

[Davist]

Not true for 10s cogsets, doubt that's true for 11s. Besides, how would they know? 5800 stuff is brand new.

I agree with OP not true for the 10s definitely I have both. Price difference was less than $20, 105 doesn't seem to get discounted as frequently or deeply in my experience..

[Likes2ridefar]

I agree with OP not true for the 10s definitely I have both. Price difference was less than $20, 105 doesn't seem to get discounted as frequently or deeply in my experience..

i got mine for half the price of ultegra from an amazon dealer.

[buldogge]

Maybe Ultegra is marked up more?…the real world pricing (wholesale/UK) is ~$20 difference.

-Mark


i got mine for half the price of ultegra from an amazon dealer.

[BLD 25]

I bought a 105 recently and also have ultegra cassettes.

as far as i can tell the only difference is the finish on the cogs, the lock ring, and the spacers.

the spacers and lock ring weigh a few grams more with the lock ring notably more, if you are counting grams.

the finish on the 105 is shiny whereas the ultegra is matte. otherwise the cogs appear to be exactly the same.

they perform exactly the same as far as i can tell. since i have tons of spacers and lockrings I simply swapped in dura-ace spacers and lock ring and it weighed exactly the same as the ultegra cassette with the same 11-25.

the 105 was a lot cheaper where I bought it compared to ultegra.

I have also heard this. So I could save the spacers and lock rings from a worn out ultegra and effectively upgrade a 105 cassette to ultegra?

[oldpotatoe]

Maybe Ultegra is marked up more?…the real world pricing (wholesale/UK) is ~$20 difference.

-Mark

Real world.....hmmmmm.

[kramnnim]

Are the 105 spacers made of steel? (I assume the lockring is)

[Likes2ridefar]

Are the 105 spacers made of steel? (I assume the lockring is)

i will have to check them again, but i dont think so. they are black but twice as thick as what is used on the higher end cassettes.

[Likes2ridefar]

I have also heard this. So I could save the spacers and lock rings from a worn out ultegra and effectively upgrade a 105 cassette to ultegra?

that is exactly why i did it. i read on weight weenies before I bought the 105 cassette that people are doing that to save money and have the same weight/quality.

[BLD 25]

Cool! Good to know

[cash05458]

great advice on the spacer lockring switch...thanks!