Ultegra 6800 vs 105 5800 thoughts

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dobuy
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Joined: Tue Aug 19, 2014 1:59 pm

by dobuy

Looking at buying a 2015 model Giant Defy Advanced, with either 105 5800 or Ultegra 6800 group-set. Did a bit of research on the group-set weights;

Ultegra 6700 Ultegra 6800 105 5800
Chainset 791g 765g 736g
STI Levers 447g 425g 486g
Rear Drlr 189g 195g 234g
Frnt Drlr 89g 89g 89g
Brke Calipers 317g 335g 378g
Chain 267g 253g 253g
Cassette 209g 212g 269g
Total 2309g 2274g 2445g

So about 170g difference between 5800 and 6800, really does beg the question if it is worth paying for, will the quality of shift be much different?
Will the the 5800 chain-sets be upgrade-able to DI2 componentry when the time comes?

Grill
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by Grill

Errr... I've never heard of a chainset not being Di2 compatible...

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odin99
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by odin99

do you have the chainset weights right? you have the 105 being the lightest.

eric01
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Joined: Mon Feb 06, 2006 1:06 am

by eric01

This is the age old question differentiating across Shimano's line. I haven't had a chance to try 5800, but we can look at past generations. Generally speaking, as you move up from 105 to Ultegra to Dura Ace, you get lighter weight, better fit/finish and longevity -- i.e. less slop developing over time due to better fit and materials... exception being Dura Ace cassettes.

If the Ultegra 6800 vs 9000 shift quality difference is any indicator, you won't notice any difference.
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BRM
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by BRM

dobuy wrote:Looking at buying a 2015 model Giant Defy Advanced, with either 105 5800 or Ultegra 6800 group-set. Did a bit of research on the group-set weights;

Ultegra 6700 Ultegra 6800 105 5800
Chainset 791g 765g 736g
STI Levers 447g 425g 486g
Rear Drlr 189g 195g 234g
Frnt Drlr 89g 89g 89g
Brke Calipers 317g 335g 378g
Chain 267g 253g 253g
Cassette 209g 212g 269g
Total 2309g 2274g 2445g

So about 170g difference between 5800 and 6800, really does beg the question if it is worth paying for, will the quality of shift be much different?
Will the the 5800 chain-sets be upgrade-able to DI2 componentry when the time comes?


-Mostimes there will be more differences than only groups. Like difference in wheels, and discs (when its a disc model)
-Also you need to calculate with the real prices you will pay, not prices from the brochure. Maybe you can get somewhere a special offer for a price close to the 105 version?

dobuy
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Joined: Tue Aug 19, 2014 1:59 pm

by dobuy

odin99 wrote:do you have the chainset weights right? you have the 105 being the lightest.


Yes, I did question that as well, but that is what a couple of websites state, including here http://www.bike-discount.de/en/buy/shimano-105-fc-5800-l-crank-2x11-52-36-175mm-black-213198

There is no doubt going for the better groupset gets better wheels, saddle etc in the price, just not sure I can justify it.

Grill
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Location: Oop North

by Grill

Weight is high on the 6800 chainset.
6800 170 53/39 - 690g
5800 170 50/34 - 737g


ProEvoSLTeamHighMod
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by ProEvoSLTeamHighMod

6800 shifts marginally smoother IMO - but I would personally buy 5800 and nicer wheels, especially if you intend to go Di2 later..

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Rick
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by Rick

I currently have bikes with Dura Ace 7800, Ultegra 6800, and have had 6600 ultegra, and Tiagra and Sora cranks and components and have mixed among them.

Functionally, they are all so close it is hard to discern any real difference.

But, yes, each step up is slightly lighter and slightly better alloys and heat treatments so they give better longevity. They diabolically make each step just a little better and a little more expensive so we all end up overbuying and the group becomes obsolete long before it ever actually wears out.

Is it "worth it " ? I'm a sucker as much as anyone else. Just enjoy what you decide upon, because I am sure it will be good and provide years of great functionality.

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bobbyOCR
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by bobbyOCR

Frame>Wheels>Groupset.

Since it's a Defy Advanced I would definitely err towards the 5800 and invest in a nice pair of wheels (great previous suggestion). Down the line I'd be more inclined to change the frame. I would always opt for the nicer frame over the nicer groupset given a reasonable comparison.
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fromtrektocolnago
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by fromtrektocolnago

170 grams doesn't sound that much, but tell someone somehow turn that discussion to a frame and all of a sudden you her heavy and outdated.
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intheknowcycling
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by intheknowcycling

Honestly, you won't notice a couple hundred gram difference in groupset weight. Functionally, they'll feel quite similar. Would be more focused on getting the right chainset and cassette gearing to suit your riding.
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F45
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by F45

Rick wrote:
But, yes, each step up is slightly lighter and slightly better alloys and heat treatments so they give better longevity. They diabolically make each step just a little better and a little more expensive so we all end up overbuying and the group becomes obsolete long before it ever actually wears out.


Are you sure about that? 6800 is cheaper than 6700. 5800 is the same price as 5700.

dobuy
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Joined: Tue Aug 19, 2014 1:59 pm

by dobuy

Thanks for some really good input, will see what the dealer has on the floor when I go there, but one of the dealers has offered some pretty good discounts on 2015 bikes, but stock not due for a month or two, so may have to wait.

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