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The Daily Insight

Is Ultegra chain better than 105?

Author

John Peck

Updated on April 04, 2026

Conclusion. If you’ve read everything above, looked at the pictures, and come to the conclusion that there’s not all that much difference between 105 and Ultegra components, you’re right. They work in the same ways, the shaping is the same and so is the engineering.

Can you use 105 chain Ultegra?

You can use either. 105 cassette and 105 chain, 105 cassette and Ultegra chain, Ultegra cassette and 105 chain, Ultegra cassette and Ultegra chain. Doesn’t matter.

How long do road bike chains last?

A chain can last anywhere from about 500 miles to 5000, depending on the quality of the chain, the sprockets, how the bike is ridden, and the maintenance. I clean my chain about twice a year, whether it needs it or not, and I get about 2000 miles out of mine. Standard quality SRAMs.

What is the weight difference between 105 and Ultegra?

Ultegra cassettes are about 25-35 grams lighter (depending on tooth count) than 105. Dura-Ace cassettes, amazingly, shed about 150 grams over the 105 cassettes. Keep in mind though, the titanium cogs make Dura-Ace cassettes very expensive to replace once they wear out.

Why is Ultegra better than 105?

There is no longer any real technological difference between 105 and Ultegra, and the only real difference is that Ultegra is a lighter groupset. If you want to make, a cash value judgment go for 105 if you want to save weight go for Ultegra.

Is Shimano 105 much better than tiagra?

Tiagra offers excellent value for money but 105 is certainly the better groupset and we’d recommend going for it if your funds allow because of the better brakes, the small weight saving and the upgrade to 11-speed.

What is the difference between Shimano Ultegra and Shimano 105?

Shimano Ultegra is a bit more refined that Shimano 105, with lighter materials in some areas and details like more durable coatings on some parts Nevertheless, the weight difference is surprisingly small, less than 200g for a typical ensemble; most of the difference is in the brake/shift levers and chainset

What are the different Shimano groupsets?

The Shimano Dura-Ace and the Shimano Ultegra fall into the top bracket of groupsets, while the entry-level Shimano groupsets are the Claris and Tourney, with the beginner to mid-range being Tiagra and Sora, and the performance range starting with the 105 groupsets and then including the Ultegra.

What is the maximum tyre width for Shimano Ultegra brakes?

The maximum tyre width Shimano recommends for its Ultegra (above) and 105 SLR EV Dual Pivot brakes (below) is 28mm. Shimano also offers direct mount brakes in both the Ultegra and the 105 groupsets. They’re virtually identical to one another, each taking tyres up to 28mm.

What is the Shimano Ultegra cn-6701?

An asymmetric design, with redesigned inner and outer plates, improves the contact with the rear sprockets for a smooth and quiet shift. The Shimano Ultegra CN-6701 is a chain that will improve your shifting performance and your power transfer to make your next road ride the best.