Frame vs. Group Set

[Trackspecialist]

Which one is more important frame or group set?
Assume 2 different bikes with the same price, should I buy alloy frame with Ultegra or carbon frame with 105?

[bychosis]

Buy the one that YOU think rides the nicest. Group set can be replaced on a fame you like, but it will take a long time ot wear out and will be at a cost. Frame is harder to change, but only needs changing if you don't like the way it rides.

[richbee]

I'd say a good frame and wheels over groupset. You can always upgrade the groupset component by component at your leisure.
My vote for carbon frame with 105 - but ride both first.

[boss]

I recently had to make this decision, frame or groupset.

I went second hand and chose both very lightly used nice carbon frame + ultegra!

If buying new, my vote would be for carbon + 105. All the people that I spoke to have basically said that 105 is great stuff, good enough for any enthusiast really, it's just heavier than Ultegra.

If I hadn't gone second hand I would have almost definitely gone carbon + 105, frame dictates the way the bike rides. The groupset is really just the icing on the cake.

[usernameforme]

ignore the groupset and focus on the ride quality of the frame and wheels, The shimano 105 and ultegra groupset are so similar its not funny (really, its not). A good alloy frame can be as good as a carbon frame, depending on what you want it for. Ride both bikes and see which one rides the nicest

[sogood]

General logic dictates frame above groupset as groupset can be cheaper to change and half used components have a decent market on eBay. Yet again, if you are one who swap bikes on an annual basis, then this is a moot point.

[jacks1071]

Which one is more important frame or group set?
Assume 2 different bikes with the same price, should I buy alloy frame with Ultegra or carbon frame with 105?

I'd get the best frame and wheels you can get. The groupset has little if any performance benefit aside from some weight loss. That being said I'd want 105/Rival as your minimum groupset.

[gururug]

Frame, moreso geometry. Any half decent group will do the job well.

I guess it's a bit different when your looking at the top of the range bikes. You might wan't to place more emphasis on the wheels/group.

[maybolem]

#1 Frame
#2 Wheels
#3 Groupset

[Philipthelam]

I'd agree to everyone else in saying frame first. However just because it is a carbon frame doesn't mean it is better than an aluminium frame

[jcjordan]

#1 Frame
#2 Wheels
#3 Groupset

I would swap 2 and 3 but I currently have 5 sets of wheel for 3 bike so should not really talk

Mind you I tend to swap groupsets and just update the frame

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[Xplora]

Depends on how hard you are on your groupset... if you punish your bike through the gear changes, then a nicer group is going to pay dividends pretty quickly. If you are not leaping out of the saddle for a sprint and trying to rip the handlebars off while changing gears, then I would not skimp on the frame. Ultimately, the feeling in your arms and bum is going to dictate how much you can tolerate riding, then how much you hate your group.

I've had 2010 105, and now 2012 105 and 2012 Ultegra, and unless you are pouring perhaps 3K into the bike, I don't think Ultegra is worth it, UNLESS you need the options it comes with... cranks, chainrings and cassette. Your weight benefits disappear quickly with a full bottle of water and a crap frame. There is a reason why most of the Euro carbon bikes are 3K with 105 - because gears don't make a bike. They just help you move it forward easier.