105 / tiagra / apex?

I am by no means an expert at component specs. However I am also looking at a better commuter after riding my hybrid for the last few months. Have you considered cyclocross bikes? Several folks on here use them as their all purpose bikes. My research suggests they’re great for all weather/condition riding!

I’ve been testing mainly tiara level stuff (my price range) and it all seems pretty smooth to me. I’m not sure I’d notice the difference since I’m new to the curvy bar bike works and I’m not into racing or that kind of stuff where I think the differences would be more noticeable.

Let us know what you pick out!

@Jason 51182 wrote:

Considering a new road bike for commuting purposes. Have so far been using a hybrid, but want to ride more days, having a wet weather/ dry weather bike seems like a good idea. Is Apex worth it over 105? Is the discount you get from tiagra ok, or is it worth stepping up to 105? Bikes I have been looking at are the Giant Defy and the Cannondale Synapse.

Thanks!

If you were getting something strictly for commuter use, I’d say Tiagra is fine…but for more spirited riding, I think 105 is worth it if money isn’t an issue. Overall performance is negligible (meaning Tiagra isn’t substantially heavier and it’s just as durable as 105), but I find 105 just feels a little crisper than Tiagra and feels slightly more high quality, and the cable routing looks much better. I don’t have any meaningful experience with SRAM, so I won’t even try to weigh in there.

And remember that next year’s model will always be nicer. I’d expect 105 to crank it up to 11 in the near future, to distinguish it more from tiagra and apex. As shimano pushes more quality down the chain (next year’s 2300 loses the thumb nub and gets a 30 tooth sprocket option) they also need to make sure they give people reasons to upgrade.

I agree with pretty much everything already mentioned. I purchased a cross bike at the end of last year to use as a wet weather/commuter bike. In the price range I was looking at 105 was not available so I chose a bike with Tiagra. Having ridden Campagnolo forever I was a little concerned I would really feel/see the difference but so far I am really happy with the choice, the shifting is better than I expected and easy to dial in. I do find the exposed cabling to be a bit of a nuisance, but that is truly a first world problem. If I had a higher budget I would have gone up to 105 simply because of it’s reputation for longevity and quality, but for what I spent I am quite satisfied. The bonus is that the cash I saved can now go towards my new dream bike fund!

I have a SRAM Apex group on my Blue Norcross. I have no major complaints. Generally, SRAM uses the same features across their groups but uses different materials (ie. weight). I like that Apex uses sealed bearings in the pivot points rather than bushings. The Apex front derailleur could be stiffer and will probably be exchanged soon for Rival or Force. The shifters and crankset are good and reliable, no future plans to change out. The chainrings are all the same between Apex, Rival, and Force. The crank arms are aluminum on Apex and Rival versus carbon for Force and Red. But the crank is relatively stiff and works well. I have changed out the rear derailleur for Force only because it was a crime of opportunity. You need to be ok with the Double Tap SRAM shifting. If you like it, Apex will be fine.