Choosing Between Shimano 105 12-Speed and Ultegra 11-Speed (7 points to consider)

I had a choice: a brand-new Shimano 105 12-speed or a used Ultegra 11-speed.

Same price. Mechanical. A real toss-up.

Choices define us. Like deciding between whiskey neat or on the rocks.

Some people spend their whole lives stuck in indecision, paralyzed by possibilities. Not me. But this one had me thinking.

Both options had their fan clubs. The 105 was new, untouched, pure. The Ultegra had history, a past, maybe a few secrets.

So, I sat down, cracked a beer, and thought about it.

1. Weight and Performance

They say weight matters. They also say you should stretch every morning and drink eight glasses of water. But here’s the deal: unless you’re racing up the Alps, a few grams won’t change your life.

Ultegra is slightly lighter, but for most riders, that’s about as noticeable as an extra peanut in your trail mix. The 105, however, is rock solid and takes a bigger cassette, which means more climbing options if that’s your thing.

2. Shifting Feel

Shifting gears should be like slicing through butter with a hot knife. Ultegra’s got that crisp, precise snap—tried and true. 105? It’s good, but some say the 12-speed mechanical has a slightly different feel. Not necessarily bad, just different. Like switching from espresso to Americano.

3. Durability & Maintenance

Used Ultegra means someone else has already put in some miles. Maybe they babied it, maybe they rode it hard and put it away wet. The 105 is fresh, no mystery.

Also, 12-speed drivetrains have thinner chains, which means more wear, and 12-speed cassettes are pricier to replace. You can’t avoid maintenance, but you can decide how much you want to pay for it.

4. Gear Range & Compatibility

105 12-speed lets you run a 34T or even a 36T cassette, which is nice for steep climbs. Ultegra 11-speed maxes out at 34T officially. If you live somewhere flat, doesn’t matter. If your idea of fun includes 15% grades, that extra gear might save your knees and your soul.

5. Future-Proofing

Let’s face it: manufacturers push new tech like drug dealers on a corner. 12-speed is the new standard. In five years, 11-speed parts might be harder to find. That doesn’t mean Ultegra is obsolete—just a little less future-proof.

6. Resale Value

Bikes lose value faster than a bad stock pick. But when you sell, buyers love newer tech. A used Ultegra 11-speed might seem “dated” in a few years, while the 105 12-speed still sounds cutting-edge. If you plan to flip your ride down the road, 105 might age better.

7. Intangibles (a.k.a. The Cool Factor)

Ultegra has that pro-racer pedigree. It’s got history. People hear “Ultegra” and nod approvingly. 105? It’s always been the workhorse—reliable, strong, but never the top dog.

But let’s be real: no one’s stopping mid-ride to admire your groupset. Ride what works for you.

Summary Table

Factor	Shimano 105 12-Speed	Ultegra 11-Speed (Used)
Weight	Slightly heavier	Lighter
Shifting Feel	Smooth, different feel	Crisp, precise
Durability	New, unknown long-term wear	Proven but already used
Gear Range	Up to 36T cassette	Max 34T officially
Future-Proofing	More current tech	Slightly outdated but still solid
Resale Value	Likely to hold better	Might lose appeal faster
Cool Factor	Reliable but less prestige	Has pro-level clout

Conclusion

So, after all this deep contemplation, weighing the facts, considering the philosophy of choice itself…

I flipped a damn coin.

Heads: 105. Tails: Ultegra.

It landed on heads.

I nodded, finished my beer, and ordered the 105. Because in the end, any decision is better than none. And besides, it’s just a bike—until it’s not.