Shimano 105

Latest groupset iteration is a great leap forward, bringing it ever closer to Ultegra, as Symon Lewis and Rupert Radley explain

The new Shimano 105 R7000 narrows the gap between what has traditionally been the first ‘serious’ groupset and Ultegra and Dura-ace, boasting a complete makeover of its aesthetics, performance and weight.

What’s new?

Despite Shimano 105 being one of only three Shimano 11-speed groupsets, along with Ultegra and Dura-ace, it has traditionally been considered workaday, so it’s hugely exciting that it has received such a major overhaul.

Shimano 105 gets the Ultegra treatment, which means the stealthy matt black and gloss chainset (also available in silver) that’s almost indistinguishable from Ultegra R8000’s. This is available as a 53/39, 52/36 or 50/34 and can be partnered with an 11-25t, 11-28t, 11-30t, 11-32t or a whopping 11-34 cassette. The latter demonstrates Shimano’s recognition that versatility is quickly becoming the most important aspect of modern cycling.

Shimano has also repositioned the inner ring so that it reduces the effects of cross chaining and chain drop. This does, however, mean that the rings are no longer compatible with the old front derailleur design.

Moving up to the controls, the new 105 R7000 hoods and levers get the same ergonomic rework that Ultegra R8000 received. That means a downsizing of the whole hood, making it far less bulky in the hand, and the addition of a chamfered top that makes it easier to grip when it’s hot and sweaty.

The new front derailleur has been designed not only for lighter and faster shifting via a more ergonomic power curve but it has a shorter rear centre for extra clearance when used with disc-brake bikes with 135mm rear spacing.

The new 105 rear derailleur has been completely reworked. There are two rear mechs available, including a long-cage version (GS) which can accommodate an 11-34t cassette. Previously, the longest cage available could only handle a 32t sprocket. The shorter cage (SS) is compatible with a maximum 30t sprocket.

This all means that the new Shimano 105 R7000 groupset is, in all aspects, better than its predecessor and falls in line with Shimano Ultegra and Dura-ace in terms of performance and looks. It makes for a proposition that’s hard to ignore on value grounds alone.

How does it perform?

In initial set-up and adjustment, the new R7000 follows Shimano Ultegra and Dura-ace.

It does from the outset look more complicated to set up the gears of the new groupset but, as with the latest Ultegra and Dura-ace, it is in fact easier in the long run to adjust. However, do have a look at the set-up guide before you dive straight in for the first time as there are key differences.

The front mech cable routing has changed so that the angle of the cable is dictated by the mech rather than where on the frame the cable comes from. This means it doesn’t matter what the frame’s cable routing is like, shifting should be good across the board.

The cable, once pushed through the mech, now loops back around through the

mech once more and is held in place, and it’s here you can cut and hide the cable end.

You have one grub screw to adjust the mech position, your usual high and low limiters and an integrated cable-tension adjustment screw to help get the perfect trim position in both the big and little rings.

Shifting

Shifting has been improved to offer a nice swift action for both front and rear gears. The change to the front mech allows for a lighter action and you get just that.

The lever action isn’t quite as smooth as Ultegra but there really isn’t much in it. Shimano 105 R7000 has a measured yet light action to drop you in the small ring or pick up the chain into the big ring.

Adjusted correctly, which the new mechs allow you to do first time thanks to the new routing, gear changes are great. You still get your trim function for the front mech, both in the small and big chainring, but sadly you still don’t get the multi-gear dump feature you find on Campagnolo groupsets: changing up is still gear by gear.

What you do get is precise shifting and although it may not feel as light as the more expensive groupsets, it is very good. The main thing here is that it doesn’t feel cheap or plasticky. In fact, it is very hard to tell the difference between the new 105 and Ultegra.

Brakes

Alongside the newly updated and more powerful dual-pivot brakes that get an Ultegra/dura-ace-style makeover, Shimano is offering direct-mount calipers with 105 R7000.

Our test groupset was equipped with dual-pivot calipers and we were impressed by their performance.

With cheaper brake calipers or levers, braking can feel spongy and can lead to a lack of confidence when really leaning on them: none of that with the new 105.

Note that with 105 R7000, Shimano also offers 105-branded hydraulic disc-brake components for the first time; previously RS505 had been grouped with 105 but according to Shimano this was not true 105.

Weight

Shimano’s priority is always quality before weight saving and it spends its time perfecting the performance of each product, although of course each component usually weighs more the further out it is from Dura-ace. Shimano 105 is no different, and on our scales R7000 weighed in at 2,180g without cables. Is it light enough to be competitive? Without doubt.

Value

Shimano 105 R7000 costs £570.92, which makes it great value for money considering the amount of top-tier tech included in the groupset. Shimano doesn’t even seem worried about the potential for the new groupset to overshadow Ultegra with its technology and the price tag. In fact, it seems the only thing that Shimano 105 can’t offer that Ultegra does is electronic shifting.

REAR DERAILLEUR

The rear mech on the new 105 is light years ahead of the older version. It is available in a medium or long-cage guise (necessary for the 11-34t cassette) and it receives Shimano’s mountain bike Shadow technology that pulls it up underneath the cassette and chainstay, out of harm’s way.

It would seem that Shimano may head towards offering Ultegra and Dura-ace as Di2 options only. Given that 105 R7000 offers similar performance to mechanical Ultegra, it would make sense for it to fall in line with the top two groupsets here.

Compared to the likes of Campagnolo Centaur and SRAM Rival — which are similarly priced — we’d say Shimano 105 R7000 scores higher for both performance and aesthetics. We reckon R7000 is knocking on the door of the Campagnolo Potenza groupset that is said to rival Shimano Ultegra.

Which leads to an obvious question: why spend more on mechanical Ultegra?

The groupset is comparable with its more expensive siblings in every respect. It looks a lot sleeker, shifting is smoother and quicker, and it feels altogether like a higher quality product and something to ride with pride.

“Shifting is precise. In fact, it is hard to tell the difference between the new 105 and Ultegra”

CALIPERS

Braking is offered in two different forms for the rim brake groupset. You’ll have the option for the standard dual pivot like the ones we tested and thanks to trickle-down technology effect, direct-mount brakes. The dual-pivot brakes allow for anything up to 28c tyres, and even more with the directmount brakes. Here you get assured braking and a nice action from the lever.

Verdict

Without doubt the new Shimano 105 R7000 is a huge leap forward in terms of performance. Retailing under £600 for the complete groupset, it screams value for money but it shouldn’t be snubbed due to its 105 name. Performance is far more in line with Shimano’s premium groupsets, Ultegra and Dura-ace. Although it is not at the same level as those two, you do get great shifting performance, better looks and durable components vastly improved from the previous version. What you should take away from this is that 105 R7000 has the capability to race and it’s also durable enough to use throughout the winter.

The best is yet to come though — bikes specced with this groupset from next year will offer amazing value.

FRONT DERAILLEUR

The new R7000 front derailleur has a compact toggle (pivot) design, better tyre clearance and an integrated cable tension port, removing the need for an in-cable barrel adjuster. On Ultegra and Dura-ace before it, the new design made for a significantly lighter front shift, and the same is true of the new 105.

Weights: 105 R7000 v Ultegra R8000

As you can see from the table below, 105 R7000 is only 174g heavier than Ultegra R8000. This of course makes the former very competitive; minus a couple packets of crisps for the week you’ll be on par with Shimano Ultegra.

This begs the question: what is Shimano doing making Shimano 105 so good? In every aspect it looks, feels and performs more closely than ever like its pricier stablemates and this can only mean one thing: will Ultegra and Dura-ace become electric only?