The Shimano 105 groupset is one of the most popular choices for road cyclists.
It is designed for those who want a high-performance drivetrain without breaking the bank and sits in the middle of Shimano's hierarchy of groupsets, above the entry-level Claris and Sora, but below the high-end Ultegra and Dura-Ace.
The Shimano 105 groupset consists of all the usual components you expect to find, including shifters, front and rear derailleurs, cassette, chain, and brakes. Each component plays a critical role in ensuring smooth and efficient shifting, braking, and overall performance.
Shimano have recently announced the addition of Electronic Di2 shifting as an option for the 105 Groupset. This is a real push by Shimano for the lower-down Groupsets to adopt electronic shifting. With the mid-range Groupsets being more widely used than the high-end, this is a sign Electronic shifting will become the norm.
Shifters
The Shimano 105 shifters are available in both mechanical and electronic versions. The mechanical shifters use a dual-control lever system, which allows for both upshifts and downshifts with a single lever. The electronic shifters, called Shimano 105 Di2, use a similar system but with electronic buttons instead of mechanical levers. One of the benefits of the Di2 system is the ability to customize shift patterns and adjust the speed of shifts. However, the Di2 system is more expensive than the mechanical system.
The Shimano 105 shifters are designed with ergonomics in mind, ensuring comfortable and efficient shifting for riders. The mechanical shifters feature Shimano's Vivid Index Technology, which provides consistent and smooth shifting across all gears. The Di2 shifters offer even greater precision and control, with the ability to program multiple shift patterns and customize the speed of shifts.
Pros:
- Precise shifting
- Comfortable ergonomics
- Compatible with Shimano's higher-end groupsets
Cons:
- Di2 system is more expensive
Front Derailleur
The Shimano 105 front derailleur is designed to work with a double chainring setup, and it has a compact, low-profile design. It features Shimano's proprietary cable-pull technology, which allows for smooth and accurate shifting. The front derailleur also has a wide link design, which increases its rigidity and ensures consistent shifting performance.
One potential downside of the Shimano 105 front derailleur is that it can be difficult to adjust. However, once properly adjusted, the front derailleur provides reliable and precise shifting that helps riders maintain a consistent cadence and power output.
Pros:
- Smooth shifting
- Low-profile design
- Wide link design for increased rigidity
Cons:
- Can be difficult to adjust
Rear Derailleur
The Shimano 105 rear derailleur is compatible with a wide range of cassette sizes, from 11-25 to 11-34. It features Shimano's Shadow technology, which reduces the risk of the derailleur being damaged in the event of a crash. The Shadow technology also provides a more streamlined and compact design, which helps improve aerodynamics and reduce weight.
One potential downside of the Shimano 105 rear derailleur is that it may be less durable than Shimano's higher-end groupsets. However, for most riders, the Shimano 105 rear derailleur provides reliable and consistent shifting performance that meets their needs.
Pros:
- Wide range of compatibility
- Shadow technology for increased durability
- Streamlined and compact design for improved aerodynamics
Cons:
- Less durable than higher-end groupsets
Cassette
The Shimano 105 cassette is available in a range of gear ratios, from 11-25 to 11-34. It is compatible with Shimano's Hyperglide technology, which provides smooth and efficient shifting even under heavy load. The cassette is designed with a lightweight and durable construction, with individual sprockets made from steel or titanium.
One potential downside of the Shimano 105 cassette is that it may not provide as wide of a range of gears as some riders may prefer. However, for most road cyclists, the Shimano 105 cassette provides an adequate range of gears that is suitable for a variety of terrain and riding styles.
Pros:
- Smooth and efficient shifting
- Lightweight and durable construction
- Hyperglide technology for improved performance
Cons:
- May not provide as wide of a range of gears as some riders prefer
Chain
The Shimano 105 chain is designed to work seamlessly with the rest of the groupset, providing smooth and reliable shifting performance. It features Shimano's proprietary SIL-TEC coating, which provides increased durability and wear resistance. The chain is also designed with chamfered inner plates and outer plates, which helps improve shifting accuracy and speed.
One potential downside of the Shimano 105 chain is that it may be more prone to stretching than some other chains on the market. However, with proper maintenance and lubrication, the chain should provide reliable and consistent performance for many miles of riding.
Pros:
- Smooth and reliable shifting
- SIL-TEC coating for increased durability and wear resistance
- Chamfered inner and outer plates for improved shifting accuracy
Cons:
- May be more prone to stretching than some other chains
Brakes
The Shimano 105 brakes are available in both rim brake and disc brake versions. The rim brake version uses dual-pivot technology, which provides powerful and efficient braking performance. The disc brake version uses Shimano's Ice Tech technology, which helps dissipate heat and reduce the risk of brake fade.
Both versions of the Shimano 105 brakes are designed with a lightweight and durable construction, with high-quality brake pads that provide excellent stopping power. The brakes are also easy to adjust and maintain, making them a popular choice among cyclists of all skill levels.
One potential downside of the Shimano 105 brakes is that they may not provide as much stopping power as some riders prefer. However, for most road cyclists, the Shimano 105 brakes provide more than enough stopping power for safe and efficient braking performance.
Pros:
- Powerful and efficient braking performance
- Lightweight and durable construction
- Easy to adjust and maintain
Cons:
- May not provide as much stopping power as some riders prefer
In conclusion, the Shimano 105 groupset is a reliable and high-performance drivetrain that is suitable for a wide range of road cycling applications. While it may not have all of the bells and whistles of Shimano's higher-end groupsets, it provides smooth and efficient shifting, reliable braking performance, and a lightweight and durable construction that makes it a popular choice among cyclists of all skill levels. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned pro, the Shimano 105 groupset is a great choice for anyone who wants a high-quality drivetrain without breaking the bank.