Bicycling Australia
Shimano’s 105 groupset has had a facelift and some real performance enhancing work done. Recent upgrades from the Dura Ace and Ultegra level gruppos have filtered down to 105 making it an even better value proposition. The most obvious changes to the mechanical components are the new four arm crank spider and 11 speed cassette (12-25, 11-28 and 11-32), but there are many tweaks and improvements not so obvious. The new crank design is stiffer and lighter and shifting gears requires a lighter touch due to the polymer coated cables, redesigned levers and longer derailleur arms. The new, quieter 11 speed chain is now one directional with the inside plate shaped to aid rear changing and the outside plate shaped to aid front end changes. Braking performance has been improved with the more powerful mechanical brake calliper also having a higher arch that will help accommodate 28mm tyres. Perhaps the most significant performance change is in the introduction of a hydraulic braking option. Whereas hydraulic braking was previously associated with Di2 systems in Ultegra and Dura Ace it’s now an option for the mechanical shifting 105. The whole 105 groupset is functionally cross compatible with Ultegra and Dura Ace and available in either black or silver finish.
Distributed by Shimano Australia Cycling
