Shimano 105: The popular road bike groupset

The Shimano 105 groupset has been one of the most popular choices for road cyclists for decades and has established itself as one of the most versatile and reliable groupsets on the market. It combines technologies originally introduced in high-end groupsets such as Ultegra and Dura-Ace with a robust and affordable design. Its strength lies in the optimum balance between performance and cost, which makes it attractive for both leisure riders and ambitious athletes. Whether mechanical or electronic, the Shimano 105 stands for precise shifting, durability and easy maintenance. Thanks to its versatility, it is equally suitable for demanding tours, regular training and even initial racing. It also offers compatibility with a wide range of components, allowing flexible customisation to individual requirements.

What makes Shimano 105 so special?

Shimano 105 offers features that were previously only found in the top-of-the-range Ultegra and Dura-Ace groupsets. Their precision, durability and versatility make them the first choice for riders who value quality without spending a fortune.

Target group:

• Road cyclists who train regularly.
• Touring cyclists looking for reliability and flexibility.
• Beginners in racing who want affordable, high-quality equipment.

Mechanical or electronic? An overview of the variants

Feature	Shimano 105 R7000 (Mechanical)	Shimano 105 Di2 R7100 (Electronic)
Switching precision	Very good, depending on maintenance.	Perfect, regardless of conditions.
Number of gears	11-speed	12-speed
Switching logic	Manual with cables	Electronic, wireless
Costs	More favourable	More expensive, but future-optimised
Maintenance	Simple adjustment of the cables.	Hardly necessary, charge battery regularly.

Shimano 105 mechanical (R7000 series)

The mechanical Shimano 105 offers classic reliability and easy maintenance. With its 11-speed system, it enables precise shifting and is ideal for riders who prefer proven technology.

Advantages:

• Easy maintenance and low-cost repairs.
• Attractive price.
• Widely used in the mid-range, therefore easy to replace.

Special features:

• Supports cassettes up to 11-34 teeth.
• Ergonomic shift levers that are comfortable to operate even on long journeys.

Shimano 105 electronic (Di2 R7100 series)

The Shimano 105 Di2 offers state-of-the-art technology at an affordable price. This version offers wireless shifting, extremely precise gear changes and additional functions that were previously reserved for the more expensive Ultegra and Dura-Ace groupsets.

Advantages:

• Wireless connection between shift levers and rear derailleur.
• 12-speed system with finely tuned gears and wider range.
• Automatic correction functions (Synchro-Shift).

Special features:

• Compatible with cassettes up to 11-36 teeth.
• Long-lasting battery, easy charging via USB.

The most important components of the Shimano 105 explained

Component	Description
Rear derailleur	Precise shifting, compatible with large cassettes (Di2 up to 11-36 teeth).
Front derailleur	Guides the chain between chainrings; Di2 version with automatic adjustment.
Shift lever	Ergonomic and easy to operate; wireless electronic version.
Crankset	2x chainring (e.g. 50-34 teeth), stiff and light.
Cassette	11- or 12-speed; options such as 11-30 or 11-34 teeth offer versatility.
Chain	Langlebig, speziell für Durable, specially optimised for the respective number of sprockets.
Bottom bracket	Low-friction bottom bracket, compatible with Hollowtech II cranks.

Frequently asked questions about the Shimano 105

1. Which cassette is compatible with Shimano 105?
Shimano 105 is compatible with all 11-speed cassettes from Shimano as well as with the 12-speed cassettes of the Di2 series. Common options are 11-28T, 11-30T or 11-34T.

2. Can Shimano 105 components be replaced by Ultegra components?
Yes, Shimano 105 components can easily be replaced by Ultegra components. Both groupsets use the same technology and are fully compatible. You can replace individual parts such as derailleurs, cassettes or brakes without having to change the entire groupset.

3. Is the Shimano 105 Di2 electronic?
Yes, the Di2 version is electronic and wireless. It was specially developed for riders who want precise and low-maintenance shifting.

4. How do you charge the Shimano 105 Di2?
The Di2 battery is charged via a USB port. The charging process is simple and takes around 1.5 to 2 hours.

5. How do Shimano 105 shift levers work?
The mechanical shift levers work with a dual-control system that combines braking and shifting. The Di2 version uses electronic buttons for shifting.

6. Is the Shimano 105 R7000 hydraulic?
The Shimano 105 R7000 series offers both hydraulic disc brakes and mechanical rim brakes.

7. What is Shimano 105 Di2?
The 105 Di2 is the first electronic version of the Shimano 105, offering the same advantages as Ultegra Di2, but at a lower price.

Shimano 105: A versatile choice for road cyclists

The Shimano 105 remains one of the best options in road cycling. With the choice between the proven mechanical R7000 series and the innovative electronic Di2 R7100, it offers something for every rider. Whether you’re looking for reliability, high-tech or the best value for money, Shimano 105 is always the right choice.

If you want to delve deeper into the world of groupsets, you’ll find everything you need to know about the differences between the two manufacturers in our road bike groupset comparison: Shimano and SRAM.

For mountain bike enthusiasts, we have also created an overview/comparison of all Shimano MTB groupsets to help you make the right choice for your next adventure.