Shimano’s 105 road cycling groupset is updated for the new season. The Japanese company has just presented the new version of its most reliable and economical mechanical group with a 12-speed range. It is, therefore, a commitment by those responsible for Shimano to bring the new standard of 12-speed transmissions to the largest possible audience, since the mechanical Shimano 105 is presented as the option with the best quality, price and reliability ratio.
This new Shimano group will delight fans who are still reluctant to advance in electronic transmissions or simply those looking to save as much as possible on their bicycle equipment without losing performance. Therefore, this new option incorporates most of the advances that are already included in the electronic version, such as Shimano Shadow RD technology that offers low shift cable tension for smooth, efficient and silent actuation. The front derailleur has a special link structure to guarantee the correct positioning of the chain at all times, thus avoiding the dreaded “chain sucking”.
Another of the great contributions of the 105 mechanical is that it offers a range of developments that cover the needs of any amateur cyclist; from the most trained to the least prepared. In the chainrings, Shimano allows you to choose between two options: 50-34 or 52-36 teeth; While stopping the cassette, two wide range options are also provided: 11-24 or 11-36 teeth. Therefore, Shimano allows a gear ratio below the 1:1 ratio; that is, with a rear crown larger than the small chainring, which makes this transmission an ideal option for occasional cyclists who successfully face ramps that they previously feared and with good reason.
Of course, the groupset is completed with the indispensable Shimano BR-7170 hydraulic disc brake set; calipers designed to be able to exert more powerful braking with less effort. It is important to note that this new Shimano 105 R7100 mechanical groupset is only compatible with disc brakes. As for the levers, these have a design updated to the new trend that reduces the distance from the handlebars to offer a more comfortable and ergonomic position.
The main contribution of this new mechanical Shimano 105 is that it offers a very good transmission option at an interesting price. It is difficult to ensure what the real price difference is for this group compared to its electronic version, but it is easy that they can be found on the market with a price difference of between 30 and 40%. Furthermore, it is very likely that this transmission is included as standard on many bikes assembled by manufacturers; probably the ones that have the most sales success, so I’m sure that in a few months we will see many group mates riding with this new mechanical Shimano 105.
