Product news: With the new Shimano 105 R7000 group, the component manufacturer is launching a new generation of 105s. In addition to many things in common with the top groups, the upscale entry-level group should offer an enormously wide range of uses and race-proven performance.
Racing cyclists today have much more differentiated demands and needs than just the fastest possible propulsion. They expect a high level of comfort, user-friendliness and versatility from their bikes and components in order to guarantee both driving pleasure and the achievement of individual goals. Even at the 105 level, racing cyclists expect features and functionality at a professional level, but usually use their racing bikes for a much broader range of uses than competition and training. The Shimano 105 has always marked the entry into the field of high-quality, racing-inspired component groups. With the new 105, this definition is now much broader and also includes the high degree of user-friendliness and customization that is required for a wide range of applications.
The biggest innovation within the new Shimano 105 group is the introduction of a group-integrated hydraulic disc brake system. The rather unwieldy and clumsy-looking RS-505 brake levers, which were previously installed on disc bikes at the 105 level, give way to newly designed STI levers, which are closely based on the Ultegra counterparts. The new BR-R7070 flat-mount brake calipers are compatible with Ice Technology brake pads and with the UCI-compliant SM-RT70 brake discs and thus offer a high degree of heat dissipation. The counterpart on the handlebars are the new ergonomic dual-control shift/brake levers (ST-R7020), which, like the Ultegra ST-R8020 levers, offer a larger adjustment range for different hand sizes or reach widths. For even more customization options, the Shimano 105 R7000 group offers an additional STI model (STR7025), which has been specially designed for riders with small hands thanks to a changed angle to the handlebars and to the outside. The levers for rim brakes have also been revised, are based on the Ultegra and should shift faster and smoother with shorter lever travel.
In both STI types - for rim brakes (ST-R7000) and for disc brakes (STR7020/7025) - the shifting mechanism has also been revised to ensure faster and smoother shifting with less lever travel. In terms of design and function, the derailleur is based heavily on the Dura-Ace and Ultegra derailleurs and is characterized, among other things, by greater clearance for wide tires and the integration of cable clamping and adjustment using a 2 mm Allen key. In addition to the SS rear derailleur with a short cage, a version with a medium cage (RD-R7000-GS) is also available, which can be used with cassettes up to 11-34T. The new 105 rear derailleurs also feature Shimano Shadow RD technology.
A new "Mid Compact" crank ratio with 52-36T joins the proven cranks with 50-34T and 53-39T. In addition, a new 11-30T cassette (CS-R7000) and an 11-34T cassette (CS-HG700-11) provide optimal gear ratios, especially for applications such as gravel, adventure or cyclocross. As with the Ultegra and Dura-Ace, the cranksets themselves are characterized by a larger chainring spacing, which allows for a slightly larger chain skewing and thus allows short chainstay lengths even with larger installation widths on the rear wheel.
Improved controllability and responsiveness were two areas we focused on during development. Added to this is what people have always expected from a 105: great versatility and a high utility factor for the driver. With the new 105 catering to a wide range of contemporary riding styles and uses, we hope to unlock the full potential of what and where you can ride on a modern road bike. – Tim Gerrits, Product Manager at Shimano Europe
The new Shimano 105 R7000 will be available on the market from June and comes in an attractive look with two different shades of black as well as in a classic silver finish. Prices are not yet known
WEB: shimano.com/en