Product news: After last year the 12-speed Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 and Ultegra Di2 were presented, the manufacturer of groupsets has now taken its tried and tested 105 to the next level and, in addition to an additional sprocket, has also equipped it with Di2 technology for the first time. This is intended to make wireless Di2 performance with a 12-speed shifting system accessible to a broad target group at a corresponding price point.
It's been 40 years to the day since Shimano introduced the popular 1982 groupset in 105. For the round birthday there is now a long-awaited upgrade for the all-round group, because for the first time it will also be available with electronic Di2 shifting technology. This is the same technology that was introduced last year for the big brothers Dura-Ace and Ultegra.
https://www.velomotion.de/magazin/2021/08/neue-shimano-dura-ace-ultegra-test/
The long-awaited Shimano 105 R7100 group not only makes the Di2 performance accessible to a significantly larger group of racing cyclists, it also offers wireless, reliable and easy-to-use electronic 12-speed shifting technology, with which Shimano has only recently set new standards has set, in an even more affordable package. This means that riders who previously had to rely on mechanical shifting technology can also enjoy the first-class functionality and high-quality technologies from Shimano. Based on the Ultegra and Dura-Ace groupsets, the new Shimano 105 Di2 is the result of years of research and development work. The result was precise, flawless shifting, precisely matched translations and a reliable braking system that should be unparalleled at this price level.
The new Shimano 105 Di2: Science of Speed
As early as 2009, Shimano caused a stir with the market launch of the first Di2 (Digital Integrated Intelligence) groupset. Nevertheless, the company has not stood still over the years, but has constantly developed the products further in order to remain at the top through significant functional improvements. In the recent past, these further developments include the wireless cockpit and the expansion to a 12-speed system. In order to make this possible, however, the Shimano engineers did not make any compromises with regard to the fast, precise and reliable shifting function that is expected from Shimano.
- Advanced Di2 platform: The completely newly developed Di2 system guarantees fast shifting with a wireless cockpit.
- Modern powertrain: Optimized 12-speed gradations ensure unparalleled efficiency and seamless shifts.
- Improved interface, optimized ergonomics: With a finely tuned balance of comfort, aerodynamics and aesthetics, the new Shimano 105 Di2 guarantees safe and comfortable ergonomics and enables a clean look in the cockpit area.
- Improved braking system: In addition to the improved brake control, the new brake system of the Shimano 105 is characterized by less noise and easy maintenance and care.
- New carbon wheels: Aerodynamics, rigidity, low weight and an attractive price come together in the ideal ratio in the new tubeless carbon wheels.
The new Shimano 105 with a hybrid system
Similar to the Ultegra and Dura-Ace, the new all-round groupset relies on a hybrid system consisting of a wireless connection between the cockpit components and a cable connection between the rear derailleur, front derailleur and the central battery, which is usually housed in the seat tube, which ensures maximum reliability under all conditions ensures.
The E-Tube app also gives you extensive options for quickly and easily adapting the groupset to your own wishes and preferences. For example, the shifting system can be individually configured by setting the shifting speed, the number of shifts while the button is held down, or the synchro-shift and semi-synchro-shift functionality. In addition, the system can be paired with many third-party bike computers, including Garmin and Wahoo. For example, the current gear or the battery charge level can be displayed on the bike computer.
With optimized lever ergonomics for more grip
One of the main points of contact between the rider and the racing bike are the shift and brake levers. To make them even easier to hold, Shimano has given the new 105 Di2 new ergonomics, which also take into account the feedback from numerous professional racers. The core features of the changes are higher croissants and an optimized lever shape for more comfort and better control in every riding position. The braking function has also undergone a significant upgrade with the new, smooth-running brake levers and the extended control area. In addition to the ergonomic improvements, the circuit developed by Shimano itself is now also used at the 105 level, which ensures safe, fast signal transmission and processing and at the same time reduces the energy requirement to an absolute minimum. This reduces the risk of disturbances and interference, further reduces switching speed and extends battery life. According to the manufacturer, the decision to use a central rechargeable battery housed safely in the frame simplifies charging and guarantees a stable and reliable switching function at all times.
The new shifting system of the Shimano 105 Di2
The second major innovation in addition to an "electrification" of the 105 is the step towards 12-speed. As a result, the switching group, which is particularly popular with hobby drivers, can convince with a large bandwidth and pleasantly small gear steps. Responsible for this are the cassette options with 11-34 and 11-36 teeth as well as the cranksets with gradations of 50-34 and 52-36 teeth. In combination, they even enable a reduction in the drive train, so that steeper ramps and longer climbs should be able to be conquered with ease. With regard to the wheels, the new system is backwards compatible. Previous road bike wheels with an 11-speed freewheel hub can continue to be used with the new 12-speed Shimano 105 Di2.
More braking power thanks to an improved system
Like the already mentioned Shimano Dura-Ace and Ultegra groupsets last year, the new 105 has also received a revised and improved braking system, which should shine with less noise and simplified maintenance. In addition, the braking processes should be made more powerful and easier to control. Despite the greater distance between the pads in the rest position, which significantly reduces the noise level, the brakes engage quickly and reliably. Screwdrivers and machinists will especially appreciate the clean and easy bleeding process, which eliminates the need to remove the brake caliper from the frame.
New RS710 carbon wheels
Another novelty in the course of the new Shimano 105 Di2 are two new carbon wheel sets, which should complete the shifting group and are at the same price level. Once again, Shimano's approach of adopting the technologies from the top series step by step to lower product levels has proven its worth. The C32, specially designed for uphill performance, and the all-round model C46 are characterized by the same DNA that makes the corresponding C36 and C50 wheelsets on the Dura-Ace and Ultegra so attractive - in particular the balance between aerodynamics, low weight and rigidity. The C32 model has a 32 mm high rim with an inner width of 21 mm and a weight of 1.502 grams. The rim on the C46 wheelset is 46 mm high, also has an inner width of 21 mm and weighs 1.610 grams. Both wheelsets are 11-speed and 12-speed compatible and tubeless ready.