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Short & sweet
If you are currently looking for a road bike with mechanical gears, there is hardly any choice. Shimano equipment is rare, and models with Campagnolo are expensive. SRAM has long since opted for electronic groupsets. But there is hope: Shimano is apparently planning to launch a new mechanical 105 with twelve sprockets on the market next year.
Road bikes with mechanical gears on test
The racing bike world is in turmoil. Once again. At a time when discussions about the benefits of disc brakes on road bikes are dying down, a new debate has been brewing since last summer. Triggered by the presentation of Shimano's latest drivetrain: the 105 Di2which was launched as an electronic version for the first time to mark the 40th anniversary of the Japanese manufacturer.
Not an unusual step per se, after all, following the updates to the two top groupsets Dura-Ace and Ultegra, it was only a matter of time before Shimano also electrified the more affordable 105. Nevertheless, industry insiders linked the new launch with the imminent end of mechanical shifting on road bikes.
As a competitor in the shifting market, SRAM has already reorganised its product range much earlier. Mechanical groupsets such as Force, Rival or Apex can only be found, if at all, on inexpensive gravel bikes. Campa offers alternatives with its Super Record, Record, Chorus and Centaur groupsets, but bike manufacturers hardly ever use the comparatively expensive Italian components on production bikes.
Price-conscious cyclists who appreciate simple and transparent technology on a road bike have been worrying ever since: How long will bikes with mechanical gears still be around? Will spare parts still be available in the future?
Road bikes with mechanical gears from past tests
>> more about the bikes, further down in the article
Six months later, it is clear that bikes with mechanical groupsets are still on the market. However, they are an endangered species. Our 14 test bikes, which according to the manufacturer will continue to be available, are all equipped with Shimano 105, Ultegra or Campa Chorus drivetrains. However, the equipment variants of these models are clearly dominated by electric drivetrains: A Shimano Di2 or SRAM AXS groupset is fitted to almost twice as many. It is also noticeable that mechanical gears hardly play a role in racing and are mainly found on marathon bikes.
Criticism of Shimano
When asked, Shimano assures us that the two most relevant 11-speed groupsets, the mechanical 105 and Ultegra, will be available "until further notice". However, it is likely that these are only remaining stocks, as an interesting detail reveals: on their website, the Japanese company only advertises the new and more expensive twelve-speed groupsets. "The advantages of electronic groupsets, such as low maintenance and performance, are undisputed," says Volker Dohrmann.
Nevertheless, Stevens' chief product manager is sharply critical of the far-reaching changes to the Shimano range: "I think it's restrictive and patronising." It is true that the Hamburg-based bike manufacturer is recognising that electronic shifting is becoming increasingly popular. More bikes with Di2 than without have recently been sold via the modular system. Other manufacturers also confirm this development.
Not a good development
"In the higher segments, we are already installing hardly any mechanical groupsets. The proportion of electronic groupsets is also increasing significantly in the medium and entry-level segments," says Specialized. "Demand and supply" are the driving force behind this development, which is also reflected in the results of the 2022 TOUR reader survey (see graphic below). The acceptance of electronic shifting has never been higher. At the same time, it is clear that the intention to buy the mechanical 105 or Ultegra remains high, which is probably due to the attractive price of the two groupsets and the associated affordability of complete bikes.
Road bikes with mechanical gears - The TOUR reader survey
"The factor by which bikes with Di2 become more expensive is between 500 and 900 euros," calculates Dohrmann and adds: "Unfortunately, this is not a good development for ambitious road cyclists without a large budget."
If you take the Stevens Izoard Pro as an example, there is a difference of 600 euros between the mechanical and the electronic 105 version; the same applies to the Cube Attain GTC. Storck charges a higher premium: the Fascenario.3 Comp with Ultegra Di2 costs 1100 euros more than the mechanical version. The new Astra from Basso can be shifted mechanically and with 24 gears, but the version with Campagnolo's Chorus groupset is the expensive top version.
One of Canyon's eleven-speed models has recently disappeared completely from the range: the Endurace CF SL with mechanical Ultegra - originally planned for our test - is sold out and will no longer be produced, as the Koblenz-based company announced. "For years, we have seen a clear trend towards electric shifting systems for classic road bikes, which is likely to increase even further," says Daniel Heyder, Product Manager at Canyon. "However, there is still room for mechanical shifting systems on the market, especially in the entry-level segment."
Canyon's portfolio still includes seven eleven-speed racers between 1299 and 3999 euros across all categories. Cube already relies completely on electronics for the top platforms Agree and Litening. "Mechanical groupsets with fewer than eleven sprockets (Tiagra or Sora, editor's note) have their place in the entry-level segment for cost reasons alone," says Product Manager Frank Greifzu: "However, demand is clearly trending towards electronic shifting. If only because they are innovative and mechanical 'sister groups' are not being adapted or are being adapted late."
Mechanical 105 with twelve sprockets?
We can only speculate about the reasons for Shimano's product policy, as the Japanese company is keeping a low profile. However, the industry largely agrees that mechanical shifting will move from the road to off-road in the future. "Mechanical shifting is likely to be used more frequently in the future, especially on gravel bikes. We expect to see some interesting new developments in this area over the next few years," says Heyder.
The Canyon product manager is alluding to a new Shimano GRX, which has already been the subject of much speculation online and was briefly listed by individual manufacturers. The off-road groupset is expected to get a twelfth sprocket in 2024 and will be available as a mechanical and electronic version.
New mechanical twelve-speed groupset?
Road cyclists can't buy anything from this. However, it seems that Shimano is also planning a new mechanical twelve-speed groupset based on the 105 for this target group for next year, at least according to a list of equipment for a road bike from the US Taiwanese manufacturer KHS, which has since been deleted from the internet. The Flite 700 model for 2024 showed a groupset with unknown components such as shifters, rear derailleur and front derailleur, the model names of which cannot currently be found in the Shimano cosmos. The cassette in the 11-36 gradation was identical to the twelve-speed version of the new 105 Di2.
When confronted with this, Shimano stated that it would "never comment on any possible or even impossible product developments or ideas in the future". However, another manufacturer confirmed to TOUR that the mechanical twelve-speed 105 will be presented next year.
NowOne Schwalbe does not make a summer, and a new mechanical Shimano drivetrain is unlikely to change the fact that their era is coming to an end.
Road bikes with mechanical gears from past tests
- Price4699 Euro >> available here
- Weight: 9,4 Kilo
RL, the abbreviation in the model name of the Synpase, stands for "Radar" and "Light" and illustrates the American company's idea of a modern marathon bike. The focus is not only on comfort, but also on versatility - the Cannondale fulfils both requirements. The distance radar and lighting system are not only a safety advantage in the dark. The tyre clearance of up to 35 millimetres also extends the range of applications. Disadvantage: The additional equipment and simple wheels make the Synpase expensive and heavy; the Ultegra version weighed in at 9.4 kilograms. The battery also lacks a little juice. The basic model with lighting system also shifts mechanically (105). All other versions come as Di2 or eTap versions.
Canyon Endurace 7
- Price1699 Euro
- Weight: 9,3 Kilo
No model from Koblenz sells better than the marathon classic, which offers excellent value for money. The aluminium model with 105 does not quite match the damping of the more expensive versions with a leaf-spring seatpost, but the standard round carbon seatpost also offers very good suspension comfort in combination with the 32 millimetre wide rear tyre. An upright riding position and very smooth ride make the Canyon the ultimate long-distance specialist. In addition to the Endurace 7, the Koblenz-based company also offers three other marathon models with an eleven-speed drivetrain.
Cervélo Caledonia
- Price: 3999 Euro
- Weight: 9,1 Kilo
The Canadian endurance model will enter its third season in 2023 and will receive a careful facelift. In addition to new wheels and paintwork, the most important change is that the Caledonia will initially only be available in three instead of five equipment variants. Fans of mechanical gears will find what they are looking for in the model with 105 and simple aluminium wheels from Alexrims - and get a robust, maintenance-friendly and versatile marathon bike. The version with Ultegra and DT Swiss wheels, which is around 400 grams lighter, has been removed from the programme.
Giant Propel Advanced 2
- Price2999 Euro >> available here
- Weight: 9,1 Kilo
The new Propel is the only aero bike from Giant with mechanical shifting in the most favourable configuration, which diminishes the riding impression somewhat compared to the versions with electric shifting, but nothing more. The simple aluminium wheels are much more significant: at almost 3800 grams, they are out of place on a modern competition racer and deliver the tuning tip on a silver platter. They are worlds apart from the fast top model Advanced SL - more than two kilos lighter with exclusive carbon components, but also four times as expensive. Even the performance of the 600 gram lighter Advanced 1 cannot be matched by the entry-level Propel. However, the basis with good suspension comfort, excellent stiffness values, a compact riding position and a very smooth ride is quite harmonious.
Liv Langma Advanced Pro 1
- Price4399 Euro
- Weightt: 7,7
The women's brand of bike giant Giant addresses the Langma Advanced Pro 1 to ambitious female road cyclists. The riding position of the race model, which was revised in 2022, is stretched out, the low weight with an eleven-speed Ultegra gives it an agile ride and doesn't shy away from high-percentage climbs. The flattened seat post and tubeless tyres, which are relatively narrow at 25 millimetres, give the Liv very good suspension. If you want more comfort, you can fit tyres up to 32 millimetres wide. In terms of aero performance (234 watts), the decisive criterion for competition bikes alongside weight, the Langma shows weaknesses. The low stiffness values at the bottom bracket and steering head are atypical for modern carbon racers - but light riders should not notice this. Liv also offers two cheaper versions with 105 and Ultegra.
- Price: 4414
- Weight: 8,6 Kilo
The Noah Disc is one of the few models with more mechanical than electronic drivetrains to choose from. In addition to the aero racer we tested with 105, it can also be configured with Ultegra, while the only electronic version comes with SRAM Rival. The product policy makes sense, after all, the little brother of the top model Noah Fast should be affordable. In the price range below 5000 euros, you get a bike that scores with good suspension comfort, agile handling and a huge selection of paint finishes. In terms of weight and aero performance (220 watts), however, the Noah Disc is only average.
Rose XLite 04 105
- Price2999 Euro >> available here
- Weight: 8,2 Kilo
With the new XLite, the Bocholt-based manufacturer and mail order company has achieved a real success. Even the cheapest model impresses in almost all noteworthy categories and is considered a price-performance tip. In terms of comfort and stiffness values, it hardly gets any better in the competition bike segment. The total weight of just over eight kilos is respectable considering the aluminium components. With lighter carbon wheels, there would be a seven in front of the decimal point and the Rose (224 watts) would also be faster. Three versions of the XLite have mechanical shifting, the tested version with 105 currently has a delivery time of several weeks.
- Price3300 Euro
- Weight: 8,7 Kilo
The doppelganger of the Tarmac SL 7 racing machine is based on a stylish aluminium frame - and is a serious competitor to comparable carbon racers. This is mainly due to the balanced handling of the Allez Sprint: it can be turned over quickly in winding sections and you can take your hands off the handlebars without hesitation on straight stretches. The suspension comfort is good thanks to the carbon seat post with a D-shaped cross-section. Weight and aero performance (231 watts) are within limits, but in a sprint duel with a proven carbon racer you have to stretch yourself. The Comp version with 105 is the only one of only two Allez models with mechanical gears.
Road bikes with mechanical gears from the current test
The results at a glance
>> At a glance
The sub-scores from 4.0 are in red, so you can see which bikes are out of the question for you due to weaker individual scores. *L = Lifetime, CR = Crash Replacement, RA = Race Exclusion **In the case of the Specialized Roubaix, the comfort measurement of the fork provides no indication of the actual suspension travel on the handlebars. However, the grade takes into account both the construction and the measured value on the handlebars.
Julian Schultz
Editor
