Twelve sprockets and currentless: Shimano launches mechanical 105 components

With the New launch of the 105 Group last summer an outcry went through the road bike world. The popular ensemble was offered by Shimano exclusively as a Di2 version, i.e. powered by electric actuators and batteries. Fans of uncomplicated and inexpensive racing bikes with classic shifting mechanisms were disappointed. However, the Japanese company is now offering a mechanically actuated version that is based on the already available twelve-fold components of the 105 builds up.

Drive and brakes unchanged

The only new components are the rear derailleur, front derailleur and the control levers of the shifting group. There are also slightly revised cassettes, as the previous ones had problems when combined with mechanical shifting systems. In future, they will also be used with the electronic Di2. The rest of the drivetrain and the brakes correspond to the current state of the art.

The new rear derailleur has a particularly flat design and serves cassettes with up to 36 teeth. Two cassettes are available within the 105, one with 11-34 and one with 11-36 teeth; sportier gradations can be combined from more expensive groupsets (Ultegra or Dura-Ace). The chainrings are available in 50/34 or 52/36 gradations.

Shimano 105: Updates to derailleurs and levers

The new front derailleur should function even more smoothly and offers more cable control options. The ergonomics of the shift brake levers have been slightly revised and should fit both large and small hands better. The new ergonomics bring the brake lever a little closer to the handlebars and it is now easier to reach than on the previous, mechanical Elffach 105.

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The mechanical 105 components are now available. This should make the entry level for road bikes with twelve-speed drivetrains more affordable; complete bikes with the mechanical 105 gearbox should be available from around 2500 euros.