Competition bikes with Shimano 105: 8 cheaper versions of the professional bikes

Cannondale Supersix Evo 4 with the twelve-speed groupset from Shimano

The base model is the only equipment variant to change gears mechanically. In contrast to the Evo Hi-Mod 2 it is based on a heavier carbon frame, according to Cannondale the difference is just under 100 grams. The Evo 4 does not come close to the handling of the almost three times more expensive model due to simple aluminium add-on parts. The very good aerodynamics are also out of reach due to the wheels with low rims. In terms of comfort, however, the race all-rounder should be on a par: Both versions share an aero carbon seat post which, in combination with the slim seat tube, provides remarkably good suspension.

• Price: 3299 Euro >> available here
• Weight: not specified

Canyon Ultimate CF SL 7 with Shimano 105

At the end of December, the Koblenz-based company's portfolio included two Ultimate bikes with Shimano's 105: the CF SL 7 was listed with both the new version (R7100) and the discontinued version (R7000). The availability of both equipment variants indicates that Canyon will continue to offer both bikes with identical model designations in 2024. The risk of confusion is inevitable. For the CF SL 7 with twelve-speed 105, the mail order company states a complete bike weight of 8.5 kilograms. With lighter wheels, there would be a seven in front of the decimal point and the aerodynamics would improve.

• Price: 2799 Euro
• Weight: 8.5 kilos (manufacturer's specification)

Cervélo Soloist 105 Race with the twelve-speed groupset from Shimano

The competition classic from the Canadian bike manufacturer is currently only available overseas with Shimano's new groupset. However, the Soloist 105 Race will be available across the pond on request in the coming weeks. Cervélo eliminates a central point of criticism of the simply equipped Eleven-fold model and equips the bike with faster carbon wheels, making it almost indistinguishable from the more expensive versions. The Soloist is Cervélo's only competition bike with Bowden cable shifting. In Europe, it was previously available with the Ultegra and 105 groupsets.

• Price: approx. 5399 Euro
• Weight: not specified

Focus Izalco Max 8.8 with Shimano 105

The Izalco Max is the youngest of the eight bikes with mechanical 105 gears, with Focus offering two versions with twelve-speed gears: The 8.8 (photo) rolls on carbon wheels, while the 8.7 is built with a robust aluminium wheelset. According to the manufacturer, the two versions differ in weight by 700 grams. Overall, Focus has given the racing bike a basic aero tuning, and it is said to be almost seven watts faster than its predecessor. However, only the top model, which is more than twice as expensive, is likely to fulfil this promise.

• Price: 3999 Euro
• Weight: 8.3 kilos (manufacturer's specification)

Giant Propel Advanced 2 with the twelve-speed groupset from Shimano

In an intra-brand duel the affordable basic model clearly had to give way to the exclusive professional version. The Propel Advanced 2 was particularly heavy, hanging 2300 grams heavier on the TOUR scales. In addition to the frameset, the wheels are primarily responsible for this. If you are prepared to invest around 1500 euros in a faster carbon wheelset, the affordable aero racer is several hundred grams lighter and almost reaches the aerodynamic level of the Advanced SL. Giant also offers the TCR lightweight bike with mechanical gears, albeit with older eleven-speed technology.

• Price: 2999 Euro >> available here
• Weight: 9.0 kilos

Merida Scultura 4000 with Shimano 105

The all-rounder from the Taiwanese manufacturer is the most affordable competition racer with a mechanical 105. The Scultura 4000 is based on the same frameset as more expensive variants, and the frame weighs in at just under 1000 grams. The level of comfort that we experienced on the Scultura 7000 know. The affordable aluminium wheels, which are also found in Merida's marathon model, are relatively heavy. Aerodynamically, you shouldn't expect too much; even the professional version from the Bahrain-Victorious team only achieves a mediocre value in the wind tunnel.

• Price: 2499 Euro
• Weight: not specified

Storck Aernario.3 Comp with the twelve-speed groupset from Shimano

The 7960 grams of the Aernario.3 Comp are a real statement, usually complete bikes with a 12x105 have an eight or nine in front of the decimal point. The competitive advantage of the Storck results from a remarkably light frameset and high-quality carbon wheels from its own Zeitjäger brand. The frame weighs just over 800 grams. Lightweight TPU tubes round off the lightweight character. Storck currently only offers one other road bike with mechanical gears: The Fascenario.3 Comp is built with the eleven-speed version of the Ultegra.

• Price: 3199 Euro
• Weight: 8.0 kilos

Trek Émonda SL 5 with Shimano 105

The Émonda has a lot of professional flair, but only on closer inspection does it reveal itself to be an affordable basic model. The work tool from climbing specialist Giulio Ciccone (Lidl-Trek) is based on a heavier frameset in the affordable SL version, with the complete bike weighing over two kilograms more. Like its 105 competitors, the US bike would also make a big leap forward with lighter wheels. The unique selling point is the overturned seat dome, which offers very good suspension. Trek also equips an aluminium version of the Émonda with a new Shimano drivetrain. The aerodynamically optimised Madone model has purely electronic shifting.

• Price: 2999 Euro >> available here
• Weight: 9.1 kilos (manufacturer's specification)

>> Shimano 105: Mechanical shifting with 12 sprockets in the test

>> How TOUR tests road bikes: Our new test procedure explained