It doesn't always have to be "Dura-Ace". Connoisseurs have known this for a long time. This realisation is confirmed by the new generation of the Shimano "105" groupset. Its price-performance ratio is unbeatable: At a lower price, it offers almost the same function as higher-class groupsets. In terms of shifting comfort and braking performance, the 105 can certainly keep up with the expensive "Dura-Ace" and "Ultegra" groupsets. The fact that it is somewhat heavier may be less relevant, especially for beginners and frequent riders. So for us, there are enough reasons to send a larger test field to the start with this groupset.
We expected a rather homogeneous test field, which would be typical for bikes with this equipment: Up to now, manufacturers have mostly mounted the "105" on aluminium frames and combined it with other mid-range components - at a total price of 1,000 to 1,500 euros. All the more surprising, then, was the variety of bikes in the TOUR test lab: the 21 bikes ranged in price from 999 euros (Drössiger, Müsing) to 2,884 euros (Stevens); nine are based on a carbon frame, twelve are made of aluminium. In addition, there are cranks and brakes from other manufacturers and sometimes significant differences in the details of the equipment and workmanship of the bikes.
The test results of the 21 road bikes with Shimano 105 can be found below as a PDF download.
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