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Updated Shimano 105 with hydraulic disc brakes is here

Road groupset receives hydraulic disc brakes

Shimano 105

Shimano 105

Those excited about in series road hydraulic disc brakes from Shimano along with the updated mechanical Dura-Ace and Ultegra groupsets but were waiting for the trickle down to more affordable components will be pleased to know that today Shimano has released their updated 105 R7000 groupset. While 105 doesn’t get a Di2 option like it’s higher-end brethren, it does borrow heavily in its design. The reduced price point should make it appealing to a wide range of riders with the new Shimano 105 available with hydraulic flat mount disc brakes and a massively versatile 11-34 cassette.

Shimano 105

The new components look very similar to the Dura-Ace and Ultegra groupsets with similar aesthetics and ergonomics. The big difference is 105 favours aluminum over carbon in certain areas which feature more prominently in the high-end road components adding weight but not drastically changing functionality. The 105 components have very similar profiles, ergonomics and designs as the high-end offerings.

With further expanded gearing choices, refined chainrings and hydraulic disc brakes the groupset can finish a mixed terrain adventure bike with a 11-34 cassette that is compatible with both road and, with a spacer, mountain bike wheelsets. The calipers are flat mount and a new 140 mm center lock disc rotor uses Ice Technologies for heat management when braking heavily. The rear derailleur is available in an 11-25 to 11-30 short cage configuration or the long cage 11-28 to 11-34 set up.

The hoods that house the 105 hydraulic mechanism is much sleeker than the out of series hydraulic hoods previously used on 105 hydraulic disc builds. The rim hoods feature 15-mm reach adjustment while the disc brake levers are 4-mm closer and there is an option for a model with a lever blade that is designed to allow riders with small hands to easily have a firm and confident hold. Like on the Ultegra and Dura-Ace hydraulic hoods, the internals have been redesigned for noticeably sleeker ergonomics and aesthetic.

The 105 groupset will be available in a two-toned black finish or silver for a more classic look. Stay tuned for Canadian pricing.

In addition to the new groupset, Shimano today announced the new Ultegra RX rear derailleur which features a clutch for chain stability over rough terrain.