Shimano
105

The Shimano 105 groupset has been around for over forty years, providing quality, reliable shifting for road bikes since its introduction. Its price point makes it extremely accessible to a wide range of riders, and offers shifting performance that rivals that of much more expensive groupsets.

The Shimano 105 range has undergone many changes, as you would expect, over the decades, managing to keep it at the forefront of road cycling technology. One of the more significant updates of recent years, was the introduction of the Shimano 105 Di2 groupset which uses electronically actuated derailleurs to improve shifting performance and eliminate cable drag. Furthermore, the Shimano 105 Di2 offers the same level of adjustability and customisation as the other electronic groupsets in their range, and allows for extra components such as satellite shifters to be installed with ease. This makes it an ideal option for a TT bike, as the narrower cable diameter makes it easier and more aerodynamic to fit, and the flexibility around shifters allow for multiple configurations.

The Shimano 105 cassette is now available in a 12 speed configuration, with sprockets going from 11 teeth up to 46 teeth, giving ample range for most riders. It does provie compatibility with a kmc 12 speed chain, but for the best shifting performance a genuine Shimano 105 chain should be used.

For us at Westbrooks, the Shimano 105 groupset offers arguable the best value for money for road bike components. The shifting performance is very similar to groupsets that have a much higher price point, and the durability is fantastic, meaning you don't need to replace worn out components more than neccessary. If we had to be pushed for a downside, the Shimano 105 is slightly heavier than others, such as the Ultegra groupset, but given the price difference between the two, this is easily palatable. All-in-all, Shimano 105 offers excellent performance and value, and is certainly up to the job for the majority of road riders.