Shimano 105 12 speed Mechanical Impressions: Who needs electronic shifting anyway?

Summary

Get ready for a thrilling day as Shimano launches not one, but two exciting new 12-speed mechanical drop bar group sets. This video delves into the details of the highly anticipated 105 R7100 group set, revealing its price, weight, and all the changes it brings to the table. But that's not all! Shimano also unveils their gravel bike group sets, giving fans of off-road cycling something to get excited about. Join us as we explore the new 105 group set, breaking down its affordable pricing, impressive weight savings, and compatibility with disc brakes. Discover how it compares to electronic offerings like Dura-Ace and Ultegra, and get a sneak peek at the enticing prices of complete bikes equipped with this new mechanical marvel from Canyon and Giant.

Takeaways

• 🚲 Shimano launched two new 12-speed mechanical drop bar groupsets: 105 R7100 and GRX for gravel bikes.
• 💰 The 105 R7100 groupset has a retail price of around £1,000, cheaper than the electronic 105 Di2 version.
• ⚖️ The mechanical 105 R7100 groupset is lighter than the electronic versions, weighing around 2,600 grams.
• 🚫 The 105 R7100 groupset is disc-brake only, with no rim brake option.
• 🔀 The 12-speed cassettes offer a wider range of gears, with options like 11-34T and 11-36T.
• ⚙️ The 105 R7100 groupset is compatible with other Shimano components, allowing for customization and upgrades.
• 💷 Complete bikes with the 105 R7100 groupset are expected to be priced around £2,500-£4,000, depending on the frame and components.
• 🤝 Canyon and Giant have already announced bikes with the new 105 R7100 groupset, offering competitive pricing.
• 🎥 The reviewer will be testing the 105 R7100 groupset soon and will share their first impressions and reviews.
• 📣 Shimano's decision to continue offering mechanical groupsets alongside electronic ones provides a more affordable option for price-conscious consumers.

Q & A

What are the two new mechanical Shimano groupsets launched in the video?

The two new mechanical Shimano groupsets launched are the 105 R7100 and GRX gravel bike groupsets.

What is the main advantage of the new 105 R7100 groupset over electronic groupsets?

The main advantage of the new 105 R7100 groupset is the lower price compared to electronic groupsets, as it is over 1,000 pounds cheaper than the 105 Di2 electronic groupset.

How does the price of the new 105 R7100 groupset compare to the previous 11-speed 105 mechanical groupset?

The new 105 R7100 groupset is only 200 pounds more expensive than the previous 11-speed 105 mechanical groupset, which had a retail price of 800 pounds when it launched in 2018.

What are the main changes in the new 105 R7100 groupset compared to the previous generation?

The main changes in the new 105 R7100 groupset are the jump from 11 to 12 speeds and the updated shifters and hoods, which are mechanical with hydraulic disc brakes.

What is the weight advantage of the new 105 R7100 groupset over electronic groupsets?

The new 105 R7100 groupset weighs just over 2,600 grams, which is lighter than both the 105 Di2 electronic groupset (nearly 3 kilos) and the Ultegra 12-speed Di2 electronic groupset.

What are the chainring options available with the new 105 R7100 groupset?

The new 105 R7100 groupset comes with two chainring options: a 50-34 compact and a 52-36.

What is the advantage of the new 12-speed cassette in the 105 R7100 groupset?

The new 12-speed cassette offers a wider range of gears with smooth progressions between the sprockets, allowing for a wider range of cassettes with smaller jumps between gears compared to 10 or 11-speed cassettes.

What are the cassette options available with the new 105 R7100 groupset?

The new 105 R7100 groupset offers two cassette options: an 11-34 and an 11-36.

What are the advantages of mixing and matching components from different Shimano groupsets with the new 105 R7100 shifters?

By using the 105 R7100 shifters and front and rear derailleurs, users can choose to upgrade other components like the cassette, chain, brakes, and chainset to higher-end groupsets like Ultegra or Dura-Ace, creating a customized high-end mechanical groupset.

What are the expected price ranges for complete bikes equipped with the new 105 R7100 groupset?

Based on the video, it is expected that complete bikes with the new 105 R7100 groupset will typically range from around 2,500 pounds to 4,000 pounds, depending on the frame material, wheels, and other finishing kit components.