Shimano chose April fools day to release their new 105 road cycling groupset along with new road bike hydraulic disc brake system compatible with mechanical shifting (non Di2). Shifting through the marketing blurb and specs it didn’t seem like a prank, and the new 105 was on the cards so it is time to share the details. Shimano 105 riders benefit from the trickle-down effect, all of the technology that has stood its ground in the Ultegra and Dura Ace groupsets at a more economical price point.
The new 105 groupset under the label of 5800 is due at the end of May 2014 and pricing has not yet been announced. Most components in the new 105 have undergone a redesign and the key differences to the next level groupset (Ultegra) are in the materials.
The road disc brake system (BR-RS785) has been updated with a new caliper and a rotor which Shimano describe as a “3 layer-sandwich structure of stainless steel and aluminum” which reduces overall temperature. In addition to electronic shifting (Di2), a new mechanic shifter (ST-RS685) with integrated oil reservoir is available allows cyclists who prefer mechanical shifting to use hydraulic disc brakes.
