Assessment: Shimano 105 Di2 Construct

PEZ readers might bear in mind my Colnago V3 undertaking bike with Ultegra R8000: “The shifting is mild, crisp, and positive. Dura Ace is meant to be higher, however I’m undecided how significantly better it may be (no less than so far as mechanical shifting goes … I’ve but to strive Di2). And if Ultegra is that this good, it makes me surprise how good 105 is.” And I had this to say about Ultegra Di2 on the lifeless horny LOOK 795 Blade RS I reviewed: “I’ve to say that I like the brand new Shimano Di2 Ultegra 8100 12-speed group set. It’s my first time using Di2 and now I do know what the thrill about digital shifting is all about. The shifting is quick and positive. Simply requires a light-weight faucet of the shift button.” So after I was given the chance to “improve” my V3 to the brand new Shimano 105 Di2, how might I say “no”?

Each Dura Ace and Ultegra have had Di2 variations going again to 10-speed days and I do know lots of people have been ready and questioning when 105 would go Di2. Properly, wait and surprise now not … that point is now.

PARTS IS PARTS

Shimano despatched PEZ every part 105 to do a whole swap out of all of the Ultegra elements on my Colnago V3 plus a number of additional goodies. I’ll let footage do as a lot of the speaking as potential.

Shimano 105 Di2 Hydraulic Disc Brake Twin Management Levers (2×12-speed) – Left (entrance derailleur/brake) and Proper (rear derailleur/brake)

Shifters. Brake levers. Brifters. Name them what you’ll. The issues that go in your handlebars that management shifting and braking. For those who’re coming from older 11-speed levers, the hood form is completely different (to imitate Ultegra and Dura Ace): a barely extra raised hood peak with an extended and flatter hood physique. Shimano claims improved ergonomics and luxury, which has been my expertise using the LOOK 795 Blade RS with 12-speed Ultegra Di2.

NOTE: My management levers got here packaged with the corresponding brake calipers and hoses, which is customary observe for brand new bike builds. For those who had been changing current elements on a motorcycle, you’ll be capable of purchase them individually.

For these readers who’ve or are acquainted with older Shimano Di2, one factor that’s completely different with the most recent era is that the management levers are wi-fi, i.e., no extra having to fish wires by means of the handlebars and body to hook up with the derailleurs. Energy for the shifters is by way of two (2) CR1632 batteries (Shimano claims 3-1/2 to 4 yr battery life).

Batteries for the the shifters

Though the 105 Di2 management levers are lots like Dura Ace and Ultegra when it comes to kind and performance, they don’t have all the identical options as Ultegra and Dura Ace. There’s no possibility for satellite tv for pc shifters. And the tops of the hoods don’t have push buttons that may be programmed to work with Shimano D-FLY Close to Area Community know-how that allows connectivity between Di2 techniques and ANT+/Bluetooth suitable equipment like biking GPS computer systems and lights. Neither of those options is necessary to me, however you’ll have to spend more cash on Ultegra or Dura Ace if both or each of those are “will need to have.”

Shimano specs 423 grams for a pair of levers

Shimano 105 Hydraulic Disc Brake Caliper

As famous above, my management levers and brake calipers had been packaged collectively. The entrance and rear calipers are the identical, however the entrance one got here with the spacer plate for a 160mm entrance brake rotor discovered on most street bikes (additionally the UCI customary for street race bikes).

Shimano specs a median weight of 123 grams for the calipers, however that doesn’t embrace the hose plus brake fluid

Shimano 105 Di2 Entrance Derailleur

Shimano spec is 142 grams

Shimano 105 Di2 Rear Derailleur

Within the previous days there have been completely different size derailleur cages; these days it’s only one size … lengthy

Shimano spec is 302 grams

Shimano 105 Hollowtech II Crankset

170mm crankarm size with 50/34 chainrings

Shimano spec weight is 765 grams (however they don’t specify for what size crankarm and which chainring combo)

Shimano Di2 Battery

Spot on Shimano spec of 52 grams

Shimano 105 12-speed Cassette

On my 11-speed Ultegra mechanical I used to be operating an 11-30 11-speed cassette, however 11-30 isn’t an possibility with 12-speed 105 (it’s with Ultegra and Dura Ace 12-speed). As a substitute, the 12-speed 11-34 cassette is identical as my 11-speed 11-30 cassette with the addition of a twelfth 34T sprocket. Paired with a compact 50/34 crankset, which means my lowest gear is a 1:1 ratio. I’m not proud. Sure, I’m previous.

Underneath Shimano spec of 361 grams

Shimano SLX 12-speed Chain

Curiously, a “mountain bike” chain for 105 street

Shimano spec is 252 grams

THE NOT Di2 STUFF

Along with all of the above elements to go from mechanical to digital, Shimano despatched another stuff that has nothing to do with digital shifting. (Plus I obtained bar tape and tires that didn’t come from Shimano.)

PRO Vibe Stem

NOTE the uniquely formed stem cap

Regardless that increasingly more bikes are going to built-in stem/handlebars, it’s not at all times potential to get the match precisely proper relying on a person rider’s necessities for stem angle, stem size, and handlebar width (I’m a type of riders). There are solely so many mixtures producers are prepared to make (no less than for us mere mortals — should you’re a large enough identify professional you possibly can most likely get one thing customized). So that you’ll nonetheless see riders within the professional peloton using a standard stem and handlebars. And a mainstay for stems is the PRO Vibe Stem.

I opted for an alloy stem as a result of I might get the identical -10 diploma angle because the PRO PLT stem I used to be changing (the PRO Vibe Carbon stem is -8 levels). And I wanted the longest stem PRO makes: 130 mm.

PRO specs 162 grams for a 130mm stem

PRO Vibe Aero Alloy Handlebar

PRO specs “from 330 grams”

Partly, I obtained the alloy handlebar as a result of I needed to be matchy-matchy with the alloy stem (I might’ve executed the identical if I had gone with a carbon stem). However one more reason is that the alloy model is flared (6 levels) and I discover this gives a extra comfy hand place for me within the hooks and drops.

One factor I didn’t do was observe the development of going narrower. I made a decision to stay with what I do know works for me … 40 cm vast bars (on the hoods). Particularly since I spend the overwhelming majority of my using time on the hoods.

And I went with an aero handlebar much less for the #aero advantages and extra as a result of (a) I similar to the look and (b) the flat aero part is extra comfy for me after I’m using on the tops.

Cycology See Me Handlebar Tape

Everybody who is aware of me is aware of that pink handlebar tape is my “trademark.” Pink due to the Giro … essentially the most lovely and my favourite of the Grand Excursions. Plus #realmenwearpink. However as an alternative of “plain” pink, I made a decision to go along with Cycology’s See Me handlebar tape that’s a pink graffiti sample. It’s enjoyable and frivolous and attracts a number of compliments.

It’s a padded tape for consolation (I trip with out gloves in heat sufficient climate so this is a vital issue). The floor appears to be like “slick” however is definitely “grippy.”

PRO Stealth Curved Staff Saddle

PEZ readers will know I’m a short-nose saddle convert. And that I want a saddle that has some dip/curve. The PRO Stealth Curved Staff Saddle match the invoice. As with all new saddle, it’s at all times an experiment of types since you don’t actually know if a saddle will fit your posterior till trip it.

Plenty of black carbon fiber goodness

PRO digital camera mount attaches on to the saddle

PRO specs 161 grams

Shimano C46 Entrance and Rear Tubeless Disc Brake Carbon Wheels

These are Shimano’s 105-level carbon wheels. So “entry degree.” In line with Shimano: “the brand new full carbon wheels provide balanced efficiency at a lower cost.” How a lot decrease? MSRP is $1,049.99. That’s $350 lower than an Ultegra C36 or C50 wheelset and $1,050 lower than a Dura Ace C36 or C50 wheelset.

Spec for the C46 entrance wheel is 719 grams

After all, the 105 wheels are heavier. It’s not potential to do a a strict apples-to-apples comparability as a result of the 105 wheels are both 32mm or 46mm deep vs 36mm or 60mm for Ultegra or Dura Ace. However the 105 C32 at 1,504 grams is 16 grams heavier than Ultegra C36 and 154 grams heavier than Dura Ace C36. The 105 C46 at 1,612 grams is 42 grams heavier than Ultegra C60 and 151 grams heavier than Dura Ace C60.

Spec for the C46 rear wheel is 893 grams

I opted for the 46mm deep model as a result of I have already got lighter weight “all-arounder” 38mm deep carbon wheels and needed one thing slightly extra aero and was prepared to pay the worth in weight achieve.

Shut sufficient for presidency work … Shimano specs 28mm exterior width and 21mm inner width

Shimano GRX Heart Lock Disc Brake Rotors

Regardless that there are 105 street disc brake rotors, Shimano elected to ship their GRX gravel bike rotors. Possibly they’ve been listening to my compadre Ed Hood: “The professional mechanics change the Dura Ace discs with the extra rugged Ultegra and even MTB XTR discs however the latter aren’t as much as lengthy mountain descents, they’re liable to warping with the warmth build-up.”

Talking of Ed … For those who didn’t already know, Ed suffered a stroke in February that has been very tough for all of us at PEZ to return to grips with. Ed misplaced his potential to talk and misplaced motion on the suitable facet of his physique. To say that Ed’s future is unsure is an understatement. So I/we hope which you can assist. It doesn’t need to be lots. Plenty of smaller contributions add up. Right here’s the GoFundMe for Ed. Thanks. Merci beaucoup. Molte grazie.

Shimano doesn’t present spec weights for the GRX rotors

Shimano Entrance and Rear Through Axles

These are Shimano’s tackle a “fast launch” through axle. They thread in similar to an everyday through axle. However they’ve an adjustable cam mechanism (like a fast launch lever) to lock the through axle in place. It means you don’t want a hex wrench to take away/set up the through axle. #marginalgains

Shimano spec is 65 grams for the entrance (prime) and 75 grams for the rear (backside)

Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Tubeless Tires

Goodyear is a model extra identified in motorsports, however I’ve been a “automobile man” since I used to be a child (grade college) so determined to be slightly bit completely different for tire alternative. Because the 4Seasons identify implies, these are tires meant to optimize efficiency throughout all kinds of street and climate circumstances. So not the “quickest” of tires (if you’d like Goodyear’s quickest tire, try the Eagle F1 SuperSport R) however I’m now not as involved about “quick” (and even all that quick) and prepared to commerce off some velocity for puncture/flat safety. In that regard, the Vector 4Seasons has bead-to-bead sidewall safety in addition to an anti-puncture belt below the tread.

As a street tubeless convert, I obtained the tubeless model of the Vector 4 Seasons tires. And I went 700×30 for #marginalgains consolation vs 700×28.

NOTE: Regardless that the Shimano C46 wheels got here with tubeless rim tape already put in, I added a second layer as a result of I’m paranoid. Like all tubeless tires, the Goodyear Vector 4Seasons could be a little bit of a bear to put in due to the extremely tight beads. Fortunately, I’ve a Kool Cease Tire Bead Jack to assist make that slightly bit simpler. If — even with spraying soapy water on the rim/tire — you’ve almost dislocated your thumbs attempting to get a tubeless tire onto a rim, you’ll wish to get one.

Put (1) on the lip of the rim, hook (2) below the bead on the alternative facet, and pull as much as get the tire mounted

Even earlier than using them, what actually impressed me in regards to the Goodyear Vector 4Seasons tires was that after seating the beads they held air with none sealant. The truth is, it took 3-4 days earlier than they deflated. I subsequently added my favourite Effetto Mariposa Caffelatex sealant.

Just about spec 30mm vast

Whether or not it’s tubes or tubeless, get the emblem lined up with the valve stem if you wish to be completely “professional”

THE SWAP

I want to begin with a shout to my good pal Pinkey aka Santiago Gonzalez who I’ve identified since my racing days courting again to the early 90s. He’s a completely professional mechanic and agreed to surrender his private time on a weekend to assist me with this undertaking. Pinkey is a legend as a wrench and I couldn’t have executed it with out him. Additionally a shout out to my LBS Conte’s letting me use their Outdated City Alexandria store (throughout Pinkey’s off hours) to do the work.

Pinkey in his component

I had no illusions that swapping out all of the elements could be simple, however … actually … this isn’t a undertaking for the faint of coronary heart. And until you might have all of the instruments and house (I don’t), probably not a DIY dwelling mechanic undertaking.

I received’t stroll you step-by-step by means of all of the excruciating particulars, however a number of issues price noting (and apologies that I didn’t doc this with a number of footage however Pinkey and I had been extra targeted on getting the work executed):

• Shimano making the shifters wi-fi eliminates the nightmare of getting to fish wires from the shifters by means of the handlebars/body.
• That makes the derailleurs lots simpler as a result of your solely need to run wires from the derailleurs to the battery.
• The rear derailleur wire was “simple” to run by means of the outlet at the back of chainstay for the unique rear derailleur cable housing after which up the seat tube.
• The entrance derailleur wire required reaming out the outlet within the backside bracket for the unique entrance derailleur cable to have the ability to get it into the body after which up the seat tube.
• The rear derailleur excessive and low limits and B-screw adjustment are similar to with a mechanical rear derailleur. However truly adjusting the derailleur is finished by way of the Shimano E-TUBE app.
• Equally, the entrance derailleur excessive restrict is adjusted manually by way of an adjustment screw, however the low restrict is adjusted with the E-TUBE app.

Simply a few of the many makes use of of Gorilla tape … admittedly not essentially the most elegant, nevertheless it does the job. Black on black makes it arduous to see. And with the rear wheel in place, the tape to carry the entrance derailleur wire in place and to cowl the holes for the previous derailleur cables within the backside bracket isn’t that noticeable.

If something was “tough” in regards to the electronics it was determining how one can mount the battery within the seat submit. In the long run, I resorted to “old fashioned” and reduce up some foam insulation used to pack bikes to have the ability to stuff the battery contained in the seat submit tightly sufficient in order that it could take an act of God to fall out.

The battery isn’t going anyplace

Regardless that I already had hydraulic brakes, since I used to be going from mechanical to digital that meant having to interchange the dual-control levers. That meant having to chop the previous brake strains after which fish the brand new brake strains by means of the body and handlebars as much as the levers. Fortunately, Pinkey has this cool little “thingie” that means that you can join the previous brake line to the brand new brake line after which pull it by means of the body. FWIW, routing hydraulic brake strains by means of the handlebars is a little bit of a bear as a result of they’re lot stiffer and tougher to maneuver than mechanical brake cable housing. A few of it required two pairs of palms.

For those who’re attempting to drag a brand new hydraulic brake line by means of a body, you’ll need this

Pinkey and I are all smiles as a result of we lastly completed!

The one “situation” had nothing to do with the electronics or hydraulics and was solely resolved after the actual fact. The PRO Vibe stem required slicing the fork steerer tube 3mm under the clamp top as a result of the stem has a singular prime cap that mounts flush and you may’t put spacers below it above the stem (like you are able to do with a extra typical spherical cap, which is what I had on my PRO PLT stem). That wasn’t such an enormous deal as a result of we needed to reduce the brake strains and take the brake calipers off anyway. However … (there’s at all times a however) … the steerer tube was now reduce brief sufficient that the OEM Colnago expander/plug was too lengthy. No drawback as a result of Pinkey had various “additional” shorter size expander/plugs on the store. Besides the Colnago steerer tube interior diameter is smaller (you’ll assume stuff like this is able to be customary, proper?) I took the bike dwelling and the additional FSA expander/plug I had was additionally too giant a diameter. Colnago apparently doesn’t make a shorter size expander/plug (in fact). And I wasn’t discovering any expander/plugs by way of the standard bike elements sources that had been the suitable diameter. In the long run, I used to be capable of finding a generic expander/plug on eBay that was sufficiently small diameter and the suitable top to suit. However even then, I needed to mix elements as a result of the highest a part of the eBay expander/plug was too tall to have the ability to get the PRO Vibe prime cap flush with the highest of the stem. One thing this straightforward shouldn’t be this tough, however … Whew!

I needed to to swap out the highest a part of the eBay expander/plug (left) with the one from my FSA expander/plug (proper) for it to have the ability to be low sufficient to suit

THE MAKEOVER

I’ll let footage do many of the speaking.

Earlier than (Ultegra mechanical 11-speed)

After (105 Di2 12-speed)

I do know the primary query PEZ readers have is: How a lot additional weight is Di2 105? Truthful query to which I don’t have a completely definitive reply. Definitely one would anticipate 105 to weigh greater than Ultegra. However it’s not a strict apples-to-apples comparability since I went from Ultegra mechanical 11-speed to 105 Di2 12-speed. Plus there have been different elements swaps. That mentioned, my Colnago V3 PEZ undertaking bike weighed in at 17.1 kilos with Ultegra mechanical. The 105 Di2 construct weighs 18.7 kilos. However not all of that weight achieve was due to 105 Di2. The heavier 105 C46 wheels and Wahoo POWRLINK pedals (vs Speedplay X2’s) account for ~375 grams or 0.8 kilos. Assuming the stem, bars, and saddle swaps are primarily a wash, the elevated weight attributed to Di2 105 might be extra like 0.8 kilos.

All of the Di2 bits

Twin-control levers

Entrance derailleur (NOTE that I put in a Okay-Edge chain catcher — with digital shifting I shouldn’t really want it however I had it on my mechanical set-up so simply stored it)

Rear derailleur (and cassette)

Crankset (and chain)

Entrance brake caliper (and rotor)

Rear brake caliper (and rotor)

The opposite bits

Lengthy and low PRO Vibe stem — phi slamma jamma

Glossy PRO Vibe Aero handlebars

Even with uncovered brake strains, it’s nonetheless a reasonably tidy trying cockpit IMHO

Flashy Cycology handlebar tape

My Karoo 2 and entrance mild

My butt was greater than comfy beginning with my first trip on the PRO Stealth Curved Staff saddle

My rear blinky mild hooked up by way of the PRO digital camera mount

I’m not involved about having the ability to do quick wheel modifications, however the “fast launch” thru-axles are a pleasant look IMHO

The C46 wheels got here in control rapidly, rolled easily, and had been secure in ~10-12 mph wind

The Goodyear Vector 4Seasons tubeless tires had been quick sufficient for me and 700×30 (at 70 psi) is #marginalgains consolation

UPGRADES

Wait a minute, Chuck … you simply “upgraded” from mechanical to digital shifting and also you’re already speaking about upgrades???

I’m not speaking about transferring “up” from 105 Di2. I’m now not racing and at my degree of using, there actually isn’t a cause/want for “extra.” However what I can see in my future is swapping out the OEM spherical chainrings for Rotor oval chainrings as a result of that’s my private pedaling choice. And the OEM chain is slightly “blah” for my tastes and I’d relatively go slightly extra “bling” with a KMC gold chain.

The chainrings and chain will ultimately need to go

105 Di2 VALUE PROPOSITION

I’ve ridden each Ultegra and 105 Di2 (however not Dura Ace) and, actually, I’m arduous pressed to say there’s an enormous distinction. Technically, Ultegra is meant to have quicker/crisper shifting than 105 (and Dura Ace is meant to be quicker/crisper than Ultegra), however — no less than for me — the variations are small bordering on minuscule. Ditto for any variations within the brakes. Only a mild contact to modulate them and I might simply haul the bike all the way down to a full cease in a short time in a brief distance. In different phrases, 105 Di2 is the actual deal with regards to the way it works/performs.

I imply … what’s to not love about Di2? I like that it simply shifts on the press of a button — mild, crisp, and quick. I like that I don’t have to fret about how a lot (or little) strain I’m placing on the pedals and having to “finesse” a shift. Stand and shift is not any drawback in any way. I like that I can program it in order that after I shift from the small to large ring (and vice-versa) that it robotically shifts up 2 cogs (or down 2) in order that I’m in an analogous gear ratio and never too over- or under-geared. The phrase that involves thoughts is: spoiled.

So far as the heavier weight of 105 vs Ultegra vs Dura Ace is worried … For the overwhelming majority of my using, the extra weight isn’t an enormous deal. Possibly if I used to be doing a number of using within the mountains it could be, however I’m not (I did all of two what you would name “epic” mountain rides final yr that had been each lengthy and with a number of elevation achieve — Blue Mountain which was 68 miles and 5,500 toes of climbing and SkyMass which was 81 miles and seven,400 toes of climbing).

For those who’re enthusiastic about changing from mechanical to Di2 or shopping for a Di2 bike, must you go 105 or Ultegra or Dura Ace? There’s no definitive reply, however some meals for thought:

• If cash is not any object and having the perfect of the perfect is what you need, then it’s Dura Ace (my race bike within the 90s was Dura Ace). Simply be ready to pay almost $4,300 for Dura Ace digital shifting (with hydraulic disc brakes).
• Ultegra has at all times been thought of a “candy spot” with a lower cost tag (~$1,700 much less for a Di2 group set in comparison with Dura Ace) however with a slight weight penalty.
• The brand new 105 Di2 is ~$700 inexpensive than Ultegra however slightly bit heavier.

Right here’s a method to consider it. For argument’s sake, assume performance-wise that it doesn’t get any higher than Dura Ace, Ultegra is 90 p.c of Dura Ace, and that 105 is 90 p.c of Ultegra. Weight-wise, in spherical numbers a Dura Ace group set is about 2,400 grams, Ultegra is about 2,600 grams, and 105 is about 3,000 grams. Worth-wise, a Dura Ace group set is $4,279 MSRP, Ultegra is about $2,565 MSRP, and 105 is about $1,854 MSRP.

You do the mathematics and tradeoffs of efficiency vs. worth vs. weight primarily based in your priorities/standards. However as they are saying for undertaking administration balancing/buying and selling off between price, schedule, and efficiency: choose two as a result of you possibly can’t have the perfect of all three. For those who’re not making your residing racing, the efficiency variations between the group units could be very small (as a result of electronics management the shifting). The variations between the three group units are largely in materials decisions that lead to decrease weight that comes at better worth.  There’s no “proper” reply and much be it from me to inform you what you must resolve. Everybody’s wants and needs are completely different. However for me and my using (now not racing and simply using to trip), the brand new Shimano 105 Di2 is a price proposition.

Definitely, should you’re on a restricted funds 105 Di2 makes a number of sense when it comes to bang for the buck (on the expense of a marginal weight achieve) IMHO. Make investments extra $$$ on the body and wheels and save $$$ on the group set with out giving up a lot when it comes to drivetrain efficiency.

MY BOTTOM LINE: I’m now formally spoiled by digital shifting and Shimano 105 Di2 does every part I would like/want it to do.

105 Di2 works for me!

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