Why is shimano 105 called 105

Perhaps incredibly perceptive riders might be able to feel a slight improvement in shift feel when moving up the groups, but regular people like me likely won't notice. Current Shimano Di2 derailleurs are incredibly light and sleek. There has yet to be a level Di2 group. Shimano's Dura-Ace Di2 was the first commercially viable electronic drivetrain and its technology has trickled down to Ultegra Di2 over the last 10 years.

Di2 uses electronic motors instead of cables to actuate the derailleurs and perform shifts. Nick Legan, road brand manager for Shimano North America, explains the advantages. That timing is optimized with our electronic groups to shift perfectly for the shift ramp profiles.

You will hit the gear you want every time, perfectly. It does give you a competitive edge and most people who've ridden both will prefer Di2 because it's just a little more precise, and a little more accurate. Despite having to charge the battery, Di2 also requires less maintenance and tuning.

It stands up to harsh, wet, and muddy riding conditions better than mechanical groups. It offers a host of other advantages I explained in an earlier article: Do you need electronic shifting?

Complete Ultegra and Dura-Ace Di2 groups are lighter than their mechanical counterparts by about grams. Also, because the shifters no longer require room for mechanical internals, the hoods have a smaller, more streamlined shape that some riders prefer.

This is good for riders who find the current mechanical hydraulic disc hoods to be slightly too bulky. The ability to fit a bigger cassette can improve your gearing for climbing. One final factor to consider is the gearing each group provides. Dura-Ace, however, offers fewer cassette options for riders who desire easier gears.

Dura-Ace offers a single rear derailleur option that can accept up to an t cassette. Ultegra and both have short-cage derailleurs that accept up to t cassettes, and mid-cage derailleurs that accept up to t cassettes. Well, Shimano has a reputation for being pretty conservative with its maximum cog recommendations. Some riders, looking for the most range possible have pushed the mid-cage and Ultegra derailleur up to 40t. Of course, none of this is recommended officially.

Your mileage may vary, and if you choose to do it, you do so at your own risk. So knowing the differences, how do you choose between the three. First and foremost, your budget is likely going to be the biggest factor.

If you're in a race for the top, Dura-ace could make the difference. Because the three groups feel the same for mechanical options — electronic groups are a different story , the major performance differences relate to weight.

For riders competing at the sharp end, who need every advantage possible, Dura-Ace is the only option. For those who count grams and need the lightest bike possible, a sub-2, gram group like Dura-Ace makes building a sub pound bike much easier. The time spent machining, and the liberal application of carbon and titanium all add up the blingiest and lightest option possible. Of course, That all comes at a price.

You have to do a lot more i. It's just going to cost you. Steel and aluminum are used more in the hardware and components. But Shimano has done just enough to satisfy those trying to balance high performance and cost. Dura-Ace is one of the most influential groups in the world. What happens with Dura-Ace can change the market. Riders who obsess over bike tech love Dura-Ace because of what it represents. It is the pinnacle of performance. It's lust-worthy. The organic bananas might cost 20 cents more than the regular bananas.

Organic bananas are probably a bit healthier. They taste more or less the same. Some people just prefer the organic option. Unfortunately, you can want these things but they can still be out of reach. It gives you the same feel and technology, but at a greatly reduced price. You may pay for it with weight, aesthetics, or refinement, but it still allows you to have the same riding experience. Joy is hard to quantify. But some riders are just happier with having the best equipment, whether or not they actually need it.

Much of the joy I experience with bikes come from trying to make my own bikes as nice as possible. It helps me appreciate my bikes. It motivates me to take good care of them, clean them, and tune them regularly. A bike I love pushes me to go out and ride, train, and improve. It adds to my enjoyment of cycling, and that alone is worth it to me. Is it worth it to you? Well, again, it depends a bit on your personality. It came with But it wasn't long before I swapped it all to Dura-Ace R It worked flawlessly, and I rode and abused this bike for years.

It was the bike that ignited my love of cycling and sent me down the path of tech obsession. Like Lawrence said, it was my gateway. I rode more, set bigger goals, and began competing. Then, eventually, I moved to a massively expensive super-bike equipped with Dura-Ace.

My upgrade path followed my progression as a rider. As I got faster, fitter, and more skilled, I upgraded accordingly. I felt that any improvement as a rider warranted better bikes and components.

Am I faster on a Dura-Ace bike? No, of course not. As always, the rider matters more than the bike. When I was at my fittest, I happened to be riding I ride just as well on a bike as I do on Dura-Ace. The finish is gorgeous. Its quality and prestige bring me joy. That may not be you. In general, Ultegra is the best happy medium option that provides many of the benefits of the top-of-the-line Dura-Ace group without a massive increase in price over the group. Do you ride , Ultegra, or Dura-Ace?

Which is the best group for you? Let us know in the comments! Shimano glues multiple pieces together to make their Dura Ace and Ultegra cranksets.

The bonding process used in the higher end cranksets have been known to fail in a wide variety of riders. Reliability is important for average riders. More than enough conversations on the Internet along with pictures of failed Shimano cranksets. I wish Shimano would rethink their manufacturing process. Nice article. You are better off obsessing on the perfect FIT rather than what components come on your bike. Far better to ride on a bike that fits than DA on one that almost fits.

You can always upgrade over time. Nicely researched and written article. I ride a Specialized Tarmac Comp that came with the groupset. I enjoy doing my own tech work and have found the to be very reliable and easy to service. My guess is like the fabled "Gorilla story", no one at Shimano has been squirted with a fire hose, but they still call it - the reason why lost to the mists of time.

That does not stop me hoping someone has the answer though. Possibly related - I came across the "rule of " in a GCN video. Add a comment. Active Oldest Votes. Improve this answer. Community Bot 1. RoboKaren RoboKaren Sign up or log in Sign up using Google. Sign up using Facebook. Sign up using Email and Password. Post as a guest Name. Email Required, but never shown. Featured on Meta. Now live: A fully responsive profile.

Linked 6. Shimano Yamaguchi Co. The production system was strengthened by this new factory which would produce coaster brakes at a starting output of 50, units per month. Shimano Singapore Pte. It was established as the first oversea factory located in Jurong Industrial Estate in Singapore. New Shimano series is introduced with Shimano Linear Response SLR brake system which is to give the cyclist more control over the caliper brakes.

A line of Shoes and Pedals are called SPD designed to be ideal for both pedaling efficiency and for walking. The dual-control lever incorporates a shifter mechanism into the brake lever, making it possible to change speeds without removing one's hands from handlebars. The XTR series of mountain bike racing components is in the market. The first line of mountain bike components for professional racers. Keizo Shimano becomes third president.

The cycle center Bicycle Museum opens.