PEZ readers could bear in mind my Colnago V3 challenge bike with Ultegra R8000: “The shifting is gentle, crisp, and positive. Dura Ace is meant to be higher, however I’m unsure how a lot better it may be (not less than so far as mechanical shifting goes … I’ve but to attempt Di2). And if Ultegra is that this good, it makes me marvel how good 105 is.” And I had this to say about Ultegra Di2 on the lifeless attractive LOOK 795 Blade RS I reviewed: “I’ve to say that I really 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 excitement about digital shifting is all about. The shifting is quick and positive. Simply requires a lightweight faucet of the shift button.” So after I was given the chance to “improve” my V3 to the brand new Shimano 105 Di2, how may 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. Effectively, wait and marvel 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 components on my Colnago V3 plus just a few additional goodies. I’ll let footage do as a lot of the speaking as doable.
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. In case you’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 normal follow for brand new bike builds. In case you had been changing present components on a motorcycle, you’d have the ability to purchase them individually.
For these readers who’ve or are aware of older Shimano Di2, one factor that’s completely different with the most recent technology 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 through 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 so much like Dura Ace and Ultegra by way of 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 programs and ANT+/Bluetooth appropriate equipment like biking GPS computer systems and lights. Neither of those options is necessary to me, however you’ll must spend more cash on Ultegra or Dura Ace if both or each of those are “should 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 highway bikes (additionally the UCI normal for highway 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 outdated 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 an alternative, 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 outdated.
Below Shimano spec of 361 grams
Shimano SLX 12-speed Chain
Curiously, a “mountain bike” chain for 105 highway
Shimano spec is 252 grams
THE NOT Di2 STUFF
Along with all of the above components to go from mechanical to digital, Shimano despatched another stuff that has nothing to do with digital shifting. (Plus I bought bar tape and tires that didn’t come from Shimano.)
PRO Vibe Stem
NOTE the uniquely formed stem cap
Although an increasing number of bikes are going to built-in stem/handlebars, it’s not all the time doable 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 combos producers are keen to make (not less than for us mere mortals — in case you’re a large enough title professional you may in all probability get one thing customized). So that you’ll nonetheless see riders within the professional peloton using a traditional stem and handlebars. And a mainstay for stems is the PRO Vibe Stem.
I opted for an alloy stem as a result of I may 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 specs “from 330 grams”
Partially, I bought the alloy handlebar as a result of I wished to be matchy-matchy with the alloy stem (I’d’ve finished the identical if I had gone with a carbon stem). However another excuse is that the alloy model is flared (6 levels) and I discover this gives a extra snug hand place for me within the hooks and drops.
One factor I didn’t do was observe the pattern 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 snug 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 … probably the most lovely and my favourite of the Grand Excursions. Plus #realmenwearpink. However as a substitute of “plain” pink, I made a decision to go together with Cycology’s See Me handlebar tape that’s a pink graffiti sample. It’s enjoyable and frivolous and attracts a variety of compliments.
It’s a padded tape for consolation (I trip with out gloves in heat sufficient climate so this is a crucial issue). The floor appears “slick” however is definitely “grippy.”
PRO Stealth Curved Group 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 Group Saddle match the invoice. As with all new saddle, it’s all the time an experiment of kinds since you don’t actually know if a saddle will fit your posterior till trip it.
Plenty of black carbon fiber goodness
PRO digicam 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 accordance 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 doable 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 wished one thing somewhat extra aero and was keen to pay the worth in weight acquire.
Shut sufficient for presidency work … Shimano specs 28mm exterior width and 21mm inside width
Shimano GRX Middle Lock Disc Brake Rotors
Although there are 105 highway disc brake rotors, Shimano elected to ship their GRX gravel bike rotors. Perhaps they’ve been listening to my compadre Ed Hood: “The professional mechanics substitute 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 susceptible to warping with the warmth build-up.”
Talking of Ed … In case you didn’t already know, Ed suffered a stroke in February that has been very tough for all of us at PEZ to come back to grips with. Ed misplaced his potential to talk and misplaced motion on the proper aspect of his physique. To say that Ed’s future is unsure is an understatement. So I/we hope that you may assist. It doesn’t must be so much. 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 (high) 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 “automotive man” since I used to be a child (grade faculty) so determined to be somewhat bit completely different for tire alternative. Because the 4Seasons title implies, these are tires supposed to optimize efficiency throughout all kinds of highway and climate circumstances. So not the “quickest” of tires (if you would like Goodyear’s quickest tire, take a look at the Eagle F1 SuperSport R) however I’m not as involved about “quick” (and even all that quick) and keen 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 underneath the tread.
As a highway tubeless convert, I bought the tubeless model of the Vector 4 Seasons tires. And I went 700×30 for #marginalgains consolation vs 700×28.
NOTE: Although 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 generally is 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 somewhat bit simpler. If — even with spraying soapy water on the rim/tire — you’ve practically 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) underneath the bead on the other aspect, and pull as much as get the tire mounted
Even earlier than using them, what actually impressed me concerning the Goodyear Vector 4Seasons tires was that after seating the beads they held air with none sealant. Actually, 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 start out with a shout to my good good friend Pinkey aka Santiago Gonzalez who I’ve identified since my racing days courting again to the early 90s. He’s a very professional mechanic and agreed to surrender his private time on a weekend to assist me with this challenge. Pinkey is a legend as a wrench and I couldn’t have finished 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 factor
I had no illusions that swapping out all of the components could be simple, however … truthfully … this isn’t a challenge for the faint of coronary heart. And except you have got all of the instruments and house (I don’t), probably not a DIY dwelling mechanic challenge.
I gained’t stroll you step-by-step by means of all of the excruciating particulars, however just a few issues price noting (and apologies that I didn’t doc this with a variety of footage however Pinkey and I had been extra targeted on getting the work finished):
- 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 so much simpler as a result of your solely must run wires from the derailleurs to the battery.
- The rear derailleur wire was “simple” to run by means of the outlet behind 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 really adjusting the derailleur is completed through the Shimano E-TUBE app.
- Equally, the entrance derailleur excessive restrict is adjusted manually through an adjustment screw, however the low restrict is adjusted with the E-TUBE app.
Simply a number of the many makes use of of Gorilla tape … admittedly not probably the most elegant, however it does the job. Black on black makes it exhausting 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” concerning the electronics it was determining learn how to mount the battery within the seat put up. In the long run, I resorted to “old fashioned” and minimize up some foam insulation used to pack bikes to have the ability to stuff the battery contained in the seat put up tightly sufficient in order that it will take an act of God to fall out.
The battery isn’t going wherever
Although I already had hydraulic brakes, since I used to be going from mechanical to digital that meant having to switch the dual-control levers. That meant having to chop the outdated 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 lets you join the outdated 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 more durable to maneuver than mechanical brake cable housing. A few of it required two pairs of palms.
In case you’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 “concern” had nothing to do with the electronics or hydraulics and was solely resolved after the very fact. The PRO Vibe stem required slicing the fork steerer tube 3mm beneath the clamp top as a result of the stem has a singular high cap that mounts flush and you may’t put spacers underneath 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 minimize the brake strains and take the brake calipers off anyway. However … (there’s all the time a however) … the steerer tube was now minimize brief sufficient that the OEM Colnago expander/plug was too lengthy. No drawback as a result of Pinkey had quite a lot of “additional” shorter size expander/plugs on the store. Besides the Colnago steerer tube internal diameter is smaller (you’d suppose stuff like this is able to be normal, 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 (after all). And I wasn’t discovering any expander/plugs through the standard bike components assets that had been the proper 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 proper top to suit. However even then, I needed to mix components 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 high cap flush with the highest of the stem. One thing this easy 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. Actually one would anticipate 105 to weigh greater than Ultegra. But it surely’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 components swaps. That mentioned, my Colnago V3 PEZ challenge bike weighed in at 17.1 kilos with Ultegra mechanical. The 105 Di2 construct weighs 18.7 kilos. However not all of that weight acquire 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 gentle
My butt was greater than snug beginning with my first trip on the PRO Stealth Curved Group saddle
My rear blinky gentle hooked up through the PRO digicam mount
I’m not involved about with the ability to do quick wheel adjustments, however the “fast launch” thru-axles are a pleasant look IMHO
The C46 wheels got here on top of things shortly, rolled easily, and had been steady in ~10-12 mph wind
The Goodyear Vector 4Seasons tubeless tires had been quick sufficient for me and easy rolling. 700×30 (at 65 psi) is #marginalgains consolation — wider tires at decrease strain actually take the sting off rougher sections of highway.
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 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 pedalling desire. And the OEM chain is somewhat “blah” for my tastes and I’d slightly go somewhat extra “bling” with a KMC gold chain.
The chainrings and chain will ultimately must go
105 Di2 VALUE PROPOSITION
I’ve ridden each Ultegra and 105 Di2 (however not Dura Ace) and, truthfully, I’m exhausting pressed to say there’s an enormous distinction. Technically, Ultegra is meant to have sooner/crisper shifting than 105 (and Dura Ace is meant to be sooner/crisper than Ultegra). So there are variations, however — not less than for me — they’re not night time and day variations. Slightly, they’re small variations bordering on minuscule. Ditto for any variations within the brakes. Only a gentle contact to modulate them and I may 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 true deal in relation to the way it works/performs.
I imply … what’s to not love about Di2? I really like that it simply shifts on the press of a button — gentle, crisp, and quick. I really 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 isn’t any drawback in anyway. I really like that I can program it in order that after I shift from the small to large ring (and vice-versa) that it routinely shifts up 2 cogs (or down 2) in order that I’m in the same 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. Perhaps if I used to be doing a variety of using within the mountains it will 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 variety of elevation acquire — Blue Mountain which was 68 miles and 5,500 toes of climbing and SkyMass which was 81 miles and seven,400 toes of climbing).
In case you’re interested by 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 isn’t 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 practically $4,300 for Dura Ace digital shifting (with hydraulic disc brakes).
- Ultegra has all the time been thought-about 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 cheaper than Ultegra however somewhat 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 (I don’t have a technique to measure the variations and undoubtedly Dura Ace is best than Ultegra which is best than 105). 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. Value-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 maths and tradeoffs of efficiency vs. worth vs. weight primarily based in your priorities/standards. However as they are saying for challenge administration balancing/buying and selling off between value, schedule, and efficiency: choose two as a result of you may’t have the perfect of all three. In case you’re not making your dwelling racing, the efficiency variations between the group units may be very small (as a result of electronics management the shifting). The variations between the three group units are largely in materials decisions that end in decrease weight that comes at higher worth. There’s no “proper” reply and much be it from me to let you know what it is best to resolve. Everybody’s wants and needs are completely different. However for me and my using (not racing and simply using to trip), the brand new Shimano 105 Di2 is a worth proposition.
Actually, in case you’re on a restricted price range 105 Di2 makes a variety of sense by way of bang for the buck (on the expense of a marginal weight acquire) IMHO. Make investments extra $$$ on the body and wheels and save $$$ on the group set with out giving up a lot by way of drivetrain efficiency.
MY BOTTOM LINE: I’m now formally spoiled by digital shifting and Shimano 105 Di2 does every part I need/want it to do.
105 Di2 works for me!
• See the Shimano web site right here
• Store Shimano 105 Elements at Amazon
Observe: When you’ve got different experiences with gear or one thing so as to add, drop us a line. We don’t declare to know every part (we simply indicate it at occasions). Give us a pat on the again in case you just like the evaluations or a slap within the head in case you really feel the necessity!
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