Shimano launches 105 Di2 12-speed groupset

By Rob Slade

Published: Wednesday, 29 June 2022 at 12:00 am

Forty years on from its birth in 1982, Shimano’s much-loved 105 groupset is going electric.

Announcing the news today, the brand said: “The highly anticipated Shimano 105 R7100 group not only delivers Di2 performance to an entirely new range of riders, but also offers Shimano’s flagship 12-speed, wireless shifting with easy operation and increased reliability in a more attainable package.”

The launch means more athletes will be able to experience an electric groupset, with 105 Di2 sitting below Ultegra Di2 in the pecking order and price list.

This latest version of Di2 (Digital Integrated Intelligence) uses trickle down tech from Dura-Ace and Ultegra and builds on ears of research and development.

Shimano 105 Di2 electrics and ergonomics

Shimano’s 105 Di2 will make use of a semi-wireless system that includes a wireless cockpit paired with a wired connection between the battery (stored in the seat tube) and the front and rear derailleurs.

Like Dura-Ace and Ultegra, the system is also customisable via the brand’s E-Tube Project smartphone app. This’ll allow you to adjust things like shifting speed, the number of gear changes per button press and whether or not you want to use the synchronised shifting functionality.

It’s also said to be pairable with third-party bike computers from the likes of Garmin and Wahoo, which give you visibility of gear selection and remaining battery life.

Speaking of battery life, Shimano says the use of one singular battery makes charging a simple prospect, while its internal placement keeps it protected.

Ergonomic updates are another feature here, with refinements made to the dual control levers to enhance comfort and control across various rider positions on the bike.

Shimano 105 Di2 gearing

Among the most notable updates here is that 105 Di2 comes a 12-speed setup, rather than the 11-speed setup that we’re used to with this level of groupset.

The brand says that this move now gives riders the high and low gearing that they want, with “an intelligent progression of gear steps in between”.

Prospective buyers have the option of 11-34 or 11-36 cassette options and 50-34 or 52-36 cranksets.

The result, Shimano says, is that riders can now take advantage of low, even sub 1:1, gear combinations, allowing them to tackle steeper slopes. And as the gear steps are more closely spaced, they say a comfortable cadence is always going to be possible.

Shimano 105 Di2 braking

The major news here is that 105 Di2 will not be available with rim brakes. Depending on which way you’re inclined, that may or may not be an issue for you.

As with Dura-Ace and Ultegra, this new groupset comes with a revamped braking system that Shimano says is “quieter, easier to maintain, and feels more controlled and powerful”.

Say hello to a 105-level wheelset

Alongside the new groupset, Shimano has also revealed its new RS710 carbon wheels. With the launch, we’re seeing the theme of trickle-down tech continue, and the C32 wheelset (designed for climbing) and C46 wheelset (designed for all-round use) are the brand’s most affordable carbon wheelsets.

The C32 comes with a 32mm rim height, 21mm internal rim width and a target weight of 1,502g, while the C46 is 46mm tall, has a 21mm internal rim width and has a target weight of 1,610g. Both non-series wheels are 11- and 12-speed compatible and tubeless ready.

Both sets of wheels will cost you in the region of £999 (per pair).