Wireless trickles down to Shimano 105, brake bleed made easier

Thursday, 30 June 2022 Mark Sutton

Shimano has lifted the lid on an overhauled 105 groupset, which for the first time in its history will come to market as a wireless system.

The Shimano 105 R7100 is the latest groupset to benefit from trickled down technology that has previously been more synonymous with Dura Ace and Ultegra groups. The budget-friendly groupset now comes to market as a 2X12-speed package with a clean cockpit free from cabling; as such it also trims weight on prior generations.

Shimano 105 Di2 utilizes a hybrid system, featuring a wireless cockpit paired with a wired connection between a single, seat-tube-stored battery. Just like those groups higher up in the brand’s performance portfolio, the Shimano 105 Di2 system is highly customizable using Shimano’s user-friendly E-TUBE Project App on smartphones. This once again hands the consumer the control shift speed, altering the number of shifts per button actuation, and utilizing the Synchronized and Semi-Synchro shifting functionality.

As for the other hardware refinements, new 105 dual control levers carry pro rider feedback on ergonomics, resulting in a raised hood peak and new lever shape enhance comfort and control in every riding position. Braking is also optimized thanks to a lighter, smoother lever action and expanded braking control area.

With the upgrade to a 12-speed cassette, the R7100 series has a wide range of steady progression and consumers will be able to choose 11-34 and 11-36 cassette options and 50-34 and 52-36 cranksets. Better still for those on a budget, the system is backwards compatible, meaning that the prior 11-speed freehub-equipped wheels could be brought into play.

For the mechanic, welcome refinements apparently include an easier bleeding process that requires no caliper removal from the frame and a 10% wider pad clearance.

New RS710 Carbon Wheels

Continuing the theme of affordable trickle-down technology, Shimano is also launching its two most affordable carbon road wheelsets ever—the C32 for climbing and C46 for all around use. Both share DNA with the C36 and C50 Dura-Ace and Ultegra wheel options, balancing aerodynamics, light weight, and rigidity.

The C32 features a 32mm rim height, 21mm internal rim width and target weight of 1,504g. The C46 is 46mm tall, has a 21mm internal rim width and target weight of 1,612g. Both non-series wheels are 11- and 12-speed compatible, tubeless ready and come with an attractive Shimano logo design.

WH-RS710-C32-TL