Just so you know, in the weighing part of the video, I weigh the 105 stuff first and then the ultegra version of it. just so there is no confusion. if you have any questions about the two groups, please do not hesitate to ask me.
I have a quirky question, that has yet for me to find an answer to. Which is i was wondering if i can fit the ultegra 52-36 chainrings on the 105 cranks.
very useful, and I agree this decided me to buy 105 - 239 g is a big gulp of water. $750. Having had both sets on recent bikes, I feel no difference in braking and I never use the top buttons so it was a no-brainer
There are much bigger differences. 1 - Third button 2 - Brakes, Servo Wave is a BIG diference on Ultegra. 3 - Front shifting, is mindblowing on Ultegra 4 - Hyperglide+ cassete, that will be the biggest difference. To optimize I will choose. ultegra rings with 105 cranks :p Calipers + shifters - Ultegra Front Derreilur - Ultegra Rear Derraileur - 105 Cassete - Ultegra (HG+) Chain - Ultegra (HG+) Rotors - Ultegra if you want to reduce weight, if not 105.
Installed 105 di2 on my bike and upgraded the cassette to an ultegra for the hg+. Put the 105 cassette on my trainer. My thoughts on upgrading the front derailleur after looking at the data from my last 3h ride is 4 front shifts and 400 shifts rear. Modulated braking requires hills which I don’t have any. Only brake when stopping for traffic 😊
@@rioblast here with streets at 7% 8% and HC climbs just 40km from town servo wave is a blessing for my hands and shoulders. (And still I'm terrible descending)
You say that about the servo wave and I see it says it as well but the calipers look identical for these systems. And when i have had 105 brakes and ultegra brakes which I run now. They fell the exact same during the brake pull. Like literal exact same.
One thing I would recommend for anyone considering 105 is upgrade the rotors, I had constant issues with warping which immediately went away after swapping to XTR.
Jesus christ same here. I never had a problem with Ultegra r8000 rotors, but those r7000 rotors warped so easily. It's not as if I was descending mont ventoux every weekend, no excuse for it.
They make them by sandwiching a sheet of aluminium in between 2 sheets of stainless. Stainless is very sensitive to warping when heated and the spider supporting the rotor is very small compared to the RT-MT800 (XT) or Ultegra rotor. That makes the rotor less rigid. I prefer to use Shimano Deore Rt-64, they don't warp as much because they are solid stainless. I also found that they don't wear as fast as the ICE-tech.
I have the buttons on Ultegra 11 speed, I have them set up to change pages on my wahoo, it's not something I miss when I ride other bikes. 105 di2 for my next build :)
A 105 set with Ultegra shifters seems the way to go, especially it you'd like to use extra satellite buttons. The 105 cassette and those lockrings for the discs are a huge surprise weight wise imho, for opposite reasons. Thanks for pointing it out:)
That’s my plan for my Bianchi Oltre XR2. It’s a rim brake frame. I could just upgrade the group set and keep everything else. It has SRAM Force 22 now, however I’d need an XDR compatible wheelset also.
The lockrings are different type so in reality cannot compare them (105 are outer/external and ultegra inner/internal) Outer is always heavier. Some hubs can only accept outer so it also depends on your wheelset which one to choose.
All brand new RT-MT800s I've seen so far come with externally-splined lockrings. For my Ultegra R8020, I deliberately bought some internally-splined lockrings separately.
Over the years, I have found that the main differences btw 105 and Ultegra and D/A out side of obvious price and weight is fit and finish, precision and longevity. This is particularly apparent in the mechanical shifting of 11 speed variants of the previous gen. Granted this is Di2…. The higher the group level the nicer the finish, the less slop and tolerances, and better durability over long term. You are absolutely correct that functionality is no different, but there is a marked difference in feel to how the Ultegra performs compared to 105, much less btw Ultegra and D/A…a case of splitting hairs outside of cost. Just my opinion…35 years of riding with Cat1/2 experience in my youthful days.
as you said, granted this is DI2. I agree if this was mechanical, but with DI2 and brakes seemingly the same, there is no difference in feel of the shiters, the shifting itself and the braking. What may differ is speed of shifting and smoothness of shifting, but a big (the biggest) part of that is the cassette (whether it's hyperglide or not), and not so much the shifters and RD (in DI2).
After being told how good 105 is, I've found my 105 mechanical to be noisy, needing regular adjustment, and never seem to have the right ratio. Bit disappointed in it really.
From 105 5700 to 5800 to R7000 105 never has let me down I’ve raced it on pavement and gravel. Realistically I could see myself upgrading to R8000 if there is a deal. But the shift buttons on the hoods make the R8000 STI Shifter very attractive
There is an optional 50/34 105 crank that is heavier and cheaper than the 105 hollowtech version. That may add up to 100 grams. When figuring the significance of a 2-300 gram difference, divide that amount by bike and rider weight. 200/80,000= 0.25% Totally insignificant. SRAM Force and Rival are both less expensive.
105 Di2 with Ultegra shifters and the Ultegra FD would give you the best of both worlds :). I'd love extension ports on the 105 shifters (for satellite shifters or a wired setup). They do have one port, but it cannot be used to connect components.... not really :)
Been a 105 rider for years. After 4 years upgrading bike. Wanted 105 DI2. Finally bought Ultegra equipped bike was really no price difference between 105 and ultegra in the UK. Just looked some 105 bikes more expensive than what I bought. 105 now on premium/Pro level bikes, does not make sense for people groupset
I went 105 di2 on my new Emonda (chose SL6 over SL7) and saved $2.5k NZD. Sold the 35mm carbon wheels that came with it and had $3.5k to play with. Spent that money on ENVE F65 wheels, ultegra rotors and chain. Way better bang for my buck when compared to an off the rack Ultegra model. Ultegra is obviously better, but there are better places to put your money to gain performance if you have a capped budget.
Both of these groups work so well, the step up in price to dura-ace is really dramatic--for a non racer who rides for fitness, spending $13000 on a bike is to impress your friends..Ultegra will shift just as fast, brake as hard as Duraace can...and maybe the cranks will not split like the top tier cranks have!!
The 105 to ultegra brake calipers have been the same or almost the same weight even on the previous groupsets. They perform exactly the same I've tried both. Putting lighter rotors and aftermarket cassettes with the 105 you'd get ultegra weight. Be careful mixing derailleurs as Shimano may have made 105 non interchangeable
I feel Shimano may have shot themselves in the foot with the 105 set as it may make the current ultergra obsolete given how closely matched 105 is. Who's paying nearly 1000 extra dollars for about 200g less
Awesome video and info as always, thanks man! just one thing, the music, I’m not opposed for music, great idea but maybe…other type? Or maybe it’s just me 😊😅
Since 105 di2 I had this question and I would be really thankful if you could give me an answer.Is it's possible to mix Ultegra 12speed shifters with the other parts being 105?
there was one video on YT where a guy was repairing the shifters: 105 and Ultegra. And only when he opened the plastics etc. he realised how different component are in these 2 groups: one was plastic one was metal - and which one was to fail faster. You guess what is what ;-)
Besides the price n weight. Would there be a difference in ride smoothness n shifting smoothness between the both? Plus Ultegra hood buttons which 105 had opted to omit would be pretty useful for some to cycle through bike computer screens. But still price conscious riders would definitely super happy with the long awaited 105 Di2!!
I have the pervious version of the ultegra, and those extra buttons aren't worth it. You can't really reach them on top.of the hoods without moving your hands. If they were on the side of the top "nubs" instead of right on top then you could squeeze it with your thumb and it'd be perfect. Until then I wouldn't bother, if I were buying right now I'd get the 105 levers.
I think Shimano are going to lose a huge section of the market when the Chinese groupset manufacturers release their electronic and fully hydraulic disc groupsets.
Just built my new bike and went for 105 Di 2 there is no reason in the world I would go for Ultrega Di2. If you are paying for it yourself you don’t need Ultrega thats my motto.
GC - There is a massive opportunity and opening in the market for electronic groupsets below USD 2000 from other non major manufacturers. The cost of a complete bike outweighs the benefits of an riding an electronic group set fitted bike given in a few years they will be obsolete as new iterations come out. Yes major manufacturers are cashing for now.
Do it for Red, Rival and Force! Or have you already? I'm in the process of upgrading my Rival build with Red cranks, chain and cassette and it was super confusing on the weights where different sites would give different results. Do you have a reco on what you'd upgrade if you were mix and match both SRAM and Shimano on road groupsets (I'm not sure Shimano is as mixable).
Didn’t watch this video. But it’s the Ultegra. 105 doesn’t get those buttons on the hoods. That beats the purpose of having an electronic grouppo D.Ace is just really expensive but the callipers is something I am eyeing on. So, full Ultegra Di2 with D.Ace callipers ftw
not at all, that is the least thing I use on the group itself, I thought it would be a cool feature but I find myself using that the least just the nice brakes and also the smooth regular gear shifiing, I would go 105 bcause it is $700 for 250 gram difference, and jsut get ultegra rotors and uletrga chanin and cassette and ur golden
@@GCPerformance18 okayyyyyyyy. But, apart from the buttons on the hoods, 105 Di2 also doesn’t get satellite shifters. If I were to ONLY shift with the buttons/pedals on the shifters, I’m ayy-okay with mechanical shifting. The best part about electronic shifting is the ability to shift from various positions like from the tops, in drops using your thumbs. Which can never be done with mechanical.
Yep. Look at new Trek Domane SL6 105 Di2 vs Rival ETAP. Rival is about $500 cheaper if you buy the group set alone but the Rival complete bike is $500 more. Same bike otherwise.
As long as there are enough threads for engagement, it shouldn't be a problem. This thing doesn't see 2 Nm of torque anyway unless you're on angular contact bearings.
That's what I did on my s-works tarmac build..I had it built up with the ultegra 12 speed di2 with the RT-MT900 dura ace black disc rotors which to me look stealth..
This version of 105 exists because of SRAM Rival AXS completes. The Electronic Groupset of the People. Consider including info on the other 105 crankset. FC-RS520. It is on completes and sold separately as part of 105.
We don't hate you per se... LOL🤣🤣🤣 It is we who keep coming back for the punishment.🙃 Surprised the chain is no different in weight, Dura-Ace too. Humph.🤔 Thanks!
Are those a newer style of ultegra disc rotors??? My ultegra di2 12 speed set up came with the 4 star RT-MT800 disc rotors which to me look alot better..
I use servos in R/C airplanes and such, no way I need them on a bicycle. I have ridden and worked on bikes as a trade for decades and for certain top of the line fad is an expensive hobby. The real deal is keep the wheels trued and the mechanical top notch. I haven't bothered even a ride computer in decades. At 58 I'm still going by folks on a 38 lb. Mth bike with pump and tools, water etc. , It's the motor that matters mostly, seen a lot of people over the years spend thousands on bling meanwhile they are 20+ lbs overweight..
Very interesting, with Ultegra you pay a lot more for a small increase in performance, like the cassette coating which probably lasts longer or something
105 best group set for the price and durability for sure, but hey for those who's got the money and they just want that extra help on saving weight i don't blame them tho
Yes but you also have to look at the actual durability and strength also weight can be a pro on a bike instead of a con depending on what your doing and where
Hey GC, what would you recommend more? upgrade from mechanical Ultegra to previous Ultegra Di2 (8070) assuming that i need to change only levers rear and front mech? Or upgrade to 105 Di2 that would include crankset and cassette to accumulate 12 gears? Thanks for advice!
52T max based on Shimano documentation. you can always drop a DA FD in the mix that supports 54T :p 12s 105-Ultegra-DA components can be mixed with no problem.
@@PatrickLino no idea if the FD has any differences. In theory Ultegra has a 52T limit an DA 54T but visually for me are exactly the same. So is possible it works with 53T
My understanding is the higher end groupsets have better manufacturing tolerances which should manifest in areas such as smoother shifting and what actually looks like more efficiently cooled brake discs, so it’s not all about weight. Hyper glide, hood shifter buttons, etc cool, but even all of these things together… …$750 more for Ultegra? It’s a good strategy. Folks paying $7k for a bike prob gonna want Ultegra for that $ even if objectively the $ could be spent on other stuff like a pro bike fit that makes a huge difference.
You're exactly right. These review is nonsense. Many of the mechanics and materials are higher quality in the Ultegra components. This is information that's readily available, if had just done a little research.
@@Davek111 not only widely available but widely known to anyone whose been around bike equipment for more than 30 seconds. This is such an obtuse terrible take, I’d implore the authors to address this issue if they have the integrity and fortitude…
My bike came with Ultegra however I'd buy 105 to save $700. I already have 105 long rear derailleur cage to fit my 105 34 cassette when they were all I could source.
Ultegra almost feels redundant - with the exception of having Ultegra and it's prestige stamped on your groupset. If Shimano got rid of Ultegra and just have 105 and Dura-Ace as their race-ready groupsets, they can focus on getting them better - maybe will leap frog of the competition.
Prices are all over the place. 105 is ok and you're better off buying a bike with 105 rather than building a bike with 105. Fyi, a SRAM Force complete set is cheaper here in Aus than a complete 105 set. Bikes however are a different story 🤷♂️😅
You’re more likely to lock your brakes up with servowave on a road bike. Servowave makes sense on MTB’s with fat, chunky tyres that need to stop in a hurry… makes very little sense on a road bike with 28-32mm slick tyres
So who should buy Ultegra and who should buy 105? I want to buy a aero or race bike next year and I am not sure if I need the Ultegra, bcs I dont wanna waste so much money if the 105 does the same
im running 105 right now on myaero bike and I love it shifts so nice and has all the tech of the ultegra, get 105 if strapped for cash get ultegra if you can afford it
The 105 brakes are not supposed to be as sophisticated as Ultegra and Dura Ace. The differences between the two are more than just weight. (modulation)
thats what Iheard of as well, but from pure looks, it looks identical and the feel is the exact same I had ultegra and now I have the 105 version and I can not feel the difference
@@GCPerformance18 Well then might as well save some money and get the 105 version. But you ride in Florida. No crazy descending at high speeds. That is probably where you can "feel" the difference.
The crankset you can’t compare due to the different CR size, but that said, can you verify if the 105 is still a one piece forging, or hollow tech bonded like the Ultegra?
but ti would be minimal, it looked different to me, but the weight was so simiar I wouldnt doubt that they gave it hollowtech just to save money for one mold and just stamp it different and us heavier bolts
@@GCPerformance18 reason I ask, 105 has always been a one piece forging before, and was not affected by the hollow tech bonding separation that was seen in Ultegra and Durace.
If you don't need electronically controlled shifting (hint: you probably don't), shop around for the previous 105 or even Ultegra or Dura-Ace 9 or 10-speed from the pre-Di2 era. The savings are incredible, and most people will find the older systems still work very well and serve the need (if not the ego).
My ego has nothing to do with why I use electronic shifting. I really like the ease of shifting and how accurately it performs. I would never go back to cables.
@@charlesmansplaining Glad to hear you're happy with it. I probably would be as well, but I'm also quite happy with not having it. I am certain, though, that a lot of people initially buy it to avoid being outdone by their clubmates. And I'm sure most of them wind up liking it. That's how these sorts of things work. Hardly anyone who's driven a stick shift his whole life and finally tries a modern automatic is itching to go back to a stick. But there will always be the guy who prefers a manual transmission. Maybe he just thinks it's more engaging and fun. I still enjoy friction shifting, but that's what I grew up on, so there you go.
Because of the emergence of Ultegra R8100, I deliberately searched for a brand new Ultegra R8020 for my first ever brand new road build before production is ceased. And boy, I'm glad I did, including a crankset of my desired length of 165 mm!
@@rangersmith4652 All those things you said makes me laugh because I learned how to drive and took my drivers test driving a manual 3 speed on the column 64 Rambler. My mom's car not mine.😁I did not switch to electronic shifting to impress a group because I avoid groups. To me it's not as safe as riding alone. When I first went electronic it was SRAM eTap Red but it wasn't long before I concluded it was junk so I bought Dura-Ace. The 9170 group is the next best thing to chocolate cake with ice cream and a cherry on top. You mentioned friction shifting, don't know if you ever checked out the Gevenalle CX levers but that what I have on my cyclocross bike. They are so fast it's the only way to go for speed shifting.
@@charlesmansplaining I haven't tried them. The friction shifters I have are 1979 or 1980 Shimano Altus with matching derailleurs. Not the smoothest in the world, and they weren't when they were new. But these 40-year-old derailleurs still work fine for a bike that I'm only going to ride on rare occasions, 500 mi a year tops.
Basically they have been quite clever, unlike sram the weight difference is spread over the entire group set meaning its very hard to make a weight saving upgrade down the line with any one component. And out of pure vanity id upgrade the rotors, the 105 versions look wank and cheap.
Two words: Campagnolo Chorus. 12 speed. You can choose whathever you like: mechanical, EPS, rim brakes, disk brakes... you're not tied to whatever the manufacturer decides for you. Shimano is getting too pricey, too heavy and too ugly. Campagnolo: 2300 grams - 1200 € - It's a win-win combination... I rest my case.
Just so you know, in the weighing part of the video, I weigh the 105 stuff first and then the ultegra version of it. just so there is no confusion. if you have any questions about the two groups, please do not hesitate to ask me.
Becareful what you wish for. They will just increase the price from $8500 to $9000 to justify Ultegra, not lower 105 to $7500.
I have a quirky question, that has yet for me to find an answer to. Which is i was wondering if i can fit the ultegra 52-36 chainrings on the 105 cranks.
@@isaacmorales2656 yes
@@isaacmorales2656 i don't see why not
This video convinced me to go with 105 DI2. After about 500 miles, I'm very happy
very useful, and I agree this decided me to buy 105 - 239 g is a big gulp of water. $750. Having had both sets on recent bikes, I feel no difference in braking and I never use the top buttons so it was a no-brainer
There are much bigger differences.
1 - Third button
2 - Brakes, Servo Wave is a BIG diference on Ultegra.
3 - Front shifting, is mindblowing on Ultegra
4 - Hyperglide+ cassete, that will be the biggest difference.
To optimize I will choose.
ultegra rings with 105 cranks :p
Calipers + shifters - Ultegra
Front Derreilur - Ultegra
Rear Derraileur - 105
Cassete - Ultegra (HG+)
Chain - Ultegra (HG+)
Rotors - Ultegra if you want to reduce weight, if not 105.
Installed 105 di2 on my bike and upgraded the cassette to an ultegra for the hg+. Put the 105 cassette on my trainer. My thoughts on upgrading the front derailleur after looking at the data from my last 3h ride is 4 front shifts and 400 shifts rear. Modulated braking requires hills which I don’t have any. Only brake when stopping for traffic 😊
@@rioblast here with streets at 7% 8% and HC climbs just 40km from town servo wave is a blessing for my hands and shoulders. (And still I'm terrible descending)
You say that about the servo wave and I see it says it as well but the calipers look identical for these systems. And when i have had 105 brakes and ultegra brakes which I run now. They fell the exact same during the brake pull. Like literal exact same.
@@GCPerformance18
I think the servo is on the handles, so in theory you can use Ultegra shifters with 105 calipers and should work also.
This video will level you up in the RUclips bike community. Kudos. Keep them coming.
Thank you very much!!
One thing I would recommend for anyone considering 105 is upgrade the rotors, I had constant issues with warping which immediately went away after swapping to XTR.
Jesus christ same here. I never had a problem with Ultegra r8000 rotors, but those r7000 rotors warped so easily. It's not as if I was descending mont ventoux every weekend, no excuse for it.
@@crimson177 Yep it was my first experience of road disc and I honestly thought I was doing something wrong!
XTR rotors are a gem 🙏🏽
They make them by sandwiching a sheet of aluminium in between 2 sheets of stainless. Stainless is very sensitive to warping when heated and the spider supporting the rotor is very small compared to the RT-MT800 (XT) or Ultegra rotor. That makes the rotor less rigid. I prefer to use Shimano Deore Rt-64, they don't warp as much because they are solid stainless. I also found that they don't wear as fast as the ICE-tech.
What a really excellent video bud. 🙏😎👍🏻
Yeah I would totally do the 105 group, but upgrade the shifters so I can get the extra buttons. Maybe upgrade the chain and lock rings :)
why the lock rings?
@@wespress0weightsaving
I have the buttons on Ultegra 11 speed, I have them set up to change pages on my wahoo, it's not something I miss when I ride other bikes. 105 di2 for my next build :)
A 105 set with Ultegra shifters seems the way to go, especially it you'd like to use extra satellite buttons. The 105 cassette and those lockrings for the discs are a huge surprise weight wise imho, for opposite reasons. Thanks for pointing it out:)
And if one plans to use it on a rim brake road bike without hurting the wallet as much.
That’s my plan for my Bianchi Oltre XR2. It’s a rim brake frame. I could just upgrade the group set and keep everything else. It has SRAM Force 22 now, however I’d need an XDR compatible wheelset also.
have you tried this? Can I use Ulterga shifters with satellite buttons with 105di2 ?
If I'd build new bike , I've built it on 105 groupset with Dura Ace cassette , Ultegra crankset , Ultegra rotors.
Thanks for doing this. Pretty sure a lot of people appreciate this helpful information in regards of which one to buy.
Of course!!! I hope it helps some people out :) thanks for watching
I’ve not finished the video yet but this is the most honest piece of bike content I’ve see about these group sets
The lockrings are different type so in reality cannot compare them (105 are outer/external and ultegra inner/internal) Outer is always heavier. Some hubs can only accept outer so it also depends on your wheelset which one to choose.
All brand new RT-MT800s I've seen so far come with externally-splined lockrings. For my Ultegra R8020, I deliberately bought some internally-splined lockrings separately.
I’ve been debating between the two options, thanks for this video.
You are welcome
Over the years, I have found that the main differences btw 105 and Ultegra and D/A out side of obvious price and weight is fit and finish, precision and longevity. This is particularly apparent in the mechanical shifting of 11 speed variants of the previous gen. Granted this is Di2…. The higher the group level the nicer the finish, the less slop and tolerances, and better durability over long term. You are absolutely correct that functionality is no different, but there is a marked difference in feel to how the Ultegra performs compared to 105, much less btw Ultegra and D/A…a case of splitting hairs outside of cost. Just my opinion…35 years of riding with Cat1/2 experience in my youthful days.
as you said, granted this is DI2. I agree if this was mechanical, but with DI2 and brakes seemingly the same, there is no difference in feel of the shiters, the shifting itself and the braking. What may differ is speed of shifting and smoothness of shifting, but a big (the biggest) part of that is the cassette (whether it's hyperglide or not), and not so much the shifters and RD (in DI2).
After being told how good 105 is, I've found my 105 mechanical to be noisy, needing regular adjustment, and never seem to have the right ratio. Bit disappointed in it really.
From 105 5700 to 5800 to R7000 105 never has let me down I’ve raced it on pavement and gravel. Realistically I could see myself upgrading to R8000 if there is a deal. But the shift buttons on the hoods make the R8000 STI Shifter very attractive
they are a nice feature but to be honest, I rarely use them as much as I thought I would
I use the buttons on the hoods to start, stop and swap pages on my Garmin. Especially when climbing or when my hands are sweaty it's so great.
I never thought 105 vs ultegra was much about weight, but more about precision, durability and smoothness of operation.
i see myself riding my mechanical 105 (r7000) for many years to come
There is an optional 50/34 105 crank that is heavier and cheaper than the 105 hollowtech version. That may add up to 100 grams.
When figuring the significance of a 2-300 gram difference, divide that amount by bike and rider weight. 200/80,000= 0.25% Totally insignificant.
SRAM Force and Rival are both less expensive.
105 Di2 with Ultegra shifters and the Ultegra FD would give you the best of both worlds :). I'd love extension ports on the 105 shifters (for satellite shifters or a wired setup). They do have one port, but it cannot be used to connect components.... not really :)
Thank u for sharing these practicable information between these two Shimano group sets~
you are welcome!!
Been a 105 rider for years. After 4 years upgrading bike. Wanted 105 DI2. Finally bought Ultegra equipped bike was really no price difference between 105 and ultegra in the UK. Just looked some 105 bikes more expensive than what I bought. 105 now on premium/Pro level bikes, does not make sense for people groupset
I went 105 di2 on my new Emonda (chose SL6 over SL7) and saved $2.5k NZD. Sold the 35mm carbon wheels that came with it and had $3.5k to play with. Spent that money on ENVE F65 wheels, ultegra rotors and chain. Way better bang for my buck when compared to an off the rack Ultegra model.
Ultegra is obviously better, but there are better places to put your money to gain performance if you have a capped budget.
Thank you!!!
Both of these groups work so well, the step up in price to dura-ace is really dramatic--for a non racer who rides for fitness, spending $13000 on a bike is to impress your friends..Ultegra will shift just as fast, brake as hard as Duraace can...and maybe the cranks will not split like the top tier cranks have!!
The 105 to ultegra brake calipers have been the same or almost the same weight even on the previous groupsets. They perform exactly the same I've tried both. Putting lighter rotors and aftermarket cassettes with the 105 you'd get ultegra weight. Be careful mixing derailleurs as Shimano may have made 105 non interchangeable
70g saved just by used Ultegra brake rotors and lockrings seems like the easiest/cheapest and that's nearly 30% of the weight difference.
Background music is pretty noticeable. I would considering lowering the volume of that when you're talking.
Sorryyy I’m getting use to it
@@GCPerformance18 All good brother, no apologies needed! Great vid, thank you for putting this out.
thank you so much for the comparison video! Very details and good recommendation
Glad it was helpful!
I really appreciate your attention to value and sharing that information with us.
I feel Shimano may have shot themselves in the foot with the 105 set as it may make the current ultergra obsolete given how closely matched 105 is. Who's paying nearly 1000 extra dollars for about 200g less
1000 bucks just to safe 200g is useless for normal riders
Awesome video and info as always, thanks man! just one thing, the music, I’m not opposed for music, great idea but maybe…other type? Or maybe it’s just me 😊😅
Yea I know I’m trying something new
Since 105 di2 I had this question and I would be really thankful if you could give me an answer.Is it's possible to mix Ultegra 12speed shifters with the other parts being 105?
Yes you can
Shimano groupsets have had cross-model compatibility even before Di2, so there's nothing to worry about.
Now let’s talk about the materials and breaking performance 👌
dura ace cranks ultegra rotors 105 everything else, perfection!
Great job! We need more of these comparisons
Once I get more groups in for sure
@@GCPerformance18 *comparisons I meaning
there was one video on YT where a guy was repairing the shifters: 105 and Ultegra. And only when he opened the plastics etc. he realised how different component are in these 2 groups: one was plastic one was metal - and which one was to fail faster. You guess what is what ;-)
Really?? Even for the di2?
Besides the price n weight.
Would there be a difference in ride smoothness n shifting smoothness between the both?
Plus Ultegra hood buttons which 105 had opted to omit would be pretty useful for some to cycle through bike computer screens.
But still price conscious riders would definitely super happy with the long awaited 105 Di2!!
I would love to see the same video with dura ace & ultegra
I will once I get another duracace kit in
@@GCPerformance18 thanks! Buying an ultegra equipped bike in the next few months & want to see where some weight can easily be dropped!
main diference: ultegra crankset was built w/ super bonder
105 crankset is cold forged
I have the pervious version of the ultegra, and those extra buttons aren't worth it. You can't really reach them on top.of the hoods without moving your hands.
If they were on the side of the top "nubs" instead of right on top then you could squeeze it with your thumb and it'd be perfect.
Until then I wouldn't bother, if I were buying right now I'd get the 105 levers.
Buying a sl7 105 di 2 sounds like I made the right decision thank you for confirming this!
that is an insane value bike you have right there
Like most others have said, thanks for this comparison video.
no no no, thank you my friend for watching :)
I think Shimano are going to lose a huge section of the market when the Chinese groupset manufacturers release their electronic and fully hydraulic disc groupsets.
I will start building bikes just for the hell of it once Chinese groups have fully hydraulic brakes. I can’t wait.
@@owensnicholas there is already full hydraulic Chinese groupset atm
Avoid chinese products at all costs
JUst bought a 2023 Trek Emonda Sl6 Pro with 105 di2 and could not be happier
trhats awesome!!! the group is honestly very nice
I switched cassette to ultegra because of hyperglyde plus if i switch front deraleur to ultegra will it shift faster than 105
Just built my new bike and went for 105 Di 2 there is no reason in the world I would go for Ultrega Di2. If you are paying for it yourself you don’t need Ultrega thats my motto.
GC - There is a massive opportunity and opening in the market for electronic groupsets below USD 2000 from other non major manufacturers.
The cost of a complete bike outweighs the benefits of an riding an electronic group set fitted bike given in a few years they will be obsolete as new iterations come out.
Yes major manufacturers are cashing for now.
great review , quick and concise
Thanks so much!!!
Do it for Red, Rival and Force! Or have you already?
I'm in the process of upgrading my Rival build with Red cranks, chain and cassette and it was super confusing on the weights where different sites would give different results. Do you have a reco on what you'd upgrade if you were mix and match both SRAM and Shimano on road groupsets (I'm not sure Shimano is as mixable).
Awesome review, GREAT stuff, HELPFUL! Thanks
Didn’t watch this video. But it’s the Ultegra.
105 doesn’t get those buttons on the hoods. That beats the purpose of having an electronic grouppo
D.Ace is just really expensive but the callipers is something I am eyeing on.
So, full Ultegra Di2 with D.Ace callipers ftw
not at all, that is the least thing I use on the group itself, I thought it would be a cool feature but I find myself using that the least just the nice brakes and also the smooth regular gear shifiing, I would go 105 bcause it is $700 for 250 gram difference, and jsut get ultegra rotors and uletrga chanin and cassette and ur golden
@@GCPerformance18 okayyyyyyyy.
But, apart from the buttons on the hoods, 105 Di2 also doesn’t get satellite shifters.
If I were to ONLY shift with the buttons/pedals on the shifters, I’m ayy-okay with mechanical shifting.
The best part about electronic shifting is the ability to shift from various positions like from the tops, in drops using your thumbs. Which can never be done with mechanical.
Love to know how much ultegra di2 12speed Rim brake groupset weigh?
105 si more expensive than Rival but when you buy a complet bike with 105 it is cheaper than the Rival
Yep. Look at new Trek Domane SL6 105 Di2 vs Rival ETAP. Rival is about $500 cheaper if you buy the group set alone but the Rival complete bike is $500 more. Same bike otherwise.
The crank freeplay adjuster screw will be shorter on Ultegra and DA to accommodate power meter wiring / sensors...
As long as there are enough threads for engagement, it shouldn't be a problem. This thing doesn't see 2 Nm of torque anyway unless you're on angular contact bearings.
Great review. Thank you for the insights. So 105 all the way then, bang for buck 👍
yes thanks so much!!!
Might be wrong, but I rmb hyperglide+ is only avail on Ultegra cassette
105 for me, but I'd swap out the rotor's for RT900 as the gloss black would suit my bike better. When's the 105 52-36 Chainset due??
That's what I did on my s-works tarmac build..I had it built up with the ultegra 12 speed di2 with the RT-MT900 dura ace black disc rotors which to me look stealth..
Those rotors must be a newer style of ultegra disc rotors...the 4star RT-MT800 look alot better..
This version of 105 exists because of SRAM Rival AXS completes. The Electronic Groupset of the People.
Consider including info on the other 105 crankset. FC-RS520. It is on completes and sold separately as part of 105.
We don't hate you per se... LOL🤣🤣🤣 It is we who keep coming back for the punishment.🙃
Surprised the chain is no different in weight, Dura-Ace too. Humph.🤔 Thanks!
Hahahah thank you for that
Thanks again as always for an honest video.
Thanks for always watching and supporitng
I think dura ace has servo wave twch so braking is diff from 105. The first part of the lever pull compresses pistons more.
Really I heard ultegra has that too. 105 is the only one who is lacking
2k for just a group set - I want to punch myself in the face until something in this world begins to make sense again.
236 grams = 0.520291 lbs
0.520291 lbs
😂 thanks I was just about to calculate it
at least there is no fear of the 105 crankset cracking.
yes lol
Are those a newer style of ultegra disc rotors??? My ultegra di2 12 speed set up came with the 4 star RT-MT800 disc rotors which to me look alot better..
Yes these are the new road ones. The star ones are the mtb version
I use servos in R/C airplanes and such, no way I need them on a bicycle. I have ridden and worked on bikes as a trade for decades and for certain top of the line fad is an expensive hobby. The real deal is keep the wheels trued and the mechanical top notch. I haven't bothered even a ride computer in decades. At 58 I'm still going by folks on a 38 lb. Mth bike with pump and tools, water etc. , It's the motor that matters mostly, seen a lot of people over the years spend thousands on bling meanwhile they are 20+ lbs overweight..
Very interesting, with Ultegra you pay a lot more for a small increase in performance, like the cassette coating which probably lasts longer or something
239 grams for the price difference is a bit too much… but hey you get the majestic name “ultegra”
105 best group set for the price and durability for sure, but hey for those who's got the money and they just want that extra help on saving weight i don't blame them tho
You are right. Basically paying for the name.
Yes but you also have to look at the actual durability and strength also weight can be a pro on a bike instead of a con depending on what your doing and where
Hey GC,
what would you recommend more? upgrade from mechanical Ultegra to previous Ultegra Di2 (8070) assuming that i need to change only levers rear and front mech? Or upgrade to 105 Di2 that would include crankset and cassette to accumulate 12 gears? Thanks for advice!
Would have been nice to put a table with all the weights in there for each part comparing them
I wonder if you could actually use a 53T chainring with the 105 Di2
52T max based on Shimano documentation. you can always drop a DA FD in the mix that supports 54T :p 12s 105-Ultegra-DA components can be mixed with no problem.
@@LainOTN I'm looking for an actual explanation haha. Are there physical limitations or simply Shimano's way of forcing folks to buy Ultegra and DA.
@@PatrickLino no idea if the FD has any differences. In theory Ultegra has a 52T limit an DA 54T but visually for me are exactly the same. So is possible it works with 53T
a weight comparison between Shimano and Sram would be nice 105 / Rival and Force / Ultegra wit the same gear ratio
My understanding is the higher end groupsets have better manufacturing tolerances which should manifest in areas such as smoother shifting and what actually looks like more efficiently cooled brake discs, so it’s not all about weight. Hyper glide, hood shifter buttons, etc cool, but even all of these things together…
…$750 more for Ultegra? It’s a good strategy. Folks paying $7k for a bike prob gonna want Ultegra for that $ even if objectively the $ could be spent on other stuff like a pro bike fit that makes a huge difference.
You're exactly right. These review is nonsense. Many of the mechanics and materials are higher quality in the Ultegra components. This is information that's readily available, if had just done a little research.
@@Davek111 not only widely available but widely known to anyone whose been around bike equipment for more than 30 seconds. This is such an obtuse terrible take, I’d implore the authors to address this issue if they have the integrity and fortitude…
My bike came with Ultegra however I'd buy 105 to save $700. I already have 105 long rear derailleur cage to fit my 105 34 cassette when they were all I could source.
great overview. thanks.
Glad it was helpful!
Ultegra almost feels redundant - with the exception of having Ultegra and it's prestige stamped on your groupset. If Shimano got rid of Ultegra and just have 105 and Dura-Ace as their race-ready groupsets, they can focus on getting them better - maybe will leap frog of the competition.
105 Di2 should be a lot cheaper than Ultegra - something like a $900 difference is much more chewable 😎
Nice, but why is there this mismatch music?
can i put the ultegra lock rings on 105 disc?
yes
Would there be any discernible benefit upgrading from Ultegra 8070 11 speed Di2 to 105 Di2 12 speed?
just for the 12 speed benefit but honestly the 11 speed ultgra is great
Prices are all over the place.
105 is ok and you're better off buying a bike with 105 rather than building a bike with 105.
Fyi, a SRAM Force complete set is cheaper here in Aus than a complete 105 set. Bikes however are a different story 🤷♂️😅
You also get servowave brakes with Ultegra, but not with 105
the calipers look identical literally from pads to to pistons to finish, they weighed the exact same too
Servowave is at the levers not the calipers I think
You’re more likely to lock your brakes up with servowave on a road bike. Servowave makes sense on MTB’s with fat, chunky tyres that need to stop in a hurry… makes very little sense on a road bike with 28-32mm slick tyres
where can we buy the full ultegra DI2 or the 105 groupset and how much will each cost now? is it cheaper than the rival axs now?
So who should buy Ultegra and who should buy 105? I want to buy a aero or race bike next year and I am not sure if I need the Ultegra, bcs I dont wanna waste so much money if the 105 does the same
im running 105 right now on myaero bike and I love it shifts so nice and has all the tech of the ultegra, get 105 if strapped for cash get ultegra if you can afford it
The 105 brakes are not supposed to be as sophisticated as Ultegra and Dura Ace. The differences between the two are more than just weight. (modulation)
thats what Iheard of as well, but from pure looks, it looks identical and the feel is the exact same I had ultegra and now I have the 105 version and I can not feel the difference
@@GCPerformance18 Well then might as well save some money and get the 105 version. But you ride in Florida. No crazy descending at high speeds. That is probably where you can "feel" the difference.
The crankset you can’t compare due to the different CR size, but that said, can you verify if the 105 is still a one piece forging, or hollow tech bonded like the Ultegra?
but ti would be minimal, it looked different to me, but the weight was so simiar I wouldnt doubt that they gave it hollowtech just to save money for one mold and just stamp it different and us heavier bolts
@@GCPerformance18 reason I ask, 105 has always been a one piece forging before, and was not affected by the hollow tech bonding separation that was seen in Ultegra and Durace.
The irony in the 105 looking better as well...
Probably already been asked… can you do this for Sram Red vs Rival?
Yes I will once I have both
I wonder if anyone has tried a smaller cassette with the 105 di2 rear derailleur yet
Can you weight just the crank arms against each other?
Mix and match is possible ofcourse!?
I wonder what is diferent in chainrings weight and performance
So I’ll be looking for shimano ultegra lock rings
That’s the big one for sure lol, no lie. I think the best weight savings for price
Do you know if i can swap my front fd 105 di2 to ultegra fd di2 thanks for video
yes u can
If you don't need electronically controlled shifting (hint: you probably don't), shop around for the previous 105 or even Ultegra or Dura-Ace 9 or 10-speed from the pre-Di2 era. The savings are incredible, and most people will find the older systems still work very well and serve the need (if not the ego).
My ego has nothing to do with why I use electronic shifting. I really like the ease of shifting and how accurately it performs. I would never go back to cables.
@@charlesmansplaining Glad to hear you're happy with it. I probably would be as well, but I'm also quite happy with not having it. I am certain, though, that a lot of people initially buy it to avoid being outdone by their clubmates. And I'm sure most of them wind up liking it. That's how these sorts of things work. Hardly anyone who's driven a stick shift his whole life and finally tries a modern automatic is itching to go back to a stick. But there will always be the guy who prefers a manual transmission. Maybe he just thinks it's more engaging and fun. I still enjoy friction shifting, but that's what I grew up on, so there you go.
Because of the emergence of Ultegra R8100, I deliberately searched for a brand new Ultegra R8020 for my first ever brand new road build before production is ceased.
And boy, I'm glad I did, including a crankset of my desired length of 165 mm!
@@rangersmith4652 All those things you said makes me laugh because I learned how to drive and took my drivers test driving a manual 3 speed on the column 64 Rambler. My mom's car not mine.😁I did not switch to electronic shifting to impress a group because I avoid groups. To me it's not as safe as riding alone. When I first went electronic it was SRAM eTap Red but it wasn't long before I concluded it was junk so I bought Dura-Ace. The 9170 group is the next best thing to chocolate cake with ice cream and a cherry on top. You mentioned friction shifting, don't know if you ever checked out the Gevenalle CX levers but that what I have on my cyclocross bike. They are so fast it's the only way to go for speed shifting.
@@charlesmansplaining I haven't tried them. The friction shifters I have are 1979 or 1980 Shimano Altus with matching derailleurs. Not the smoothest in the world, and they weren't when they were new. But these 40-year-old derailleurs still work fine for a bike that I'm only going to ride on rare occasions, 500 mi a year tops.
Basically they have been quite clever, unlike sram the weight difference is spread over the entire group set meaning its very hard to make a weight saving upgrade down the line with any one component. And out of pure vanity id upgrade the rotors, the 105 versions look wank and cheap.
but honestly it looks good
can you use a 55 tooth chainring with this 105 di2 front derailleur? someone said that it is only possible with 50 chainrings, is that true?
no you shouldnt have na issue, it can go up to a 52 stock 105 crank sso I dont see an issue
@@GCPerformance18 so you can't use crowns 53,54 or 55?
I think tha handle bars of both bikes are of different size from each other.
So 290 grams is equivalent to 10 oz. So weight savings is like a 12oz soda can
why is there wedding music on the background
hahah I do not know
Great video once again
Thanks so much!!!
Two words: Campagnolo Chorus.
12 speed. You can choose whathever you like: mechanical, EPS, rim brakes, disk brakes... you're not tied to whatever the manufacturer decides for you.
Shimano is getting too pricey, too heavy and too ugly. Campagnolo: 2300 grams - 1200 € - It's a win-win combination...
I rest my case.
So the upgrade of 105 should be Dura ace not Ultegra