The electronics arrives to the new Shimano 105 Di2

Shimano incorporates the 12 gears and electronic shifting in its 105 Di2, the groupset preferred by touring cyclists.

Shimano democratizes electronics on its 105 Di2

It was an open secret, and although Shimano has always claimed that Di2 electronic technology was only for its top-of-the-line groupsets, it has finally given in to the success of SRAM's Rival eTap AXS and has taken the technology from its Dura-Ace and Ultegra to this new Shimano 105 Di2.

As with its bigger siblings, this Shimano 105 Di2 features hybrid operation. The battery, located inside the frame, the derailleur and shifter are wired together. Meanwhile, the levers have wireless operation, each powered by two small CR1632 button cell batteries that, according to the brand, have a 3-year life.

At the rear, we find 12 gears, with two cassette combinations available: 11-34 and 11-36, which makes clear the purely cyclotourist intentions of this groupset. It can be combined with cranks that follow similar design lines to those of the Dura-Ace Di2 and will be available with 50/34 or 52/36 chainrings.

Both rear derailleur and front derailleur are designed to work with any of the possible development combinations. Both, as well as the cranks, maintain obvious aesthetic similarities with Dura-Ace and Ultegra.

The rear derailleur is only available in a pulley size that supports, as mentioned above, all combinations of developments available for this group. Also, as in its bigger siblings, it functions as a switchboard, housing the battery charging port.

For its part, the front derailleur has slightly larger plates than on the top groupsets to cope with the higher gear capacity, allowing, according to Shimano's specifications, a maximum 52-tooth chainring.

The levers of this Shimano 105 Di2 also reproduce the ergonomics of the superior groupsets. Here we do find differences in performance with regard to the actuation of the hydraulic disc brakes since the Servo Wave technology is not included, which makes the displacement of the lever and the pads non-linear, thus improving braking modulation.

In any case, the calipers have undergone a redesign, changing the location of the bleed nipple to the outer face of the caliper to make it more accessible. At the same time, the space between pads and discs has been increased to minimize the possibility of friction and noise.

Incidentally, while the top groupsets have retained the option of conventional rim brakes, this new Shimano 105 Di2 will only be available for disc brakes.

This new Shimano 105 Di2 has a declared weight of 2,992 g, which puts it on a similar level to its direct competitor, the SRAM Rival eTap AXS which declares 3,109 g. It will have an official price of 1,869 €.

This groupset is mainly oriented to OEM set-ups and the first bikes equipped with it are expected to be available from July onwards. As for the aftermarket groupsets, they will arrive in stores in September.

Perfect companions

To complete its new 105 Di2, Shimano has prepared a new pair of carbon wheels called WH-RS710 that will be available in two versions, C46 and C32 that allude to the profile height of its rim.

Both have a rim with 21 mm internal width and, of course, are compatible with tubeless tires. The C46 has a weight of 1,607 g while the C32 stops the scale at 1,511 g.