Subtle tweaks and an extra sprocket make this 'all-rounder' groupset an even better performer
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The shifting is as clean and crisp as ever, and as the 11-speed version is only marginally slower and less precise than its high-end Ultegra mechanical sibling, that is nothing to be sniffed at. Ultegra has since gone Di2-only, so comparisons with the new groupset aren't possible anymore. 105 may have made gears mechanical again, but there is no return to rim brakes, unfortunately. I get it from a commercial point of view – most new bikes still using rim bikes are very much at the 'budget' end of the market, and as such are more likely to wear Tiagra or Sora groupsets than 105.
Officially the previous rear mech could handle a largest sprocket of 34T, but this newer version can cope with a 36T. Handy really, as that is the largest on offer in the range.In fact, there are just two cassette options available – 11-34T and 11-36T. The latter costs an extra fifteen quid, at £84.99.
On longer downhills it feels more relaxing and natural, especially when riding in the drops. When in the hoods though things don't feel any different for light braking with my top two fingers. The upper curved section is still the same, allowing your index finger to rest naturally. In terms of wear, I've always found 105 chainrings to last well, so mileage isn't going to be an issue.
There isn't a huge amount of competition either; well, at least not on a like for a like basis. SRAM's road groupsets are now all eTap AXS, or in other words electronic. In fact, the only mechanical groupset SRAM offers in road or gravel ranges is theCampagnolo still offer a range of mechanical groupsets, starting off with Centaur. That's rim-brake only though.
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