Shimano announces updated 105 group with hydraulic disc brakes, and new clutch Ultegra derailleur

Published April 3, 2018

by BRAIN Staff

OSAKA, Japan (BRAIN) — Shimano has trickled down technology, including hydraulic disc brakes, from the Dura-Ace and Ultegra groups to the 2019 model year 105 R7000 road group, which it announced publicly Tuesday. The company also released a new Ultegra rear derailleur with a clutch to improve chain retention for gravel and cyclocross use.

The R7000 group, available in black or silver, has updated shift levers with a slim look borrowed from higher end groups. For wider gearing, it has a GS rear derailleur and 11-34 cassette options. The new flat-mount BR- R7070 disc brake calipers are compatible with Ice pads and SM-RT70 rotors (including a new 140 mm size). The FC-R7000 crankset has expanded chainring and arm-length combination options including a new 160 millimeter crank arm and 50/34t ring option. Redesigned chainring tooth profiling increases clearance between the chain and leading teeth to provide compatibility with frames with 135 mm O.L.D. and chainstays as short as 410mm.

Gear combinations for the CS-R7000 cassette are 12-25T, 11-28T, 11- 30T, 11-32T. The CS-HG700 cassette is available in 11-34T. The CS-GH700-11 11-34T cassette also fits 10-speed freehub bodies.

The new 105 group also has rim brake options with increased tire clearance in Dual-Pivot and Direct Mount models. The brakes have clearance for 28 mm tires.

The new R7000 black group.

Shimano 105 ST-R7000 and R7020 levers feature redesigned internal shift units for slimmer, more ergonomically shaped control levers that match the design of Ultegra R8000 and R8020. The new ST-7025 Hydraulic Dual Control levers offer the same features as ST- 7020, but the reach starts 4 mm closer and the lever blades are shaped to work better for riders with small hands.

The new FD-R7000 front derailleur uses the new link construction first introduced with Dura-Ace R9100. Shimano said the new construction matches the force curve of the hand to reduce effort and the new design allows for more flexible cable routing design.

The group's RD-R7000-SS/GS Rear Derailleur has a SHADOW RD low-profile design.

Ultegra RX rear derailleur

The new Ultegra RX rear derailleurs have "chain stabilizing technology" and are available for mechanical and Di2 drivetrains.

"Riders continue pushing road bike capabilities, evolving the sport from racing to encompass greater elements of adventure and including a broader range of riding styles. In a natural evolution, RX800 expands the potential of Ultegra R8000, combining chain stabilizing features with the same performance characteristics of Shimano’s most versatile performance road drivetrain," the company said.

The new RX800/805 rear derailleurs feature Shimano Shadow RD Plus technology with the added chain stabilizing switch to control the drivetrain over rough or uneven ground. The On/Off switch is found next to the upper pulley. The RX800/805 rear derailleurs are compatible with road dual control levers (mechanical or Di2) and will accommodate an 11-28T to 11-34T cassette.