Has anybody seen/tried the new Shimano 105?
 

I see that Shimano has upgraded the 105 components, according to their website. Anybody seen or tried them out?

Yes... just got new Cannondale Synapse Carbon 5 with 105... it came with new 2011 group...

Love it! Fantastic! (Can you tell i like it?)

yes i have built some new bikes with the new 105 group. works just like any decent new bike, shifts fine. its all in the durability over time.

I was just trying out a Synapse at my lbs but it did not have the new 105 and I was just wondering if I should wait. How do you like your Synapse? I'm debating between the Synapse 5 and the Felt Z85.

Other than running the shift cables under the bar tape, are there any significant differences over the former 105 10-speed group?

It retains all the features of the latest gen group including directional chains, incompatible brakes and deraillelurs with the old system. Here's a good overview. http://www.bikeradar.com/news/articl...t-review-24923

Good bye old 10-speed (5600 stuff is already on low or zero from all our suppliers). 5700/6700/7900 will be fully entrenched by 2011.

Yes.

And you want to know what?

Is this discussed anywhere? I was only aware of the DA front derailler not being backwards compatible. What about the rears?

Love the Synapse...
It is (for me) the best compromise between aggressive vs. relaxed geometry. I've been getting real tired at the end of doing long rides... the synapse is allowing me to feel much better on the last 30 miles of a century... but it's snappy enough that it feels great on short rides also

The new 105 shifters have improved ergonomics on the hoods, feels better when you're riding with your hands in that position (altho this is rather subjective)