Standard Issue

I recently got an amazing deal on some levers and I wonder what group their based on. 3/4 of what I read says the st r-700 short reach brake lever shifters are ultegra grade shifter and the other 25% says 105. Can anyone clear this up for me?

tsl

Why does it matter?

They fit your hands, they shift your gears, they stop your bike, and they are not junk.

FWIW, I've always been told the R series (I own a set of ST R-500s) are Ultegra-level. I also have a bike with similar-vintage 6500 series levers, and the two are indistinguishable in performance and feel.

Jeff Wills

They're Shimano- so they're compatible with virtually everything else that's "Shimano compatible". The right shift lever will shift across 10 cogs, the left shift lever will shift two chainrings, the brake levers will work well with road caliper or cantilever brakes. Bolt 'em on your bike and go ride.

Standard Issue

I just realized after reading the 2nd reply that I made a typo in my post tiele. My question is what are they comperable to, not compatible with.
As for why it matters, why, street cred, of course.

Jeff Wills

OK... Shimano's groups are numerical-ish. 105's part numbers start with "1", Ultegra starts with "6", Dura-Ace starts with "7" . The "R" components make a hash of this, but the R700 levers appear on the same instruction sheet as 105 levers, so that might be your answer:
https://techdocs.shimano.com/media/te...9830686067.pdf

Now quit messing around and go ride!

eofelis 

I have a set of Shimano R600 STI levers (actually I have 2 sets, I like them so much) and they are Ultegra quality.

Standard Issue

....this is what I'm talking about....
The bike they were removed from was otherwise fully ultegra equipped. Is it possible these are made with ultegra bits using the 105 design?

Burton

As per the Shimano Trade Sales And Suport Catalogue these are Ultegra quality. Although the ST-R700, ST-R701 and ST-R703 are referenced on some Shimano105 documents, in fact they actually share several major components with the Ultegra levers.

Jeff Wills

There is very little that differentiates the "design" of components throughout Shimano's range unless the function is very different. (E.g. cable operated derailleurs vs. Di2.) Higher-range parts tend to have lighter materials and better finishes, but otherwise they tend to be interchangeable. Shimano also introduces "improvements" in their top-of-the-line groups, which then filter downward in subsequent years.

bradtx

SI, The mechanic at my favorite LBS told me that the non branded Shimano road parts are essentially for replacement of non current group items and look to be 105 based, but can have some Ultegra features such as a better FD trim function or shorter shift throws.

Brad