Jed19

I am considering buying a Cannondale Synapse Alloy or Carbon bike equipped with Shimano 105 10-Speed Brifters. Could people who currently have, or have had this particular drivetrain component, please comment on their experience as to ease-of-use, reliability, durability etc.

Thanks for all responses.

Regards,

bdcheung

I've had my Shimano 105s for 400miles now, and I've been totally happy with them. The FD spring tension is adjustable, which is super nice, because I've been able to adjust it to my hand strength. The thing doesn't shift when I sneeze now

As for operation, it's silky smooth.

galen_52657

I have the older 2002 model 105 on my tandem (triple x 8 speed). I did not like the front derailleur shift action at all. There was little on no ability to trim the front derailleur due to the indexing, so there was a lot of chain rub (though this may have been fixed on newer models). So, I just ditched the left shifter in favor of a Campy ERGO shifter, which is friction, not indexed. I still run the right shifter which works fine.

mayukawa

The triple 105 FD has adjustable spring tension? Just wondering because my double 105 FD has no such feature.

bdcheung

By loosening/tightening the pivot screw, you can adjust the tension on my triple, yes. Whether this is an "intended" use is questionable.

Jed19

Anybody knows if Shimano fixed the "trim-ability" issue (mentioned by galen in the quote above) in subsequent versions of the 105 Triples?

Chain rubbing definitely won't be nice. That is a deal-breaker for me right there.

Comments?

Regards,

lwedge

I have never had a problem with the trim on my 105 FD. The older 105 FD was Tiagra with a 105 label. The NEW groupo is as close to Ultegra as you can get, the 105 is grams heavier and the shifting is a little slower so you won't want to use 105 if you are a competitive racer because you will not have the quick shifting you need in sprints.

The only component complaint I have ever heard about 105 (2005 and prior) was the 105 5500 BB, it just wasn't as good as the Ultegra (complaints of grinding sensation after 2-300 miles) and most would upgrade for a few bucks to the 6500 BB and have a smooth running HollowTech BB with their 105 cranks.

Don't concern yourself with rubbing chain issue here..... It's all about shifting performance, disposable income and personal preference now.

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the beef

My impression is that I don't like the newer, 'chunkier' hoods, but I have my hands and other people have theirs'. The older 9-speed design felt more comfortable to me and more natrual.

lwedge

Yes, it's a good thing we all have our preferences (or else we would all be married to the same girl). I have always liked the "uprightness" of the Ultegra levers as opposed to the flatter pre 2006 105\Tiagra levers. The levers fit my hands better.

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cyclezen

Shimano 105 10spd, on my new Tarmac? awesome!
after one 25 mile ride, at near racepace...
rear shifts instantaneously. Its so good I believe it can be shifted under a full pedal load!
Haven't tried that, but I will.
'Front' on a 2 ring setup.
Front still a bit 'stiff'' going down to the trim setting. That, I assume will smooth out as it breaks in?
Full shift up and down on the front is otherwise crisp and positive.

we'll see how long the chain and cogs last...
given that 'life' of this stuff is something less than 9 or 8 spd STI (just assuming, I don't really know yet), I'll change the chain more often, soz I don't have to change rings and cassette until absolutely necessary.