Biker395 

OK. I've searched and can't find what I was looking for, so here goes.

Anybody know what the difference is between the current 105 and Ultegra SPD-SL pedals? Shimano's website isn't much help ... about all it describes are the weight differences (insignificant), and possible differences in the body material (but even that is not clear).

Although both are fairly heavy pedals, but my bigger concern are the bearings (pedals are expensive, and I tend to wear them out).

The Ultegras appear to have caged inboard and outboard bearings that are replaceable:

https://bike.shimano.com/media/techdo...9830696869.pdf

The 105's don't have a data sheet, but Shimano sez they are low maintenance cartridge bearings:

https://bike.shimano.com/publish/cont...e-pd_road.html

So it sounds like they're different to me. Any thoughts?

Cdy291

I am pretty sure the only difference is the finish on the pedal body. The 105's are painted which would lead to the few extra grams of weight over Ultegra.

achoo

I swear I once saw schematics of both, and I sure seem to remember them being identical on the inside. And except for color, on the outside too. I also seem to remember the "official" weight has the 105s just a few grams heavier, which agrees with what Cdy291 posted above.

Best price I've seen on PD-5610 105 pedals is Ribble at under $50.

andrewluke

When I bought mine, the difference was black paint on the 105s vs. clearcoat on the Ultegras. The 105's were the bottom end that had the better dual-bearing setup and the three bearing setup didn't come in until DA. There was a weight difference and, while not much, it was more than just the difference in finish. The 105s were like $60 at my LBS vs around $100 for the Ultegras.

Oh, and now, I think the 105s are available in the clearcoated finish as well.

I bought the 105's and I couldn't be happier. (Though I am very close to getting some Speedplay Zeros to try them out...)

Biker395 

Thanks!

Cripes. I should read my own stuff.

This: https://bike.shimano.com/media/techdo...9830696869.pdf

Indicates which parts are the same and which are different.

NEUROSPORT

i think also ultegra is made in Japan and 105 might be ( not sure ) made in Malaysia

i know low end shimano pedals are not made in Japan but not sure if this applies to 105 ...

i'll be getting the 105s myself, in silver color ...

coasting 

i got the 105 on one bike and r540 on another. i prefer the r540. they flip the correct way more easily.

Biker395 

The R540 is what I'm using now. I just started hearing what I thought to be bearing wear, and was looking to get the Ultegra since Shimano's literature seemed to imply that the Ultegra had different (and replaceable) bearings. But looking at the R540 literature, it looks like the bearings are the same as they are on the 105 and Ultegra models:

https://bike.shimano.com/media/techdo...9830608623.pdf

What does appear to be different is that the R540 has a plastic skid plate (the body cover (4) in the drawing) that is not only replaceable, it wears out and must be replaced. The 105 and Ultegra appear to use a steel plate that shouldn't need replacement.

I'm starting to think that the clicking noise is either the body cover or worn cleats.

BTW, although they are not the lightest thing in the world, I do like the SPD-SL system. They're very secure when riding, give a wide platform, and you can actually walk in them without risking an impromptu Irish jig on hard floors.

coasting 

thats why i got the 105 originally. the plastic looked like it was close to wearing out so i got 105 in advance then later i built up another bike so used it. would an lbs actually get hold of the plastic plate at all?

Biker395 

Shimano sez it's replaceable, so I guess your LBS can order it. My guess is that it is a hard part to find and will become impossible soon ... I don't think they're selling a lot of R540s anymore.

Cdy291

Just a few years ago the dura ace pedals, and all others were using plastic plates.


Then at the end of 2007 Shimano came out with these. Then later trickeled down to Ultegra, then 105.

rschleicher

I have a set of the prior-version Ultegra pedals, which still have the plastic plate. The pedals came with two sets of the plates - I haven't worn out both sets yet, so can't say what the availability of extras is like.

At the time I thought that the Ultegras were a decent step up from the same-era 540's, but it seems like the current Ultegras and 105's are very similar, except for a few grams.

Biker395 

Well, I one of my Ultegra SPD-SL pedals wore out. Anybody have any idea whether the bearings are replaceable or not?

For all I can tell, the only difference between the Ultegra SPD-SL and the cheapo R540s (which last me just as long and cost 1/4 as much) is a few grams. If that's the case, I'm going with the R540s from now on.

Smokehouse

I bought a set of new 105s last Dec and have put 800 or so miles in them (slow season this year)...so far they ride perfectly, smooth as butter and quiet as a tomb. Zero complaints outside of my apparent ability to reliably click into them when hurried...but that's my fault, not theirs.

Cyclelogikal

I have been a Ultegra fan most of my road bike career but now with the 105's looking identical to the Ultegras and only weighing a negligible few grams more 105's get the nod every time. Unless Ultegra really cuts that weight or price I really don't see how Ultegras are considered by a consumer.

raiden07

Just don't get the black 105s if you have white shoes. Black paint and white shoes don't play nice.

Biker395 

Me neither. As a matter of fact, I don't see why people buy the 105s instead of the R540s. The R540s don't cost much more than the cleats, are mechanically nearly identical, and weigh about the same.

IMHO, it's crazy that pedals that cost that much do not have replaceable bearings.