shuru421

how were these groupset? where did it stand in lineup?

pastorbobnlnh 

Pictures would be helpful because the 105 line up began with 6 speed groups in the '80s.

I'm running late '80's to mid '90s 105 gear and like it all. Well made and functions perfectly.

Bianchigirll 

105 is 105. It was always just below 600/Ultegra. I believe the "Champagne" group was the last 7spd but introduced the DP brake calipers. I had an 8spd STI group for about a year and aside from the shape of the brifters thought it was a good group.

This is what you mean by "Champagne" right?

bradtx

105 has traditionally been third from the top, third from the bottom. It's a darn good group that basically is a little heavier than those ranked above it.

After injuring my knee I replaced my Ultegra double group with the 105 triple group based solely on the 105 group's color was a nice match to that particular bike. Many reliable miles from that group.

Brad

105 bike:

RobbieTunes

If you're referring to the 1055/1056 group, then Champagne, I guess, is as good a description as any.

The group was an excellent value, in my opinion, on both the 7-sp model and the 8-sp model (with STI shifting).

The 7-sp hubs were UG, so you could swap in an 8/9/10 UG freehub and run modern stuff if needed.
The 8-sp hubs accommodated 8/9/10 groups. The 8-sp STI's are solid, dependable, and generally repairable.

Not everyone liked the finish, and the DT shifter had an odd shape compared to the 600's and DA's.
I had a Cannondale R800 with that group on it, and it looked pretty odd against the polished aluminum.
I also built a black R700 with the same group, and it looked great against the black.

The components often suffered in value because of the looks and the desireability of the 600, which made it a pretty good value.
The hubs, like all of the top 3 Shimano levels, could be cleaned, packed, and adjusted to spin as smooth as anything out there.

Zieleman

I'm riding that group on my Rih Cove. And I must say that the utter quality feel of the group has surprised me. The index 7speed shift magnificently smooth. The bike may feel a bit heavy, but rides like a dream. The brakes are excellent as well. Today some nutter crossed my lane without looking and I was at a fairly high speed. You know that feeling that a crash is inevitable and you're 'chosing' how and where the impact is coming. I was in such a moment but the brakes, of which the pads have not been refreshed in years, did a proper job in stopping me with unbelievable result. No accident.

Good group, can recommend it to anyone!

thinktubes 

Pretty nice stuff all around and functionality vs. price is hard to beat. Never cared for way the cranks looked.

top506

I've always thought that the late 80's 105 comps (along with the 500 series Exage bits) were the most bang for the buck from Shimano. Most of my regular rides feature one or the other.

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