Designed in Japan, the 105 pedals fall in the entry-level category of Shimano collections. They feature designs similar to their predecessor models; Dura-Ace and Ultegra. To pick one over the other, we must understand their difference.
I have been a loyal customer of Shimano replacement group sets that I almost know all there is about them. I have experienced one of each model from their collection and maybe because I’m an old soul, I always preferred the 105 models over the others.
While the 105 don’t have the same grand reputation as the other two models, they do feature most of their properties in their build and at a lower cost. For this reason, I find no reason to buy an expensive pedal for literally the same design only a little better or lighter.
Maybe this review could help you understand what I mean.
What are the key differences between Shimano 105 R7000 and R5800?
105 R7000 |
105 R5800 |
|
Speeds |
11 |
11 |
Brakes |
Caliper |
Caliper |
Material |
Carbon Fiber |
Carbon Fiber |
Cleat Type |
SPD-SL |
SPD-SL |
Float Angle |
Zero, Two and Six degrees |
Zero, Two and Six degrees |
Shimano 105 R7000 vs R5800: How they compare
Quality and Durability
These pedals have three cleats in them and to make walking bearable, they have a metal plate that covers them and keeps any moisture and grime out. if any debris is caught in there, you may click your heels to shake it off.
Both pedals being of the SPD-SL model of Shimano pedals, these two have been built with extra hardy carbon and stainless-steel metal to keep their shape and form over longer periods. Bike drops, accidents, and extreme terrain grazes are normal and expected.
To keep your pedals in the best of shape, you have the option to service them regularly by removing, greasing and replacing bearings if and when they need it.
Cleats on the pedals also wear out with regular use so once the fitting starts to get loose, make a point of getting them replaced. For 105 R7000, it’s easier to get replacements because the cleat system is made of plastic material.
Cleat replacement is easier on the R7000 pedals because the part is plastic but on the R5800, the cleat has a metal covering meaning it stays effective for much longer and needs lesser maintenance or regular swaps.
Function
These being SPD-SL pedals, their engagement mechanism is similar and involves the engagement between the front pedal section and the front of your pedal cleat. The rear is engaged with the help of a sprung clip which holds the cleat by the rear to keep it in place.
The spring is covered which protects it from the effects of the weather but you will have to regularly lubricate the pivot points to keep them effective.
The R5800 pedals use caliper brakes with cranksets featuring the four-arm design with two compact options; 34/50 and 36/52 or a standard option 39/53. This design is best because they all use a bolt circle diameter so if you need to replace it, you simply get a new ring instead of a new set of pedals.
They are available in length between 165 and 175mm which is suitable for all types of riders. Hollowtech technology is applied to keep the weight of the pedals down and to improve their sturdiness.
R5800 offers 11 speeds on three different cassette types; 11-32, 11-28, and 12-25 while R7000 has five options adding 11-30 and 11-34 to their cassette options promising smoother revolutions with greater efficiency. Shifting gears is done quickly and sharply by the use of the computer designed tooth profiles that do not miss a single shift.
These pedals run on cartridge bearings and you will need an Allen key to screw them onto your cranks.
R7000 pedals have more options in terms of cassettes that can be used on them. That being said, both the R7000 and R5800 offer 11 speeds and an easier lever-controlled shift adjustment.
Brakes
Shimano employs the standard dual-pivot brakes that encourage direct mounting to the frame. This mounting Is possible for most bikes especially those with tires measuring 28mm like the cyclocross brand.
The R7000 provides users with hydraulic disc-brake components that further support the rider who leans into them when stopping abruptly.
Calipers on the R5800 have Dual Pivot design that helps equalize the braking forces transferred to each arm and this facilitates better control and greater power output. To manage the modulation of the calipers is possible by pushing or pulling on a lever.
Both pedals offer the same dual-pivot brakes that are directly mounted on the bike’s frame in the place of bolts.
Shimano 105 R7000 vs R5800: A Comparison Overview
Shimano 105 R7000 Overview
[amazon box=”B07HX67DK3″ template=”horizontal” ]Uses Dura-Ace technology and cleat as a base to build into these super affordable 105 SPD-SL pedals. They are mostly made of carbon which is great for sturdiness and for protective the spring mechanism which operates them.
Following in Shimano’s color-coordinating system, the pedals in these models also come in three different color tips. Yellow tips for 6-degree rotational float, blue tips for 2 degrees, and red tips for zero rotational floating degrees.
Aside from acting as category markers, the tipped areas of the pedals are made to be multi-grip to increase your stability off the bike if required to run. However, as with all SPD-SL pedals, dirt gets caught under the parts much easier which calls for a loosening of the spring tension with the use of an Allen key.
Pros
- Great performance
- Most affordable
- Looks good
Cons
- Not popular
105 R5800 Pedals: Overview
[amazon box=”B01ENSNB8C” template=”horizontal” ]This is a mechanical type of pedal that features three cassette options; 11-32, 11-28, and 12-25. They have an easy shift action with a shorter throw at the lever. The shifting is quick and produces a satisfactory click that confirms ever gear change.
Calipers on the R5800 have Dual Pivot design that helps equalize the braking forces transferred to each arm and this facilitates better control and greater power output. To manage the modulation of the calipers is possible by pushing or pulling on a lever.
These brakes are great for tire sizes up to 28mm. Cranksets feature the four-arm design with two compact options; 34/50 and 36/52 or a standard option 39/53. This design is best because they all use a bolt circle diameter so if you need to replace it, you simply get a new ring instead of a new set of pedals.
They are available in length between 165 and 175mm which is suitable for all types of riders. Hollowtech technology is applied to keep the weight of the pedals down and to improve their sturdiness.
R5800 offers 11 speeds on three different cassette types; 11-32, 11-28, and 12-25 which promise smoother revolutions with greater efficiency. Shifting gears is done quickly and sharply by the use of the computer designed tooth profiles that do not miss a single shift.
These pedals do not have spanner flats and so use an Allen key for screwing them in. They use the same SPD-SL clears with a degree of tension adjustment on entry and release.
Pros
- Durable
- Affordable
- Multiple float options
- Good bearings
- Adjustable tension
Cons
- Heavy
Verdict: So, which is better, Shimano 105 R7000 or R5800?
Being that these are models of the same great sporting company, it is hard to pick one over the other.
However, if you are a pro racer and you are making a crucial decision about your next best clipless pedals to use in the upcoming cyclocross championship, I would strongly suggest you go with the 105 R7000 pedals.
More specifically, pick out the ones with blue cleats as they will give you more wiggle room and some manageable control over your power transfer.