Chances are you already know what good quality pedals can do for your whole workout routine on your bike. You can ride faster and more stably with low chances of injuries.
Hi there. Did you know that between the saddles, pedals and handlebars, pedals are arguably the most important in your bike? This is because all the effort and power you put into your riding depends on getting the best pedals that will deliver impressive performance. The right pedals can make you more comfortable and even faster. If you are a racer or just the adventurous type, you should really take your time finding the best pedals for you. Luckily for you, I have gone ahead to do that for you. I went on the hunt to find the best pedals and came across Shimano Ultegra pedals and 105. Which then between the two is the best?
What are the key differences between Shimano Ultegra Pedals and 105?
Model |
Shimano Ultegra Pedals |
105 |
Dimensions |
8.7 x 4.7 x 2.4 inches |
6.7 x 5.9 x 2 inches |
Weight |
248g |
265g |
Material |
Carbon composite platform, stainless steel body |
Wide cleat and binding mechanism, stainless steel |
Cleats |
3- yellow, blue and red with different float space |
3 |
Availability |
Shimano Ultegra Pedals vs. 105 – How do they differ?
Design
Both Shimano Ultegra and 105 are made of stainless steel making them durable and heavy-duty enough for many pumped workouts. Secondly, Shimano Ultegra and 105 are designed with carbon fiber that makes them ultra-lightweight. However, Shimano Ultegra still wins out by being considerably lighter weighing in at 248g while 105 weighs 265g.
They also both come with three cleats on the road pedals. The only difference with the cleats is the angle/turn you need to make from the center of the foot to release from the pedal. Each cleat also offers different wiggle-room for your foot. With Shimano Ultegra you can get anywhere from 6 degrees of float to no float at all depending on the cleat color you settle for.
With Shimano Ultegra pedals and 105, you get almost the same design from the carbon fiber material to the three cleats.
Durability
When you are riding, your pedals experience a lot of wear and tear with every movement so you need to know the durability and quality of Shimano Ultegra and 105. A good quality pedal should be able to handle road elements as well as the repetitive movement of the bearings as you cycle.
The upside of both Shimano Ultegra and 105 is that they are built to last you quite a while. They can be easily removed for greasing so that they run smoothly every time. They can also be easily replaced once they start showing signs of wearing out.
With Shimano Ultegra and 105, you get pedals that can last you many years and thousands of kilometers on the ride.
Dual Control Levers
Beyond their weight and materials, Shimano Ultegra pedals and 105 are also quite comfortable to use given the dual control levers they are fitted with. With both, you get a slim and comfortable to use lever that is the high point in both. With a light touch and short stroke, you can easily tweak these pedals. Their only difference is the 105 has a snappier shifting mechanism.
Both Ultegra pedals and 105 are fitted with dual control levers with a firm grip as well as sleek feel for better braking.
Shimano Ultegra Pedals vs. 105 – A Comparison Overview
Shimano Ultegra Pedals – Overview
First introduced into the market in 2004, Shimano Ultegra pedals are one of the highly popular products for cyclists around the world. This is because of its many premium quality features yet it comes in at an affordable tag compared to other packages. On its design, it comes in three color-coded cleat options. The best one for you depends on how much float you are out for. The yellow cleat gives you six degree, the blue two degrees and the red has no float at all.
Secondly, Shimano Ultegra pedals are almost faultless given the spring retention mechanism they are built with. With these pedals, you can easily tweak the spring tension to find the best for you. However, many riders usually find the factory spring tension setting to be more than enough with them so you might not actually get to fiddle with the spring mechanism.
The only downer with Shimano Ultegra pedals would be that the friction levels really matter depending on the kind of terrain you are on. The upside is that you can simply fine-tune Shimano Ultegra pedals to the performance you require of them.
Pros
- Carbon fiber design makes it lightweight and durable
- Reasonably priced
- Versatile and easy to use
- Durable
Cons
- Might be a tad too stiff for some
105 – Overview
While 105 is not as popular as Shimano Ultegra pedals, it is still great value for money. First, the 105 comes in at a reasonable price and almost half that of Shimano Ultegra. While it is quite cheap it does not compromise on the kind of performance you get with it. For example, 105 is still durable and compact sized enough to be a good fit for all kind of cyclists.
Secondly, 105 pedals weigh in at 265g. While this is considerably heavier than other pedals like Dura-Ace and Ultegra, the difference is almost negligible. You still get a smooth feel with them. As for their lower stack, standard 105 pedals are fitted with 50mm-54mm Q-factor. You can also get an adjustable Q-factor (4mm longer axle) if that is more up your alley.
To add, 105 pedals are regularly updated for even better pedaling efficiency. What it lacks in its weight features is easily made up for with the secure feel you get with it. Its aerodynamic profile makes it great value for money. They are also clip-less. You can easily get them on and off once you are done with your workouts.
The only con with 105 is that it is more bulky than modern pedals in the market.
Pros
- Reasonably priced
- Delivers on efficient power transfer
- Comes with a set of cleats
Cons
- Not as lightweight
Conclusion: So, which is better- Shimano Ultegra Pedals vs. 105?
When it comes down to it, you definitely get a good deal with the Shimano Ultegra pedals. While they do have their own imperfections and are quite expensive they still have their winning features. Shimano Ultegra pedals are lighter and they come with tweaked features to give you an ultra-smooth ride with minimal risk of injury. The cleats also make sure you are in for a comfortable ride with them on.
FAQs
How do you know which cleat to settle for in Ultegra pedals and 105?
Both Shimano Ultegra and 105 come with three color coded cleats. Choosing between them ultimately depends on how prone you are to injuries on your feet and knees. Most riders go for the blue cleats because they have just enough float to reduce any chances of injury.
What should you look for in these bike pedals?
How adjustable the cleat is, the wiggle-room you have for your foot as well as the stack height. For beginners, the release tension also matters because it can reduce risk of injuries.