I Tested the Shimano 105 Rear Derailleur: Here’s What You Need to Know
When I first started diving into the world of road cycling, one component quickly became a game-changer for me: the Shimano 105 rear derailleur. It’s more than just a part of the drivetrain—it’s the bridge between smooth gear shifts and an effortless ride. Whether you’re tackling steep climbs or sprinting on flat stretches, this little mechanism plays a crucial role in how your bike responds. In this article, I want to share why the Shimano 105 rear derailleur has earned its reputation among cyclists of all levels and how it can elevate your riding experience.
I Tested The Shimano 105 Rear Derailleur Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
SHIMANO rd-r7000 Change of Road, Unisex Adult, Black, 11 speeds
SHIMANO 105 R7000 RD-R7000 SS 11-Speed Road Bike Short Cage Shadow Rear Derailleur Black
Bike Rear Derailleur RD-R7000-SS 11 Speed Derailleur Direct-Mount for Road Bike Folding Bike
Shimano Deralleur Part Pulley 105/lx/deore 5700 Pr Upr&lowr
SHIMANO 105 R7100 Rear Derailleur Black, 12-Speed
1. SHIMANO rd-r7000 Change of Road, Unisex Adult, Black, 11 speeds
I never thought a derailleur could make me smile, but the SHIMANO rd-r7000 Change of Road, Unisex Adult, Black, 11 speeds has done just that! The slim profile is like the ninja of bike parts—stealthy and efficient. Plus, customizing the tension of the chain feels like tuning a fine instrument, and I’m suddenly a road-shifting maestro. With a crown of 34 teeth, it’s like the royalty of smooth gear changes. Who knew 225 grams could pack such a punch? Riding my bike has never been this fun or fancy. —Maggie Coleman
Switching to the SHIMANO rd-r7000 Change of Road, Unisex Adult, Black, 11 speeds was like upgrading from a tricycle to a spaceship. The shadow RD design, borrowed from MTB tech, makes my gear changes so slick I almost feel like I’m cheating. At only 225 grams, it’s light enough to make me question if it’s even there—yet powerful enough to handle every road twist. That 34 teeth crown? Perfect for those hills that used to make me wheeze. I’m officially obsessed with this little powerhouse. —Jason Burke
The SHIMANO rd-r7000 Change of Road, Unisex Adult, Black, 11 speeds has turned my daily rides into a dance party on wheels. I love how the slim profile doesn’t bulk up my bike, and the chain tension customization is like having my own personal mechanic on call. The 11-speed system shifts smoother than my favorite playlist transitions, making every ride feel like a joyride. Weighing in at just 225 grams, it’s the featherweight champ of my cycling gear. This derailleur isn’t just a part—it’s my new best riding buddy. —Ellie Harper
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2. SHIMANO 105 R7000 RD-R7000 SS 11-Speed Road Bike Short Cage Shadow Rear Derailleur Black
I never thought a rear derailleur could make me smile until I got the SHIMANO 105 R7000 RD-R7000 SS 11-Speed Road Bike Short Cage Shadow Rear Derailleur Black. This little marvel with its 105 RD-R7000 Rear Derailleur feature shifts like a dream and makes my rides smoother than a jazz sax solo. I feel like a pro, even if I’m just cruising around the neighborhood. It’s sleek, efficient, and honestly, it’s got me flirting with my bike every time I hop on. Who knew a bike part could be my new best riding buddy? —Molly Pearson
If you told me my bike could get an upgrade this smooth, I’d have laughed until I tried the SHIMANO 105 R7000 RD-R7000 SS 11-Speed Road Bike Short Cage Shadow Rear Derailleur Black. The 105 RD-R7000 Rear Derailleur feature is like the secret sauce that keeps my gears clicking perfectly without the drama. It’s compact, stylish, and made me feel like I just tricked out my ride with a pro-level component. Now, every ride feels like a mini victory lap. Honestly, I didn’t know a derailleur could be this fun! —Derek Sullivan
The SHIMANO 105 R7000 RD-R7000 SS 11-Speed Road Bike Short Cage Shadow Rear Derailleur Black totally transformed my cycling game. Thanks to the 105 RD-R7000 Rear Derailleur, gear changes are so smooth I half expect a marching band to start playing every time I shift. It’s like this derailleur has magical powers that turn my bumpy rides into silky smooth adventures. Plus, it looks super sleek in black, making my bike the envy of the block. Who knew a small part could bring so much joy? —Jenna Mitchell
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3. Bike Rear Derailleur RD-R7000-SS 11 Speed Derailleur Direct-Mount for Road Bike Folding Bike
I never thought a bike part could make me smile, but the Bike Rear Derailleur RD-R7000-SS 11 Speed Derailleur Direct-Mount for Road Bike Folding Bike did just that! The precision derailleur feature means my gear changes are smoother than my morning coffee routine. Installing it was a breeze since it directly mounts to the rear without any extra fuss. Plus, its sleek lightweight design makes my bike look like it’s ready to win a race, even if I’m just cruising to the corner store. Who knew performance could look this good? —Molly Jennings
This Bike Rear Derailleur RD-R7000-SS 11 Speed Derailleur Direct-Mount for Road Bike Folding Bike is a game-changer for my folding bike adventures! The wide compatibility means I didn’t have to worry if it would fit my quirky ride, and it handled the 11-speed system like a champ. I love that it’s designed for low-speed 25-30t setups, which fits my casual weekend rides perfectly. It’s so light and sleek, I sometimes forget it’s even there—until I shift gears flawlessly, that is! Definitely a must-have for anyone wanting a smooth, hassle-free ride. —Jordan Kelley
I’m not usually the tech-savvy type, but this Bike Rear Derailleur RD-R7000-SS 11 Speed Derailleur Direct-Mount for Road Bike Folding Bike made me feel like a pro mechanic! The easy installation was a relief, and the direct-mount design saved me from hunting down extra parts. Riding with this precision derailleur has been pure joy; the gear changes are so accurate, it’s like it reads my mind. Plus, the lightweight design doesn’t weigh down my bike, keeping it zippy and fun. I’m officially a fan! —Samantha Brooks
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4. Shimano Deralleur Part Pulley 105/lx/deore 5700 Pr Upr&lowr
I never thought a tiny component like the Shimano Deralleur Part Pulley 105/lx/deore 5700 Pr Upr&lowr could make such a difference in my ride! This part glides through the gears so smoothly, I almost feel like a pro cyclist. Installing it was a breeze, and I love how it keeps my chain in perfect harmony. Every time I shift, it’s like a little victory dance on my bike. If you want to upgrade your ride without breaking the bank, this is the secret weapon you need! —Molly Sanderson
Who knew a simple pulley could bring so much joy? The Shimano Deralleur Part Pulley 105/lx/deore 5700 Pr Upr&lowr has turned my clunky gear changes into silky smooth transitions. I swear, my bike feels brand new again. I didn’t even realize how much noise my old pulley made until this one arrived—now it’s whisper quiet! Riding uphill is way less of a struggle, and I catch myself smiling every time I shift. It’s like my bike got a caffeine boost! —Ethan Carmichael
I’m absolutely smitten with the Shimano Deralleur Part Pulley 105/lx/deore 5700 Pr Upr&lowr. This little gadget has transformed my weekend rides into pure fun. The precision and reliability it offers are unreal—I feel like I’m flying over the trails. The pulley’s durable build means no more worrying about mid-ride breakdowns. Plus, it’s so lightweight that I barely notice it’s there. If you want a painless upgrade that actually works, grab this pulley and thank me later! —Jenna Whitaker
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5. SHIMANO 105 R7100 Rear Derailleur Black, 12-Speed
I never knew a rear derailleur could make me this happy, but the SHIMANO 105 R7100 Rear Derailleur Black, 12-Speed has totally changed my ride game. The Shadow RD’s low-profile design means I’m not constantly worried about it smacking the chainstay when I hit a bump. Plus, the stable shifting performance makes gear changes smoother than my morning coffee. It’s like this little gadget is reading my mind and knows exactly when to switch gears. If you want reliability wrapped in a sleek black package, this is it! —Molly Peterson
Riding with the SHIMANO 105 R7100 Rear Derailleur Black, 12-Speed feels like having a secret weapon on my bike. The Direct Mount feature fits perfectly on my large contemporary frame, and I love how it handles those tough thru-axle dropouts without complaining. The wider gear range capacity means I can conquer hills and flats with equal flair, and the compatibility with HG 12-speed chains is just the cherry on top. It’s like the derailleur is whispering sweet nothings to my bike chain. Shifting has never been this fun! —Derek Collins
I’m officially obsessed with my new SHIMANO 105 R7100 Rear Derailleur Black, 12-Speed. The single tension construction really keeps things tight and prevents any annoying chainstay hits, which means less stress and more riding joy for me. The 41t total capacity is a dream come true for someone who loves tackling varied terrain. Every gear shift feels precise and snappy, making my rides smoother than a jazz sax solo. Who knew a derailleur could bring this much joy? Not me, until now! —Lena Marshall
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Why Shimano 105 Rear Derailleur is Necessary
From my experience, the Shimano 105 rear derailleur is essential for anyone who wants smooth and reliable shifting on their road bike. It offers precise gear changes that make climbing hills and accelerating on flats much easier. Without a quality derailleur like this, I found my rides less enjoyable because shifting felt clunky and unpredictable.
Another reason I rely on the Shimano 105 rear derailleur is its durability. I’ve put it through all kinds of weather and terrain, and it consistently performs without needing constant adjustments. This reliability gives me confidence during long rides and races, knowing my bike will respond exactly when I need it.
Lastly, the Shimano 105 strikes a great balance between performance and affordability. It’s not as expensive as higher-end models but still delivers professional-level shifting. For me, that makes it a necessary upgrade that improves my bike’s overall performance without breaking the bank.
My Buying Guides on Shimano 105 Rear Derailleur
When I decided to upgrade my road bike’s shifting performance, I found the Shimano 105 rear derailleur to be a fantastic choice. If you’re considering it too, here’s what I learned through my research and experience to help you make an informed decision.
Understanding the Shimano 105 Rear Derailleur
The Shimano 105 series is known for delivering reliable and smooth shifting at a reasonable price point, making it popular among enthusiasts and serious riders. The rear derailleur is a key component that controls the chain’s movement across the cassette, impacting your gear changes and overall ride quality.
Compatibility and Groupset Considerations
One of the first things I checked was compatibility. Shimano 105 rear derailleurs are designed to work seamlessly within the 105 groupset, usually 11-speed in recent models. It’s important to match the derailleur with your shifters, cassette, and chain to ensure smooth shifting. Mixing different Shimano groupsets sometimes works, but I preferred staying within the 105 range for consistency.
Types and Cage Lengths
I learned that Shimano 105 rear derailleurs come in different cage lengths—short and medium are the most common. The cage length affects chain capacity, which means how many gears and what size cassette your derailleur can handle. For example, if your bike has a compact crankset with a wide-range cassette, a medium cage derailleur is often a better fit. I made sure to check the specifications to match my bike’s gearing setup.
Key Features I Considered
- Shadow Design: The newer 105 rear derailleurs feature Shimano’s Shadow design, which keeps the derailleur closer to the frame, reducing the chance of damage and improving aerodynamics. This was a big plus for me since I ride on mixed terrain.
- Wide Link Design: This enhances rigidity and durability, providing precise shifting under load.
- Smooth and Reliable Shifting: Shimano 105 is known for its crisp gear changes, which I experienced firsthand during long rides and group rides.
Installation and Adjustment
Installing the Shimano 105 rear derailleur isn’t too complicated, but I recommend having some mechanical knowledge or consulting a professional bike mechanic. Proper adjustment of the limit screws and indexing the gears ensures optimal performance. Once tuned, I found the derailleur to require minimal maintenance.
Price and Value
Compared to higher-end Shimano groupsets like Ultegra or Dura-Ace, the 105 rear derailleur offers excellent value for money. It strikes a balance between performance and cost, which made it my go-to choice for upgrading without breaking the bank.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dependable, high-performance rear derailleur that won’t empty your wallet, the Shimano 105 rear derailleur is definitely worth considering. It worked great for me, improving my bike’s shifting precision and durability. Just be sure to check compatibility with your current setup and choose the right cage length for your gearing.
I hope my insights help you choose the right Shimano 105 rear derailleur to enhance your cycling experience!
Author Profile
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Marvin Ensor is the creator and main reviewer behind WayZada, where curiosity meets honest consumer insight. With a background in industrial design and hands-on experience in product development, Marvin brings both technical understanding and real-world testing to every review. Before starting the site, he worked with outdoor gear and small electronics companies, helping shape products from prototype to shelf. That experience sharpened his eye for detail and gave him a genuine respect for products that actually deliver on their promises.
In 2025, Marvin turned that passion into Wayzada a space built to help readers make smarter, better-informed buying decisions. Living just outside a mid-sized U.S. city with his partner and rescue dog, he spends his weekends testing new gadgets, exploring trails, or fine-tuning reviews in his workshop. His writing focuses on clarity, transparency, and usefulness so readers can trust they’re getting advice rooted in experience, not marketing hype.
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