Here's something to be glad about – most stuff is better than it was before. No, not all stuff, but in general the performance of cycling kit today has massively progressed from what it was in the past. Shimano's road shoes are a good case in point. In the last few years it's made progress in leaps and bounds to the point where these new RC7 shoes are maybe my favourite shoe I've yet tested. They're comfortable, stiff and incredibly quick to put on and take off. I reckon they look pretty good too.

In this year's range, the top dog in Shimano's product range is the S-Phyre as seen on the feet of the Giant Alpecin team in last year's Tour de France. As you might expect, they're monstrously expensive (£299) and were the first Shimano shoes to have the Boa wire closure system used by a number of other brands. Dave's been testing these, so there will be a review up here in the near future.

> Find your nearest dealer here

A step down the ladder in Shimano's range is the RC7 shoe, which has one Boa and a Velcro strap in place of the pair of Boas used on the S-Phyres. Neither shoe is heat mouldable, unlike previous top-end Shimano shoes. Despite that, I found the fit with the RC7 was excellent, nigh-on perfect in fact. I was impressed with the fit in the RP5 shoes a year ago, and these are even more comfortable.

Shimano RC7 SPD-SL shoes - velcro.jpg

The RP5 shoes were unusually roomy in the toe box – these don't have quite as much wiggle room but are supremely comfortable. They are stiff too, with the full-carbon sole giving what Shimano rates as a 10 on its stiffness scale. In case you were wondering where that leaves the S-Phyre, worry not – that gets a 12. As each manufacturer uses a different scale, most of which now seem to go up beyond 10, these figures are pretty useless for making comparisons between brands. I would say that the RC7 shoes are amply stiff enough for racing in, in any case. The carbon sole looks very similar to that used on last year's RP9 which we liked very much indeed.

Shimano RC7 SPD-SL shoes - sole heel.jpg

We've talked about the Boa closure system on a number of other shoes previously, but for the uninitiated, it uses fine woven steel wire which is tightened and loosened by twisting a dial. If the dial is pulled upwards, the wire can pass easily through, allowing for very quick removal of the shoe, especially if only one dial is fitted as here. I found I could set the single Velcro strap once to suit my feet and then never touch it again. It's a very similar setup to that used on the identically priced Specialized Expert shoe.

Shimano RC7 SPD-SL shoes - boa.jpg

The reason generally cited for having more than one Boa dial is that it allows for different tension across different parts of your foot. Having done several hundred miles in these shoes and also in the top-drawer S-Phyre model, I found the RC7 to be more comfortable for my feet, and significantly easier to put on and take off. One area where the S-Phyres are better is heel retention, thanks to the use of "cat's tongue" material to grip your foot and hold it in place.

Shimano RC7 SPD-SL shoes - heel.jpg

Ventilation in the RC7 is reasonable, with a mesh area on top of the toes and a small port underneath. I wasn't really able to detect whether the small perforations down the sides had a significant effect but they ought to enhance breathability to a degree. I've used shoes with more ventilation, and if I was based somewhere really hot that may sway my choice, but I'd have no concerns about using the RC7s around these parts in summer.

Shimano's styling department has taken a somewhat scattergun approach to its road shoes in recent years, resulting in a wide range of aesthetics (where previously they had been homogenous to a fault). I think the styling on the RC7 is pretty smart, both in the white and black models they sent us, and the red alternative. They are 3-bolt only for use with road pedals, but Shimano has also released a mountain bike equivalent model, the XC7.

Shimano RC7 SPD-SL shoes - sole toe.jpg

The RC7 is offered in half-sizes between Euro sizes 38-47, as well as whole sizes up to 50. There are wide versions in all of these sizes too, so you've got a really good chance of finding the right size for you. The RRP of £169 is a wedge of cash, putting these against some quality mid-range shoes from the likes of Sidi, Giro and Specialized. It's a lot less than the price of top-end pro-level footwear, though, and that makes these decent value as they are pretty much on a par with the best.

> Buyer's Guide: The best performance cycling shoes

Shimano cites a weight of 245g for a size 42; my clown-size pair (48) came in at 604g, so they aren't as light as some high-end shoes (although are very similar to the S-Phyre), but there's really not much in it.

Verdict

Superb road shoes – top-end comfort and performance at a mid-range price. Highly recommended

1. Sir Bradley Wiggins joined the reality ski jumping show The Jump because he’s afraid of getting fat.
Find out more here. 

2. The most effective and aerobically efficient way to climb on gradients up to 10% is seated, but out-of-saddle pedalling can boost your power output and helps you to produce the required power to tackle gradients in excess of 10%.
Find out more here. 

3. Tom Boonen is the first professional rider to win a road race on a bike fitted with disc brakes.
Find out more here.

4. You can get tyre levers that fit inside your handlebar and double as bar end plugs.
Find out more here. 

5. Despite being sponsored by SRAM, Team Katusha uses direct mount brakes from Shimano.
Find out more here.

6. Campagnolo’s mid-level Potenza groupset can be made to look stunning when it’s polished up and classic Campag logos have been added.
Find out more here. 

Plus-T-Store.com Winter heated insoles and wireless charger - insoles.jpg

7. You can buy heated winter insoles whose temperature can be controlled via a smartphone. 
Find out more here. 

8. Cyclists account for up to 70 per cent of all traffic using Blackfriars Bridge in London at peak times.
Find out more here.

9. One in 10 people in the UK have forgotten how to ride a bike.
Find out more here. 

10. It’s possible to ride from Land’s End to John O’Groats through virtual reality.
Find out more here. 

Shimano CM-2000 camera - 2.jpg

11. Shimano has a sports camera that will start recording when you hit a preset speed, power, or position in your ride.
Find out more here. 

If you’re choosing between Shimano Dura-Ace 9150 Di2 and SRAM Red eTap electronic groupsets, lucky you! Here’s how the two different systems compare.

Shimano first introduced Dura-Ace Di2 in 2009 and then added an electronic version of its next-level-down Ultegra groupset in 2011. A new version of Dura-Ace Di2 – R9150 – has recently been launched.

Read our complete guide to Shimano road bike groupsets here. 

SRAM launched Red eTap in 2015. The single biggest difference from Di2 is that Red eTap shifting is wireless. Di2 runs from a single battery that’s usually hidden inside the seat post with cables running to the various components. Red eTap has separate batteries in each of the shifters and derailleurs. Shift signals are transmitted and received in accordance with SRAM’s proprietary wireless protocol known as Airea.

Here’s our complete guide to SRAM road bike groupsets. 

Other electronic groupsets are available for road bikes. Campagnolo offers electronic versions of its Super Record, Record and Chorus groupsets and FSA says that it will launch a K-Force WE semi-wireless electronic groupset (where the derailleurs are linked by a cable but communication with the shifters is wireless) later in 2017.

Here's our SRAM Red eTap review. 

And here's our First Ride: Shimano Dura-Ace 9150 Di2.

Here’s how Shimano Dura-Ace R9150 Di2 and SRAM Red eTap compare in key areas.

Initial setup 

If you’re building up a frame from scratch, nothing is simpler than fitting SRAM Red eTap. You bolt the various parts in place, you pair them up – and that’s it. You’re talking about 15 minutes. Genuinely. 

SRAM RED eTap FD.jpg

Di2 is more complicated in that you need to run the wires internally – which may or may not be straightforward, depending on your frame – and you usually need to fit the battery internally too. 

You need a Junction A unit to connect the shifters to the rest of the system. With 9150 Di2 this fits either into the frame or into the end of the handlebar. If you go for the handlebar version you need a hole in the handlebar itself by which the wire can exit. 

You also need a Di2 wireless unit to allow the system to communicate via ANT private protocol with head units (such as a Garmin Edge bike computer) and your smartphone, tablet or PC. 

We’re not saying that fitting R9150 Di2 to a bike is especially complicated, but it isn’t as simple as fitting eTap.

It’s worth pointing out that this is a one-time job. Unlike with mechanical shifting, you’ll probably never need to replace the cables. And if you’re buying a built up bike you don’t need to worry about the initial setup anyway.

Check out our review of SRAM Red eTap. 

In use

SRAM RED eTap Shifter

With Red eTap you perform shifts via a paddle that sits behind the brake lever. You push the paddle on the right shifter inward to move the chain to a smaller sprocket. You push the paddle on the left shifter inward to move the chain to a larger sprocket. You can hold each paddle in those shift positions to perform multiple shifts – if you want to go from the bottom of the cassette up to the top, say, you just push the left paddle and hold it there. You push both paddles together to shift from one chainring to the other.

When he reviewed SRAM Red eTap Dave Arthur said, "The feel of the shift levers is a highlight... There is no [possibility of pressing the wrong button] with eTap. No accidentally shifting into the wrong gear, because the paddle only has one task, and your brain doesn't forget which is which. This improved feel of the groupset is, for me at least,  far superior to Di2. It makes eTap a joy to use."

You can’t customise the function of SRAM eTap. The brand reckons this would add an unnecessary level of complexity to the system.

"On the whole, the shifting is very quick and crisp," said Dave Arthur. "Most of the time, trying to distinguish whether eTap is slower to shift than mechanical Red or Dura-Ace Di2 is impossible. It's as fast as you need, with no lag or delay when requesting another gear, whether you're cruising or in a chain gang.

"Shifting works well under load, whether working up the cassette when sprinting out of the saddle, or changing down from the big ring when climbing out of the saddle."

Shimano 9150 on Giant - 46.jpg

In contrast to eTap, Shimano Dura-Ace R9150 Di2 is highly customisable. By default, the left-hand shifter controls the front derailleur and the right-hand shifter controls the rear derailleur. Each has two buttons located behind the brake lever, one for upshifts and the other for downshifts, and another button hidden under the hood cover.

You can use Shimano’s new E-Tube Project software on a PC, iPad or smartphone to set any of these six buttons to upshift or downshift either of the two derailleurs. Each of these buttons can have two different functions, one when you press it and the other when you press and hold it. 

You can set Di2 buttons to change the display on a Garmin Edge bike computer. Shimano invites third party manufacturers to come up with other uses for the buttons, which send commands via a private ANT+ protocol, so functionality could be increased in future.

The R9150 Di2 buttons have a more pronounced click to them than previous versions. This means that you always know whether or not you've pressed a button, although our experience is that you can occasionally hit the wrong one when riding in big winter gloves because they're positioned so close together.

In terms of shifting performance, it's hard to fault Dura-Ace R9150 Di2. It's fast and super reliable via both the front and rear derailleurs and in either direction.

Shimano’s Synchro Shift

Shimano Dura-Ace R9150 Di2 offers Synchro Shift which is a feature new to road cycling. The new Junction A unit (below) allows you to switch between shift modes: manual, semi-Synchro Shift or full Synchro Shift.

Shimano 9150 on Giant - 14.jpg

Manual is straightforward: one button moves the rear derailleur one way, another button moves it the other way, and it’s similar set up for the front mech.

If you go to full Synchro Shift, you simply press a button for a lower gear and the Di2 system will move you to the next lowest gear available even if that means shifting chainrings. One push of a button and the system could move you from the large chainring to the small chainring, and from a large sprocket to a smaller sprocket.  

Shimano 9150 on Giant - 42.jpg

If you were using the small chainring and one of the small sprockets and pressed the button to move to a higher gear, the system might move you automatically to the large chainring and a larger sprocket. 

Synchro Shift is fully customisable. You can go into Shimano’s user-friendly E-Tube app and decide what will happen when you press up or down from any chainring/sprocket combination. 

Shimano 9150 on Giant - 22.jpg

Why would you want to use Synchro Shift on the road? It has really been introduced for time trial and triathlon where you can have just one bar end shifter on the left aero bar and another on the right. However, if you want to use it on a standard road bike, it is an option.

There is currently no warning beep to let you know when the front derailleur is going to move the chain from one chainring to the other, which would allow you to adjust the amount of pressure you’re putting on the pedals accordingly, although Garmin will bring in this feature via its Edge bike computers, and any other computer brand that cares to can do the same.

The semi-Synchro Shift option might be of more interest to road bike users. With semi Synchro Shift, when you move the front derailleur the rear derailleur will automatically move the chain a certain number of sprockets at the same time. 

Shimano 9150 on Giant - 25.jpg

Say you’re moving from the small chainring to the large chainring. In normal circumstances this would increase the size of the gear by a considerable margin, right? With semi-Synchro Shift enabled, the system will move the chain up the cassette to reduce that margin and keep your cadence more consistent. 

Moving from the large chainring to the small chainring would usually reduce the size of the gear by a large chunk so Di2 will automatically move the chain down the cassette to reduce the jump. 

If you’re an experienced bike rider you probably do this yourself a lot of the time without even thinking about it. 

Mapping the gears – deciding the specifics of how Synchro Shift and semi Synchro Shift work – is simple via Shimano’s E-Tube software which you can run on a PC, iPad or a smartphone. 

Satellite shifters

Shimano SW-R9150 - 1.jpg

You can add Shimano’s sprint shifters (SW-R610) and climbing shifters (SW-R9150, above)) to allow you to change gear more easily from the top of your handlebar or from the drops.

Similarly, SRAM offers Red eTap Blips (above) which are satellite buttons. A Blip links to a shifter via a cable – the only cable in the eTap system. Pressing a Blip connected to the right shifter moves the rear mech outboard; pressing a Blip connected to the left shifter moves the rear mech inboard, and pressing a Blip connected to the left shifter at the same time as pressing a Blip connected to the right shifter moves the chain from one chainring to the other.

You can position Blips on the tops of your handlebar for use when you’re climbing or on the drops for shifting when you sprint. They can go either underneath your handlebar tape or out in the open.

Battery life

Each SRAM eTap component has its own battery. The derailleurs’ rechargeable batteries offer power for over 1,000km (625 miles) of typical riding while the widely available CR2032 button cell batteries in the shifters need changing on average about once every two years, according to SRAM.

You can check the charge of different components at any time. LED lights indicate the current level of charge.

If you ignore these LEDs and allow the rear mech battery to run out, you can swap the front mech battery on to the rear, foregoing front shifting for the journey home.

If you run out of both, you can manually put the chain onto the gear you want and ride home singlespeed.

SRAM RED eTap Charger.jpg

Recharging a derailleur battery is simply a case of unclipping it and putting it on the USB-powered charger for 45 minutes.

When the shifters’ CR2012 batteries run low you simply swap new ones into the ports in the hoods.

The Shimano BT-DN110 Di2 internal mounted battery can last between 1,000km and 2,000km between charges, depending on conditions and the amount of shifting you do. 

Shimano_bt_dn110_di2_internal_mount_battery.jpg

The battery is usually fitted inside the seatpost although it can be accommodated elsewhere within the frame. You can check how much charge remains via lights on the Junction A unit.

If the battery runs low the front derailleur will stop working first. If you run out of juice entirely you can position the chain on a sprocket of your choice and ride home in a single gear. 

Gear ranges

Shimano Dura-Ace chainsets are available in five different variations:  50-34T (a 50-tooth outer chainring and a 34-tooth inner chainring), 52-36T, 53-39T, 54-42T and 55-42T with seven crank arm lengths from 165 to 180mm. 

Shimano 9150 on Giant - 26.jpg

The RD-R9150 rear derailleur (only one cage length is available) will take cassettes with a minimum sprocket size of 11 teeth and a maximum sprocket size of 30 teeth. 

SRAM_red_crank_bb30_5339_black_front_l.jpg

SRAM Red chainsets are available in 46-36T, 50-34T, 52-36T and 53-39T versions and in six crank arm lengths from 165mm to 177.5mm. 

SRAM Red eTap - rear mech.jpg

Unlike the Dura-Ace rear derailleur, the Red eTap one comes in short cage and medium cage versions. The short cage will take sprockets with a maximum size of 28 teeth while the medium one will work with sprockets up to 32 teeth, so you can get very low gears with eTap as long as you buy the correct rear derailleur.

Disc brakes

Both Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 and SRAM Red eTap groupsets are available with hydraulic disc braking.

The Shimano Dura-Ace R9170 dual control levers and hydraulic disc brakes are the first that Shimano has included within the Dura-Ace groupset. Previously, you could get Dura-Ace compatible disc brakes but they weren’t actually part of the group. 

Shimano 9170 - 4.jpg

The R9170 dual control levers are almost the same shape as the R9100s (for mechanical shifting and cable operated rim brakes) and the R9150s (for Di2 shifting and cable-operated rim brakes). There’s no bulbous front end like you get on some earlier Shimano designs, the hydraulic reservoir being positioned in the centre of the lever body. The only real difference is that the R9170 design is a bit more of a handful where the hydraulic hose exits at the upper inner edge. 

As well as offering reach adjustment, the R9170 levers have free stroke adjustment allowing you to tune the amount the lever moves before the pads touch the rotor.  

Shimano 9170 - 5.jpg

The R9170 brakes, available in flat mount only (you can use an adaptor for IS mount frames), work beautifully whatever the conditions. You know the brakes are going to bite exactly when you want them to so there’s no need to give the levers a squeeze a second or two in advance just to be on the safe side. It doesn’t matter how wet the roads and the rims are, these brakes work, it’s as simple as that. 

Yes, there’s a small drop off in performance in wet weather but it’s nowhere near the magnitude you see with rim brakes. That gives you the confidence to keep pushing your speed in situations when you might potentially soon need to slow down, like going into a tight corner. In some circumstances it might be the difference between getting into a break and missing the train.

SRAM Red eTap HRD Eurobike 2016 - 16.jpg

SRAM Red eTap HRD Shift-Brake Controls have a higher front end than their Shimano counterparts with the hydraulic master cylinder positioned in the nose. You can adjust the contact point – when your brakes engage – and reach to the lever.

SRAM Red eTap HRD Eurobike 2016 - 10.jpg

Both post mount and flat mount brake brake callipers are available.

Power meter

SRAM offers power measurement via its Red Quarq power meter chainset. This comes with carbon arms and a machined alloy spider.

SRAM Red eTap HRD Eurobike 2016 - 13.jpg

Power measurement is based on five strain gauges in the crank spider. SRAM claims +/-1.5% accuracy and you can get left/right power balance.

The system uses a replaceable CR2032 battery and has an IPX7 waterproof rating.

The latest version of Dura-Ace offers power measurement for the first time. The FC-R9100-P is a chainset with an integrated power meter. Strain gauges sit inside the crank arms to measure left and right leg power. The power meter ‘brain’ sits inside the Dura-Ace driveside spider. 

An integrated rechargeable battery powers the unit. It can be charged with a small magnetic adapter without needing to remove covers or casings. 

Shimano tells us it has thoroughly tested the power meter to a very high waterproof standard, but it has not provided an IPX rating at this stage. 

Check out our guide to choosing a cycling power meter.

Overall

These are the manufacturers' claimed weights for the various components of each groupset. We're comparing rim brake versions of each groupset here (the SRAM figures include batteries where applicable).

Shimano DA Di2 SRAM Red eTap weights.jpg

According to these figures, SRAM Red eTap edges it in terms of weight, but it’s a small difference.

Here are the recommended retail prices of the various parts of each of the groupset. Again, we’re talking about rim brake setups. Shop around and you'll find them cheaper.

Shimano DA Di2 SRAM Red eTap prices.jpg

According to these figures, SRAM Red eTap is nearly £800 cheaper at full retail price. 

Both Shimano Dura-Ace R9150 Di2 and SRAM Red eTap are superb groupsets, as you’d expect. These are, after all, the top tier in the range of their respective brands and they’re used for racing at the very highest level, and we’re split in the road.cc office as to which we prefer.

Each shifts well and you really shouldn’t run out of charge while you’re on the road providing you get into the habit of checking battery levels regularly.

In terms of function, the biggest difference between the two groupsets is the way that you change gear (see ‘In use’ above), and your choice might come down to whether you prefer SRAM’s design or Shimano’s, bearing in mind that you can customise a Shimano set-up to a large degree.

1. Astana pro cycling team has signed up trials ace Vittorio Brumotti.
Find out more here. 

2. A SRAM Red eTap groupset is 96g lighter than a Shimano Dura-Ace R9150 Di2 groupset, according to the two brands’ own figures.
Find out more here.
 

P2-Ultimate-CF-EVO-10-SL.jpg

3. The new Canyon Ultimate CF Evo 10.0 SL weighs 4.96kg and costs £8,999.
Find out more here. 
 
4. Cyclists can legally access less than 100 miles of over 300 miles of the New Forest’s network of off-road gravel tracks which logging trucks and horse and carts are free to use.
Find out more here.

5. Bradley Wiggins turned down Strictly Come Dancing to take part in The Jump.
Find out more here.

Flying kangaroo (Peter Roberts Facebook video still).PNG

6. A glancing blow from a kangaroo won’t necessarily knock you off your bike.
Find out more here.

7. Twice as many people cycle for leisure in England as cycle as a means of transport.
Find out more here.

8. Three-time Tour de France winner Greg LeMond believes some pro riders are currently racing with hidden motors.
Find out more here.

9. Motoring journalist James May has a life-long love for cycling. That’s what he claims, anyway.
Find out more here.

10. Manchester Mayoral hopeful Andy Burnham says he would spend £17 per head for cycling if elected.
Find out more here.

Lake CX 402 Road:Race shoes.jpg

11. If you want to remould Lake CX402 cycling shoes, you first put them in the oven for a few minutes at 90°C.
Find out more here. 

With decent levels of waterproofing and insulation, Shimano's MW7 shoes are a good choice for winter riding, and you can walk easily in them too.

Much of what I said about the Northwave Extreme Winter Boots applies to the MW7s. They're very warm and as waterproof as winter shoes can be, subject to the usual caveat of water getting in at the ankles. You can beat that by using tights like the Pearl Izumi Amfibs, which have extended ankles that cover the cuffs of winter shoes.

> Find your nearest dealer here

I finished long rides on cold days in the MW7s with comfortable feet, including my first 100km ride of the year on a day the temperature never got above 1°C. I had chilly toes at the lunch stop, but once they'd thawed they were fine for all of the second half.

They didn't do as good a job of fending off the wet as of keeping my feet warm, but I'm willing to live with that in winter shoes; I'm fortunate enough to live in one of the least rainy parts of the country. My socks were wetter after a two-hour ride in the rain than after a dry ride in similar temperature, but the chill was tolerable. I escaped that feeling of cold needles in the toes and subsequent agonising warm-up. Happy with that.

Shimano MW7 winter boots - Gore-Tex

That the MW7s perform similarly to the Northwave Extreme Winters is not surprising, as they use a similar insulated Gore lining. Gore calls this one Insulated Comfort but it seems very similar to the Sierra lining in the Northwaves.

The liner sits under a synthetic leather and plastic outer that repels water well. It closes with a combination of Velcro and speed laces, so you just pull the laces snug and cover them with the flap.

Shimano MW7 winter boots - laces

Another Velcro flap pulls the neoprene cuff closed around the ankle. It's high enough to keep out road spray and flexible enough that it doesn't impede pedalling.

There's reflective trim front and back for visibility after dark.

Shimano MW7 winter boots - heel cup

I went for a 44, a size up on my usual 43. That leaves plenty of room for thick socks, and the overall fit is reasonably roomy for my medium-width feet. The MW7s are not built on a narrow Italian-style last, owners of non-skinny feet will be pleased to hear.

The toe box is relatively low-volume, which is a bit of an issue in a winter shoe. You want plenty of room to wiggle your toes to keep the circulation going. Since you'll probably be wearing a thicker sock, you want a bit more space around the toes than cycling shoes usually have. The toe space isn't cramped, but it's not as generous as some.

Shimano MW7 winter boots - toe

The MW7s are nominally mountain bike shoes, in that they have a recessed, two-bolt cleat mounting. But the tread is quite light, which makes them more suitable for pavement and grass than deep trail mud. That makes them perfect commuting shoes for anyone who keeps going right through the winter.

Shimano MW7 winter boots - sole

They're definitely much easier to walk in than winter shoes with external cleats. Having used both MW7s and Northwave Extremes I'm leaning to the conclusion that SPD shoes are a better idea for winter riding. There were a couple of spots on my 100km ride where I had to get off and walk to get past short sections of ice. Even when it's just a few steps I'd much rather do that in SPD shoes.

Switching to SPD pedals for the winter isn't an expensive option, either. A pair of Shimano PD-M520 or PD-M530 pedals will set you back just £20. If you're buying winter shoes, that's not much for safer walking.

> How to keep your feet warm while cycling in winter

And don't think mountain bike shoes like the MW7s are flexible and inefficient. Pedalling in the MW7s is plenty comfortable thanks to the stiff sole and well-shaped insole. Fleece insulation on the insole helps keep your feet warm too.

Shimano MW7 winter boots - sole detail

Sure, they're not carbon-road-race-shoe stiff, but you're not going to be racing in them anyway. What you are going to be doing is riding in all weathers and conditions, and the MW7s are spot-on for that.

Verdict

Warm and waterproof winter shoes that you can walk in too

Shimano's RX31 wheelset is perfect for those bikes that see a hard life whether that be slogging along on the commute in all weathers, a bit of light touring or even some gravel or cyclocross abuse. It's great to see this latest version come with hubs for 12mm thru axles too.

With a road bike thru axle standard seemingly starting to settle down on 12mm front and rear Shimano have obviously felt it's the right time to release their wheel range to accept the large diameter axle.

Thru axles replace the quick release that's been used on road bikes for decades with a hollow tube, 12mm in diameter in this case, which passes through a hole in the fork leg (in place of the dropouts) then through the hub before screwing directly into the other fork leg.

Shimano RX31 wheelset - rear hub.jpg

The larger axle and secure fixing stiffens the whole fork and wheel assembly against steering flex, and makes it impossible for the wheel to be ejected by braking forces, which can happen with standard vertical dropouts. Wheel alignment is also much more precise avoiding rotor rub every time.

The build here is pretty much the same as the quick release model we originally reviewed back in September 2014. There's a 24mm disc-specific rim attached to a Center Lock disc hub with 24 straight-bladed spokes in a two-cross pattern. The bearings are well-sealed angular contact loose balls like all Shimano wheels, although you don't get the tool-free adjustment of the pricier options.

Shimano RX31 wheelset - front hub 2.jpg

Those original wheels have been in constant use since that date under plenty of riders doing different things. Dave's original 9/10 for durability certainly hasn't needed to be put under any scrutiny and things aren't any different with this thru axle version. They've seen a fair old bit of abuse with gravel tracks and muddy singletrack giving the bearing seals plenty of work to do keeping out water, dust and grit. The bearings are still running smooth and quiet.

The same goes for the rest of the wheels' build quality. Tension has remained high and even across those bladed spokes plus trueness seems the same although that isn't a major issue when running discs.

Shimano RX31 wheelset - rim detail 2.jpg

The rims are 17mm wide internally (24mm external) which means that Shimano recommend a tyre width of 25 to 28mm for a smooth transition between wheel and tyre. Tyres were easy to fit; I tried a few pairs, from Schwalbe Ones to Continentals and 35mm Schwalbe cyclocross tyres.

From a durability point of view it's good to see a steel freehub body. Aluminium ones may be lighter but tend to get gnarled up by the sprockets.

Shimano RX31 wheelset - spoke nipples.jpg

The only real downside to these wheels is the weight: 1960g with the rim tape in place. That's quite a heft to get spinning from a standing start over and over again and certainly rules these wheels out for racing of any kind.

In terms of value the RX31s offer a decent investment considering they are pretty much bombproof and Shimano wheels are often discounted in the shops. Anything you can save on the £299 price tag will be a bonus.

Shimano RX31 wheelset - rim bed.jpg

We've seen lighter disc brake wheels here at road.cc like the Kinesis Racelight Discs but they are an extra £100 which further confirms the value for money of the RX31s.

Verdict

Solid, dependable wheels for on and off road duties, now available with thru axle

If you're fans of cycling bargains, and free cycling gear, you've come to the right place. Today's DealCatcher features another Science in Sport bundle for free and some cracking savings on top cycling bits.

To claim your free SiS bundle just follow the steps below. It's not a bad trade off, we don't think: 30 seconds of your time should be a small price to pay for an SiS bottle and a six-pack of SiS's apple isotonic energy gel.

There's also an excellent deal at SiS on the brand's REGO Rapid Recovery Protein. Two for the price of one, is essentially half price if you were already going to buy two, and if you were only planning on buying one, it's free. Right?

Shimano's Ultegra 6700 casette and chain bundle over at Chain Reaction Cycles also features in today's DealCatcher, as do BTwin's 700 overshoes from Decathlon.

Science in Sport

FREE SiS GO Energy Gel Bundle &...
2-for-1 on SiS REGO Rapid Recovery Protein
WAS £48.00 | NOW £24.00

SiS REGO Recovery Protein.png

First up, we've got some free gear for you.

In order to claim your free bundle of SiS goodies you simply have to follow a couple of very easy steps.

First, click on the link above the picture above this text. Fill your details into the form on the page you arrive on. Check your email, and use the code included there to claim your bundle.

It's as easy as that.

If you've already claimed your bundle, or you don't like free stuff, there's no need to worry. Science in Sport has a great offer on its REGO Recovery Protein tubs.

Check out our review of the brand's REGO Recovery bars for a slight insight into the range.

- Read more: road.cc's REGO Recovery bar review

Chain Reaction Cycles

43% off Shimano Ultegra 6700 Cassette & Chain bundle
WAS £94.97 | NOW £54.39

Shimano Cassette and Chain.jpg

Chain Reaction Cycles is currently offering a bundle featuring Shimano Ultegra 6700 chains and cassettes at a hefty discount.

For the 6700 update Shimano reduced the weight of the cassette and improved the sprokets so that they offer more accurate shifting and reduce the wear caused by the chain.

When we reviewed the Ultegra 6700 groupset we raved about the chain and cassette, so we cannot praise this offer any more.

- Read more: road.cc's Shimano Ultegra 6700 groupset review

Decathlon

20% off BTwin's 700 Aerofit Cycling Shoes
WAS £19.99 | NOW £15.99

BTwin overshoes.jpg

As far as bargain overshoes go, you really can't go wrong with BTwin's 700s, especially at this price.

When we reviewed the Aerofit shoe covers a while back our man Liam Glen called them "tight fitting, low bulk overshoes that provide enough weather protection."

Despite his understatement, Liam gave the overshoes a solid 7/10.

- Read more: road.cc's BTwin Aerofit overshoes

Our man Matt Howes takes you through a small sample of what is coming up on the site over the next week. Featuring;

- Braking tips

- Looking at the latest tech

- Reviews 

- Our demo day

Thanks to the hard work of the DealCatcher great cycling deals aren't hard to come by here at road.cc, and today is no exception.

Fantastic offers on BMC's 2016 Granfondo road bike from Evans Cycles, Science in Sport REGO Recovery Protein from... Science in Sport, and Shimano RS10 Wheels from Tweeks Cycles are all waiting for you today.

So, what are you waiting for. Get your scrolling finger and your wallet ready and tuck right in!

Evans Cycles

21% off BMC's 2016 Granfondo GF02 Road Bike
WAS £2299.00 | NOW £1799.00

bmc-granfondo-gf02-ultegra-2016.jpg

When a bike manufacturer develops a range of bikes in close association with its own racing team, chances are the machine will be pretty focused on pace.

Making assumptions like that with the BMC Granfondo range will land you on the money. 

The GF01 Disc, which we reviewed and gave an 8/10 to, was developed closely with the BMC Racing Team, and the vertical compliance, stable handling and comfort priorities that became clear during that development have trickled down to the slightly cheaper GF02.

Gone are the disc brakes, and a couple of extra performance-enhancing factors, but the price is massively down to.

The GF02 offers sensational ride quality and performance in a very reasonably priced package.

- Read more: road.cc's BMC GF01 Disc review

Science in Sport

2-for-1 on SIS REGO Rapid Recovery Protein 1kg tub
WAS £48.00 | NOW £24.00

SIS rego-rapid-recovery.png

When you're buying consumable goods like nutrition products, 2-for-1 offers are as good as 50% discounts. You are, after all, going to consume the same quantity of protein powder regardless when you actually buy it.

SiS's REGO Rapid Recovery Protein is excellent for muscle recovery and building endurance. We know, we've had experience with the REGO range.

The bars, which our man David Else reviewed below, are a fantastically tasty mix of carbs and protein. We're fairly sure you'll have the same experience with this powder.

- Read more: road.cc's SIS Rego Choc & Protein Bar review

Tweeks Cycles

44% off Shimano's RS10 Clincher Wheelset
WAS £179.99 | NOW £100.00

Shimano RS10 Clincher wheels.png

Finally, if you're looking for a departure from the weighty wheels your bike came with, check out Shimano's fantastic entry-level RS10 wheelset.

Our man David Else put the wheels through their paces and said that they performed as well as they looked.

They ride well, they're reliable, and while they're not featherweight, they're reasonably weighted for an entry-level pair of wheels.

- Read more: road.cc's Shimano RS10 Clincher Wheelset review

If you’re deciding between Shimano 105 and Shimano Ultegra groupsets, either on a complete bike or as an upgrade, here’s everything you need to know to make the right choice.

Starting at the basics, a groupset is a component manufacturer’s collection of mechanical parts, usually covering the derailleurs, shifters, brakes, chainset, bottom bracket, cassette and chain. Brands group these parts into various different levels.

Shimano offers six road groupsets. Going from the top, these are:

• Dura-Ace
• Ultegra
• 105
• Tiagra
• Sora
• Claris

Additionally, Dura-Ace and Ultegra are available with Di2 electronic shifting. We’ll leave Di2 to one side here because there’s no 105 version to consider. If you want it, your decision is between Ultegra Di2 and Dura-Ace Di2, and that’s outside the scope of this article.

We've left out hydraulic disc brakes too because those components aren't included within the groupsets.

Check out our Complete Guide to Shimano Road Groupsets.

A Shimano 105 groupset retails at £660.91 (without pedals) while a Shimano Ultegra groupset is £882.92 (without pedals) – that’s £222.01 more, but what do you actually get for the extra money?

All prices quoted here are official RRPs, of course. You might well find lower prices out there. The weights listed below are Shimano’s official figures too.

Both 105 and Ultegra are 11-speed systems and there are many more similarities between them than differences. Although Ultegra is more expensive, all of the same technology features in 105, and you operate them in exactly the same way.

The differences are mainly down to materials used, and because of this 105 components are a little heavier.

We've put all the prices and weights into a little table at the bottom along with the scores we awarded when we reviewed each groupset independently, just to make life easier for you.

Let’s look at how the different components compare.

Check out our full Shimano 105 review here and read our full ShimanoUltegra review here.

Dual control levers

Shimano 105 - levers.jpg

The dual control levers are high points of both the Ultegra and 105 (above) groupsets and they each work in exactly the same way. They’re slim and comfortable to use with a short stroke and a light action (much lighter than previous incarnations).

Shimano Ultegra 6800 groupset - shifter

When he reviewed the Ultegra levers (above) Dave said, “Shifting is precise and sensitive. Although it's light you still get reassuring feedback from the lever.”

There is a difference in the materials used. Ultegra dual control levers have carbon-fibre reinforced plastic brackets and main levers while 105 has glass-fibre reinforced plastic brackets and aluminium main levers.

The 105 levers are a little heavier but you won’t notice any difference in performance.

Chainsets

The 105 chainset (below) now has a spider with four unevenly spaced arms, the idea being to provide stiffness where it’s needed while saving weight. This is technology that started off in the top-level Dura-Ace groupset and has trickled down via Ultegra.

Shimano 105 - cranks.jpg

Both 105 and Ultegra (below) are available with 53-39-tooth, 52-36-tooth and 50-34-tooth chainrings, and Ultegra is also available in a 46-36-tooth cyclocross option. All of them use the same bolt circle diameter (110mm) so you can easily swap a 53-tooth outer chainring for a 50-tooth, for example.

Shimano Ultegra 6800 groupset - crank.jpg

The 105 and Ultegra chainsets are very similar, using the same technology and the same materials in key areas – anodised aluminium crank arms and chainrings, and steel axles. As usual, there’s a slight weight penalty if you go for 105.

Front derailleurs

Shimano 105 front derailleur.jpg

The 105 (above) and Ultegra (below) front derailleurs are virtually indistinguishable, each coming with aluminium links, a chrome-plated steel chain guide, and light shifting. A trim position allows you to avoid chain rub as you move across the cassette.

Shimano Ultegra 6800 groupset - front mech.jpg

The largest chainring recommended for use with each of them is 53-tooth. That’s fine for most people although some time trialists might struggle.

Rear derailleurs

Both Ultegra and 105 (below) rear derailleurs are available in short cage and long cage versions to suit the chainset and cassette that you are using. Go for the long cage version of either and the maximum sprocket size you can use is 32T.

dolan-l-etape-rear-mech.jpg

In terms of materials, the Ultegra rear derailleur (below) has a carbon-fibre reinforced plastic plate body whereas it’s aluminium on the 105 version, and the inner link is aluminium rather than steel. The Ultegra model has better pulley bearings too.

Shimano Ultegra 6800 groupset - rear mech.jpg

That said, Stu found 105 shifting to be ‘spot on’ when he reviewed it, feeling light and fast.

Cassettes

Shimano 105 - cassette.jpg

Both 105 and Ultegra are 11-speed systems. 105 cassettes (above) are available in 11-28-tooth, 11-32-tooth and 12-25-tooth options. Ultegra is available in all of those plus 11-23, 11-25 and 14-28. There’s no reason why you can’t use an Ultegra cassette with an otherwise 105 groupset.

With both 105 and Ultegra, the largest sprocket you can use is a 32-tooth so you can’t get the ultra-low gears that you can with a SRAM WiFli system, for example or even with Shimano's own 10-speed Tiagra system which can accommodate an 11-34 cassette.

In both cases, the sprockets are made from nickel plated steel, although an Ultegra cassette has a carbon spider arm that a 105 cassette doesn’t.

Dual pivot brakes

Both Ultegra and 105 SLR-EV dual pivot brakes are made from anodised aluminium and we rate them very highly. They’re essentially the same design: a symmetrical twin pivot system that’s designed to equalise the braking forces through each arm allowing for better control and power.

cannondale-supersix-evo-105-front-brake.jpg

In reviewing the 105 brakes (above) Stu said, “Slowing rather than stopping can be achieved with just a couple of fingers applying pressure to the lever and it's easy to avoid locking a wheel.”

The maximum tyre size Shimano recommends for its Ultegra SLR-EV Dual Pivot brakes (below) is 25mm. A more pronounced arc allows it to recommend tyres up to 28mm for the 105 equivalent.

Shimano Ultegra 6800 groupset - rear brake.jpg

Shimano also offers direct mount brakes in both the Ultegra and the 105 groupsets. They’re virtually identical to one another, each taking tyres up to 28mm.

Chains

Both the Ultegra and 105 chains undergo a Sil-Tec low friction plating process that’s designed to make them run smoother and require less maintenance, as well as increasing the durability.

Shimano 105 - chain.jpg

The only difference between them is that the 105 chain (above) has this treatment on the roller link plates (the inner ones) only while the Ultegra chain has it on the pin link plates (the outer ones) too.

Pedals

Shimano 105 - pedals.jpg

The Ultegra and 105 (below) pedals both have wide carbon composite bodies, widely spaced bearings, chromoly steel axles and adjustable entry and release tension. The Ultegra pedals’ stainless steel body plate, designed to reduce flex and wear, is a more minimalist design than that of the 105 pedal.

The only other difference is that the Ultegra pedal is available in a version with a 4mm longer axle for more crank arm clearance.

Bottom bracket

Shimano 105 - bottom bracket.jpg

Shimano recommends exactly the same bottom brackets for use with 105 and Ultegra groupsets: that’s the SM-BBR60 threaded BB or a SM-BB72-41B PressFit BB, depending on the bike to which it’s being fitted.

Conclusion

If you’ve read everything above, looked at the pictures, and come to the conclusion that there’s not all that much difference between 105 and Ultegra components, you’re right. They work in the same ways, the shaping is the same, the engineering is virtually identical… There are no major technological features in the Ultegra groupset that aren’t included in 105.

This is borne out by the scores we awarded to each component when we reviewed the groupsets independently. They averaged almost exactly the same.

Table comparing the prices, weights and road.cc review scores of Shimano 105 and Shimano Ultegra components

The differences are minor and mostly come down to materials. This results in Ultegra components being a little lighter than their 105 counterparts. No single Ultegra component is massively lighter but the small savings add up to about 250g across a whole groupset, depending on exactly which options you choose. That’s the biggest thing you’re paying for if you step up to Ultegra: a lower weight.

One thing not shown on the table above is the road.cc value mark. We scored the Ultegra groupset 8 for value and the 105 groupset 10, courtesy of offering a very similar level of performance at a significantly lower price. That might or might not be important to you. Whether that weight saving you get with Ultegra is worth the extra cash is something you have to decide for yourself based on your bank balance and your priorities.

If Shimano didn't make some really excellent mid-level racing shoes then I'd probably spend this whole review waxing lyrical about these RC9 S-Phyre racing shoes. After all, they're a great fit, they're super-stiff and they look the real deal. If you're racing at a fairly high level – or you just like to have the top-end stuff – then they're definitely one to stick on the list. For most of us the superb performance of the Shimano middle order will mean these are a little bit of a stretch.

"S-PHYRE has one goal: to maximize power transmission by delivering more performance per gram, minimizing aerodynamic drag and refining efficiencies between the bike, footwear and rider," says Shimano. Glossing over the fact that that's three goals, let's look at what Shimano's doing here.

> Find your nearest dealer here

The upper of the shoe is made from Teijin Avail microfiber synthetic leather, which is super-light, conforms well to your foot shape and doesn't stretch. There are perforations for ventilation, and a mesh section in the toe box and a vent in the sole to help with that. Shimano doesn't use a lasting board for this shoe (the bit between the carbon outer sole and the insole, that's normally stitched in), but instead bonds the upper directly to the sole and uses an external heel cup for added stiffness at the rear.

Shimano Shoe SPD-SL RC9 S-Phyre - heels.jpg

Stiff is one thing the S-Phyre shoes certainly are. Shimano rates its soles for stiffness on a scale of 1 to 12; I'm sure that's a psychological thing so that its stiffest sole, at 12, looks stiffer than others that might be a 10. Anyway, you'll not be surprised to know that the sole on this shoe is a 12, top of the pile. The sole and the heel cup really do give the shoe masses of stiffness, both longitudinally and torsionally. It's probably, along with the Bont Vaypor, the stiffest shoe I've used. The torsional rigidity is especially noticeable; the heel cup really helps keep things in one plane.

Shimano Shoe SPD-SL RC9 S-Phyre - sole heel.jpg

It's not uncomfortable, though. Shimano has moved away from making its shoes heat-mouldable but it doesn't seem to have done any harm in this case. The S-Phyres fitted me pretty much perfectly; like all Shimano shoes they size up on the small side, so I'm a 48 in these when in others I'm a 47. The upper is a close fit but comfortable, without any pressure points, and the dual Boa closure makes getting them tight easy, as well as making it simple to get them off again. There's an instep wedge under the insole, and Shimano supplies two heights to adjust the fit. Or you can take them out entirely.

Shimano Shoe SPD-SL RC9 S-Phyre - boa.jpg

I did have one comfort issue with the S-Phyre shoes: a bit of the stitching on one of the Boa lacing guides stuck out a bit, and it rubbed on my toe. I stuck a bit of fabric over it and it was fine then. Other than that, no issues at all.

They're a close fit without feeling restrictive, and your foot feels very secure; the cat's tongue material on the heel tab helps to stop your foot lifting out when you're working hard. The S-Phyres are available in sizes from 36 up to 48 (half sizes for most of the way) and there is a wide-fitting version too, so getting a pair that fits should be child's play.

Shimano Shoe SPD-SL RC9 S-Phyre - detail.jpg

The shoes come with socks. They're system socks. "What if a sock could make a shoe better? S-PHYRE believes it can," says Shimano. "By looking at the shoe/sock interface and applying our Linkage Effect approach, S-PHYRE socks combine thermoregulation, comfort, ankle roll stability, and heel slip-resistance with an extra-tall cuff that's guaranteed not to droop. Asymmetrical structural weaving of proprietary fabrics provides guide rails for proper foot alignment through the entire 360-degree crank rotation."

System socks? Come on.

They're nice socks, and they match the shoes too. So those are two wins, a third being they're free with the shoes, or at least built into the cost. Did I find myself thinking that they improved my foot alignment through their asymmetric structural weaving? No, I did not. I didn't feel my performance suffering when they were in the wash, either.

At 613g a pair for size 48s to fit my flipper feet, these are lightweight shoes, similar to other pro-level gear. They score very highly on weight, comfort (stitching issue notwithstanding), performance and sock inclusion. And value? Well, that's maybe a sticking point. Not because pro-level shoes don't cost this much and quite a lot more: they do. But rather because Shimano makes other shoes that are functionally almost indistinguishable for less. A lot less.

> Buyer's Guide: The best performance road cycling shoes

We've recently tested the RC7 shoe, the next shoe down in the range, and Jez, who tested them, has the same size feet as me. So we swapped for a while to see if we could discern the difference. These S-Phyre shoes are £320, and the RC7s are £170. They don't use the same construction method, and the sole stiffness is 'only' a 10. But I'd be hard pressed to tell you any meaningful way in which they're not as good.

Jez prefers the RC7s, having ridden both, and I'd have to say I found them marginally more comfortable too. They're not quite as light and they're not quite as torsionally stiff and they don't hold your foot quite as securely, but in terms of performance they're really not compromised.

At the level I race at (3rd cats, near the back) the S-Phyres are a jolly lovely pair of shoes to rock up with, but if it was my money the RC7s would be the ones in the basket. The higher you go, the more those tiny differences in performance – and they are tiny – will mean to you. Or if you just want some really nice road shoes and £320 doesn't seem like a stretch, knock yourself out: they're great.

Verdict

Great pro-level shoe, but undermined a bit by Shimano's top-quality mid-range offerings