Carbon speed, 105 control—ready when you are.
Shimano 105 Road Bikes New Cyclists Can Grow Into
Start with a drivetrain you can trust, on a bike built to go the distance.

Recommended Shimano 105 road bike for new cyclists

The Bianchi Sprint 105 Road Bike is a strong pick when you want a road bike with a Shimano 105 groupset that won’t feel “outgrown” after a few solid months of riding.

It’s built around a carbon monocoque frame and a carbon aero fork—so you get a light, stiff platform with a smoother feel when the pace picks up and the road gets chattery. The geometry is race-leaning but designed to stay comfortable over longer rides, which matters when you’re stacking miles, learning pacing, and figuring out what kind of rider you are.

On the component side, it runs a 12-speed Shimano 105 drivetrain with mechanical shifting. That’s a big deal if you want crisp, dependable shifts without adding the complexity of electronic systems right away. The 2x12 setup gives you a wide spread of gears for everything from steady climbs to sprinty descents, including a sub-1:1 option to keep steep pitches manageable when your legs are still building their “all-day” engine.

Stopping power comes from Shimano 105 hydraulic disc brakes—confident, consistent braking that’s especially welcome when you’re still dialing in speed control on fast group rides. It rolls on a Velomann alloy wheelset with Vittoria Rubino IV G2.0 graphene tires, a solid, road-ready combo for training days and weekend hammerfests.

Compare fit, gearing, and ride feel.

Why this build works when you’re leveling up

New to road riding doesn’t mean you want beginner-only gear. The right setup should feel intuitive now and still feel fast later. This bike’s recipe hits that sweet spot: a responsive carbon chassis, a modern 2x12 drivetrain, and braking you can trust when the pace gets spicy.

Key features that translate to real ride benefits

  • Carbon monocoque frame: A stiff, lightweight foundation that rewards good pedaling and keeps the bike feeling snappy when you stand up to accelerate.
  • Carbon aero fork: Helps take the edge off road vibration so longer rides feel less fatiguing—especially at higher speeds.
  • 12-speed Shimano 105 mechanical shifting: Clean, consistent shifts with the familiar, no-fuss feel many riders prefer. It’s performance-first without the extra layers of an electronic system.
  • 2x12 gearing range: A wide spread for varied terrain, including a sub-1:1 option that can make steep climbs more manageable when you’re building fitness.
  • Shimano 105 hydraulic disc brakes: Strong, predictable braking that inspires confidence on descents and in tight group situations.
  • Velomann alloy wheels + Vittoria Rubino IV G2.0 graphene tires: A durable, training-friendly wheel-and-tire pairing that’s ready for everyday miles.

Bottom line: it’s a bike that encourages you to ride more—because it feels composed when you’re cruising and composed when you’re pushing.

How to choose a Shimano 105 road bike as a newer rider

When you’re shopping 105-equipped road bikes, the goal is simple: pick a build that matches how you’ll ride this season, then leaves room to get faster next season. Use these checkpoints to keep the decision clean.

1) Decide what “new cyclist” means for you

  • Training-focused: Prioritize comfort over long hours and stable handling.
  • Group-ride curious: Look for confident braking and a drivetrain that shifts smoothly under pressure.
  • Future race goals: A stiffer, lighter frame can be worth it if you like riding hard.

2) Mechanical vs. electronic shifting

Shimano 105 can show up in different flavors. If you want straightforward setup and a classic feel at the lever, mechanical 105 is a great match. It’s also easier to “read” while you’re learning cadence and timing.

3) Gearing: make sure it fits your terrain

A 2x12 setup gives you lots of usable steps between gears. If your routes include sustained climbs, having access to easier ratios (including sub-1:1) can keep rides fun instead of turning them into survival missions.

4) Don’t overlook braking confidence

Hydraulic disc brakes add control when speeds rise or conditions change. If you’re planning to ride in groups or descend regularly, that consistency is a real quality-of-life upgrade.

Cervelo Caledonia 105 Road Bike
$3,200
Cervelo Soloist 105 Road Bike
$2,380
$3,400
Cervelo Caledonia 105 Road Bike
$2,970
$3,300
Cervelo Soloist 105 Race Carbon Wheel Road Bike
$5,200
Bianchi Specialissima Comp 105 Di2 Road Bike
$4,200
$5,700
Cervelo Caledonia 105 Di2 Carbon Wheel Exclusive Road Bike
$3,900
$6,300

Why shop road bikes at Backcountry

Road riding is simple: good gear disappears underneath you, and the miles stack up. That’s what we’re here for—helping you land on a bike that fits your goals now and still feels right when your fitness (and your routes) expand.

If you want a second set of eyes before you commit, tap a Gearhead® Expert. They’ll help you sanity-check the details that matter—like how a bike’s geometry lines up with your ride plans and what to look for in a Shimano 105-equipped build.

We’re gear-forward on purpose: less fluff, more “does this bike do what you need?” Whether you’re building a weekly training habit, jumping into faster group rides, or aiming at your first start line, we’ll help you get set up with a ride that keeps you hungry for the next lap.

What’s a solid Shimano 105 road bike option to start with and keep long-term?
Is Shimano 105 mechanical shifting a good call for newer road riders?
How does 2x12 gearing help on climbs and faster rides?
Why choose a road bike with hydraulic disc brakes when you’re new?
What does a carbon frame and fork change compared to other builds?
Is the Bianchi Sprint 105 Road Bike more training-focused or race-focused?
What wheels and tires come on this Shimano 105 build, and why does it matter?