Shimano builds all their road cassettes using the same Hyperglide tooth profiles and shift gates regardless of price tier, which means the CS-R7000 shifts identically to Ultegra and Dura-Ace cassettes. The performance difference comes down to materials and weight, not function. The 105 CS-R7000 uses nickel-plated steel cogs throughout with an aluminum spider carrying the three largest sprockets, delivering the same crisp chain engagement and reliable shifting you'd get from cassettes costing twice as much. If you're outfitting a training bike, indoor trainer setup, or just prefer spending money elsewhere in your build, this cassette makes practical sense without compromising shift quality.

The R7000 series cassette comes in three gear combinations that cover most road riding scenarios. The 11-28T option works with short-cage derailleurs and provides tight spacing across the range, making it the call for flat terrain or riders who maintain higher cadences. The 11-30T and 11-32T options require a medium-cage rear derailleur like the RD-R7000 GS, but they open up low gearing for climbing without sacrificing the 11-tooth top end. The wider-range cassettes use slightly larger jumps between middle cogs to accommodate the expanded range while keeping the same 11-cog count. Paired with a compact 50/34 crankset, the 11-32T delivers a climbing gear that handles steep grades without spinning out.

Construction follows the same approach Shimano uses across their 11-speed road line. Individual steel cogs handle the smaller sprockets where wear concentrates, while the three largest cogs mount to an aluminum spider that adds stiffness and sheds weight compared to loose cogs. The nickel plating on the steel surfaces resists corrosion and reduces friction during shifts, which matters if you're riding through wet conditions or leaving a cassette on a trainer where sweat accelerates surface wear. Shimano's HG-EV design maintains the same freehub body width as 10-speed cassettes, so the R7000 drops onto any standard Shimano HG 11-speed freehub without spacers or compatibility concerns.... Read More