Shimano

RS505 Hydraulic STI Levers & Disc Brake Calipers Set

The Shimano RS505 Hydraulic STI Levers & Disc Brake Calipers Set pairs Shimano's 105-level STI levers with the confident power of its post-mount hydraulic brake calipers, which are typically packaged with Ultegra-tier levers. Whether you're kitting out a brand-new frameset or looking to upgrade your brakes, this set boasts Shimano's renowned precision and reliability at a price point that won't set your savings back for years.

Mirroring Shimano's traditional 105 STI levers, the RS505 levers provide precise shifts and light action, with reach adjustment for compatibility with a wide range of hand sizes. Compared with Shimano's other hydro levers, this version gains a little bit of bulk out front to house the hydraulic fluid reservoir above the brake lever, but it still leaves the usable brake hood area with a refreshingly streamlined and comfortably ergonomic shape.

As with all revolutionary innovations over the past decade (11-speed, electronic shifting, etc.), we admit to harboring some initial skepticism about whether or not disc brakes are worth the fuss; however, there are two undeniable advantages that you'll notice after just minutes riding with disc brakes.

First, they're consistent, regardless of conditions and circumstances. There's no waiting breathlessly for the pads to clear the rim of water or debris before grabbing. They also eliminate panic when you're caught in the drops and confronted with a sudden obstacle like a darting bunny rabbit or a car peeking out of a blind driveway. The brakes will still slow you down, even if you don't have time to get a full purchase on the lever. The RS505 calipers also feature Shimano's IceTech technology, which dissipates heat via cooling fins in the braking pads to help the brakes grab faster while also increasing pad life.