Quick question about Shimano 105 road shifters. Is there much of a difference in the shifting performance/cable friction between the 5600 (external gear cables) and 5700 (under bar tape gear cables) varieties ? I’m looking to change the SRAM Apex shifters on my cross bike because I just don’t get on with them and just wondered which type to go for as they are both still available.

No noticeable difference ime

*** blatant plug ***

spesh – I have some 5600’s in the classifieds if you’re interested 😉

I’d go 5700 personally given the 5600 LH shifter was notorious for breaking.

Some reviews suggest that the “under the bar tape” cable routing results in a stiffer gear change. External makes more sense from a maintenance point of view, but it doesn’t look as neat.

The biggest advantage for me is that the new cable routing doesn’t get in the way of a bar bag.

The second generation of 5600 levers were fine. The left hand changed to ST5601 for double and 5603 for triple. Worth checking if you do decide to go secondhand or even new ones to make sure they are not old stock.