My first gen 4iiii 105 just gave up the ghost It was about 8 years old and served me well so I’m not too upset, and in fact I’m looking to replace with another.
Which leads me to find that, in the UK, I can actually pick up an R8000 Ultegra left side for about £50 less than an R7000 105. A no-brainer on the surface, but I’ve already been burned by an Ultegra bonding separation on the drive side before, so I’m hesitant to risk it.
Has anyone had any issues lately? I’m wondering if this has been fully resolved, and if we’re far enough out of the affected manufacturing dates, or if this is just an inherent weakness and I should go with 105 again for longevity.
There was never any issue with the non-drive-side cranks as far as I’m aware, so go ahead risk free.
Are you buying new or used? They do good deals to install a 4iiii PM onto your own crank in the UK - sending in one with a failed 4iiiii PM on it may get you a further discount if you tell them what’s happened.
I would wager that this has nothing to do with the crank itself, and everything to do with the bonding procedures/materials of 4iiii. I see very little risk here.
Nah, the debonding issue is definitely a Shimano issue. It happened personally to me on a non-power meter chain set, and they later started an ‘inspection and replacement program’.
Thanks, that’s reassuring to know. I did wonder if it was drive-side only.
Good idea about factory install, thanks. I ended up snagging an R8000 Precision 3+ in the size I need, new for £200. When I looked, factory install was £340 so I think the deal I got was decent, plus I don’t have to wait.
It was about 8 years old and served me well so I’m not too upset, and in fact I’m looking to replace with another.