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I have Shimano Ultegra Di2 on one of my bikes. It’s an older fully wired version. It’s wonderful. Once set up it works faultlessly and doesn’t require the rea
by Lio 4y ago
I have Shimano Ultegra Di2 on one of my bikes. It’s an older fully wired version.
It’s wonderful.
Once set up it works faultlessly and doesn’t require the readjustment or cable servicing that’s required with a cable operated drivetrain[1].
On top of that the front derailleur constantly trims itself to never chain rub and semi-automatic[2] shifting is surprisingly useful.
Also Di2 let’s you add multiple shift buttons. So you could have shifting at every hand position if you wanted.
Finally the thing that sold it to me. I did a multi-day ride on my old bike. After the first 4 days I got cramp in my hand everytime I shifted. Told myself I’d try di2. Every gear change is now as soft as a mouse click.
All that and the only real downside side is you have to change it every 6 months.
It’s a very well thought through system. I know lots of people with Di2 in my bike club. I don’t think anyone dislikes it.
1. Bowden cables don’t “stretch” as such, what actually happens in mechanical systems is that the ferrel ends settle over time or the linings of the cable outers wear and flake causing friction.
2. The semi-automatic mode means single buttons for higher or lower shifts. The front derailleur shifts as appropriate to give you the next ratio.
You can repeat that on each hand or on the top hood position. So for example, if you want to change gears as you indicate left or right, now you can.
- mathieuh 4y agoI just installed the same version on my bike six weeks ago. For me the best thing is 100% reliable and fast front derailleur shifts. I’m pretty good at setting up a rear derailleur, but no matter how much I fiddled I could never get a cable-actuated front mech to shift into the big ring nicely. I would always get that annoying thing where it takes a second extra for the chain to catch on the big ring, or if I had it shifting nicely it would rub. Plus, since it’s just pressing a button with Di2, I can easily change into the big ring from the drops since I don’t need to push the whole lever sideways. With Di2 I haven’t dropped a chain and it shifts instantly, just whzz and it’s ready, with the automatic down shift at the back too. The auto-trim feature is great too, no rubbing at all. Honestly I don’t have a bad thing to say about Di2 at all, I’m far from a competent mechanic and between my group set arriving through the door and taking it for a first ride it took me about two hours to install everything. Just to change the cables previously would take me an hour of fiddling around with magnets to try and get them routed through the frame.
- SyzygistSix 4y ago>For me the best thing is 100% reliable and fast front derailleur shifts. I get that with even friction shifting. It's bombproof. >With Di2 I haven’t dropped a chain That has to do with your limit screws. I haven't dropped a chain in decades probably, minus some kind of dramatic mountain bike wreck.
- jamincan 4y agoFor what it's worth, I've found the newer R8000 front mech far easier to adjust.
- Lio 4y agoMine came with the RX derailleur which includes a clutch mechanism. That really helps with both dropped chains and chain slap. Neither really happens any more not matter what surface I ride on (road, gravel, cobbles or light single track). You can set that on the mechanical version too.
- secondcoming 4y agoYou have to change what every six months?
- iamacyborg 4y agoBatteries
- chli 4y agoHe meant "charge".
- Lio 4y agoYes, should be charge not change. Sorry my bad, I blame autocorrect on my phone. :)