Ultegra Di2

[Stingray34]

http://www.cyclingnews.com/features/shimano-ultegra-di2-first-look

So, Ultegra Di2 set to be released in September for half the dosh of Dura Ace's version.

Anyone interested in going electric now?

I understand the real benefit of Di2 is a peerless FD. Does anyone have experience with electronic shifting? My feeling is it could be more trouble than it's worth.

Is the future electric? Will there always be a high-end mechanical option?

 

[steelciocc]

No thanks.

 

[la.margna]

I have been riding my Dura-Ace Di2 since March a few times only and all I can say so far it is just absolutly great, marvellous. Fast & precise, nothing to complain about. However, it is more nice to have than need to have, of course, if you are not riding any races.

 

[MR_Sarcastic]

Nope, but I'm sure that there will be lots of people riding around on bike paths with it.

 

[lostincosmos]

people will mock it.....for no good reason.

as has already begun, a group of people will talk about how unnecessary it is and how only losers will get it - forgetting that they're riding carbon frames with mavic wheels that cut out extra aluminum, with carbon shoes and maybe a roubaix-style frame with deeper rims from zipp - all of these were luxuries and not needed at some point too. now we just accept them.

everything you're riding right now is a shiny gadget that's more than what you need. it's ok if some people want this and will enjoy riding more for having it - knowing perfectly well it's a luxury and that it didn't make them faster.

don't make a ****ing contest out of it - if you're a badass, be a badass. don't hate on people who enjoy riding for different reasons than you do.

 

[Marva32]

The main issue I have with the new group is that the wiring is different than the Dura Ace Di2, so that the systems are not compatible with each other. That will probably lessen the demand somewhat, at least until they change the Dura Ace to the new wiring system.

 

[42x16ss]

Nope, but I'm sure that there will be lots of people riding around on bike paths with it.

There's already bikepathaletes riding around with Dura Ace Di2 here in Brisbane. They are typically (but not exclusively) larger exec types on very high end race frames with stems pointed to the sky, carbon race wheels and badly fitting team kit who struggle to hold a straight line at 25 Kph

 

[42x16ss]

as has already begun, a group of people will talk about how unnecessary it is and how only losers will get it - forgetting that they're riding carbon frames with mavic wheels that cut out extra aluminum, with carbon shoes and maybe a roubaix-style frame with deeper rims from zipp - all of these were luxuries and not needed at some point too. now we just accept them.

everything you're riding right now is a shiny gadget that's more than what you need. it's ok if some people want this and will enjoy riding more for having it - knowing perfectly well it's a luxury and that it didn't make them faster.

don't make a ****ing contest out of it - if you're a badass, be a badass. don't hate on people who enjoy riding for different reasons than you do.

Bingo - despite my previous post, new stuff like this might not be necessary, but it's damn nice to ride (Di2 is AMAZING)!! If you can afford the cost and truly appreciate the difference then why not go for it?!?!

 

[laziali]

There's already bikepathaletes riding around with Dura Ace Di2 here in Brisbane. They are typically (but not exclusively) larger exec types on very high end race frames with stems pointed to the sky, carbon race wheels and badly fitting team kit who struggle to hold a straight line at 25 Kph

They're still having fun, though. Why do you feel the need to mock them? Jealousy? Low self-esteem? I don't get it

 

[bc_hills]

They're still having fun, though. Why do you feel the need to mock them? Jealousy? Low self-esteem? I don't get it

It's just light hearted fun... there's humour there and nobody's marching in the streets protesting Fred's or anything like that. As long as you can laugh at yourself, you're free to laugh at others.

But back on topic... I'm gonna say no to electronic shifting as long as I can because I don't like dealing with batteries.

 

[on3m@n@rmy]

My mechanical Ultegra shifts great. No complaints there. I do not see how Di2 could improve on that. I do have lots of questions:

The one benefit of Di2 is elimination of the tension derailleur cables. But how often do I have to fuss with these? Not very. I kind of like the tension cables over electronic. External tension cabling will always have that gap between tube and cable... that makes cleaning the tube easier. How are the Di2 electronic cables attached? Tie-wrapped and harder to clean tubes?

Has anyone seen any other real benefits of electronic shifters?

Will the Di2 will still have the same Hi/Lo end adjustments?

At this point I'm not a believer... yet anyway.

 

[Bustedknuckle]

My mechanical Ultegra shifts great. No complaints there. I do not see how Di2 could improve on that. I do have lots of questions:

The one benefit of Di2 is elimination of the tension derailleur cables. But how often do I have to fuss with these? Not very. I kind of like the tension cables over electronic. External tension cabling will always have that gap between tube and cable... that makes cleaning the tube easier. How are the Di2 electronic cables attached? Tie-wrapped and harder to clean tubes?

Has anyone seen any other real benefits of electronic shifters?

Will the Di2 will still have the same Hi/Lo end adjustments?

At this point I'm not a believer... yet anyway.

Consistent shifting over time is the only 'advantage'. Gotta decide for yourself if that is worth the $.

Slower shifting, only one gear at a time in either direction. Fragile in terms of falling and killing a lever or rear der. NO compatibility with DA Di2..so if ya kill a DA rear der cannot get a cheaper Ultegra Di2 RD(altho that will still probably be $500+).

whizbang, not lighter, faster or cheaper.

 

[nowhereman]

as has already begun, a group of people will talk about how unnecessary it is and how only losers will get it - forgetting that they're riding carbon frames with mavic wheels that cut out extra aluminum, with carbon shoes and maybe a roubaix-style frame with deeper rims from zipp - all of these were luxuries and not needed at some point too. now we just accept them.

everything you're riding right now is a shiny gadget that's more than what you need. it's ok if some people want this and will enjoy riding more for having it - knowing perfectly well it's a luxury and that it didn't make them faster.

don't make a ****ing contest out of it - if you're a badass, be a badass. don't hate on people who enjoy riding for different reasons than you do.

Without reading any further I totally agree with you. It seems that this forum is fueled by incredibly self righteous, and judgmental people. And almost every issue/thread turns into a race to put others down. What I've learned from these forums is that a LOT of riders/cycling enthusiasts are very negatively opinionated about far too many things. While I am always open to making friends while I am on my bike. I must admit that I am often very wary, and often surprised when other riders are friendly. Though I do welcome it, I am very much a loner on my bike. Part of the reason I don't contribute very much to this forum. Apologies, but I feel that needed to be articulated, and lostincosmos framed it perfectly.

 

[nowhereman]

Bingo - despite my previous post, new stuff like this might not be necessary, but it's damn nice to ride (Di2 is AMAZING)!! If you can afford the cost and truly appreciate the difference then why not go for it?!?!

Agreed! I sure am thinking about the switch!

 

[42x16ss]

They're still having fun, though. Why do you feel the need to mock them? Jealousy? Low self-esteem? I don't get it

Yeah, I can be a bit harsh . I just find it a little funny to see someone I described earlier who hasn't owned a bike since they were a teenager, riding say, a Cannondale Super Six Hi-Mod but wouldn't be able to tell the difference if you blindfolded them and stuck them on a CAAD 10. My work is running a very large two day charity ride in August and there are a few execs getting new bikes for it that fit my description .

I try not to be too quick to judge as you never know when they are an ex racer with a bad back/knees/shoulders etc either. I'll never ever knock someone for getting out on the road and having some fun.

 

[fatsprintking]

I am not agaisnt technology as such, but I think I am just coming to terms with the fact that I am a bit of a tightarse.

When I hear people talking about a 500 buck rear derailier it just freaks me out a bit.

I just bought a Cannondale Caad4 Saeco with dura ace 9 speed for 600 bucks. This price included a brand new DA cassette. It came with the original Ksyrium SL's but I will swap these out for a set of Amrossio Excellence rims on DA hubs where the whole bike cost 200.

I am not against people spending big on their bikes, but I just cant see that I am going to be much faster on a $10000 bike than I am on what I have.

Maybe bikes are getting more like cars and that is cool, most of us dont need the type of cars we drive. I am still happy driving my 1970's renault, which maybe tells you all you need to know.

Its tough one to come to terms with - that the world may just have passed you by.

 

[laziali]

Yeah, I can be a bit harsh . I just find it a little funny to see someone I described earlier who hasn't owned a bike since they were a teenager, riding say, a Cannondale Super Six Hi-Mod but wouldn't be able to tell the difference if you blindfolded them and stuck them on a CAAD 10. My work is running a very large two day charity ride in August and there are a few execs getting new bikes for it that fit my description .

I try not to be too quick to judge as you never know when they are an ex racer with a bad back/knees/shoulders etc either. I'll never ever knock someone for getting out on the road and having some fun.

All good I actually think the more high-end bikes sold the better - it drives R&D and downward price competition (just have a look at the competitiveness in the carbon wheel market).

 

[lostincosmos]

I am not agaisnt technology as such, but I think I am just coming to terms with the fact that I am a bit of a tightarse.

When I hear people talking about a 500 buck rear derailier it just freaks me out a bit.

I just bought a Cannondale Caad4 Saeco with dura ace 9 speed for 600 bucks. This price included a brand new DA cassette. It came with the original Ksyrium SL's but I will swap these out for a set of Amrossio Excellence rims on DA hubs where the whole bike cost 200.

I am not against people spending big on their bikes, but I just cant see that I am going to be much faster on a $10000 bike than I am on what I have.

Maybe bikes are getting more like cars and that is cool, most of us dont need the type of cars we drive. I am still happy driving my 1970's renault, which maybe tells you all you need to know.

Its tough one to come to terms with - that the world may just have passed you by.

i don't think the world passed you by
you're quite happy with what you ride, and that's the whole point. i like to see people happy on their 40 year-old steely or their new custom wood frame with Di2. you gotta like what you ride - and if custom paint and electronic shifting make you like riding more, good on you.

i agree that the 10k bike won't make you any faster (well, maybe a LITTLE since it'll knock 5lbs off everything ), but i don't think people buying electronic shifting think it'll make them any faster either. it's not about thinking they'll be better for having it, it's that they'll like their bike/riding more with it.

i mean, no more chainrub, no more dropping your chain, no more shifts that don't actually move a gear, etc.....these are all pretty attractive ideas to me. it reduces some of the small inconveniences.... now is that worth the insane cash layout for ultegra di2? prally not...... but if i'm thinking of upgrading my bike already anyway, then i'm certainly going to consider getting the electronic option....

 

[lostincosmos]

Yeah, I can be a bit harsh . I just find it a little funny to see someone I described earlier who hasn't owned a bike since they were a teenager, riding say, a Cannondale Super Six Hi-Mod but wouldn't be able to tell the difference if you blindfolded them and stuck them on a CAAD 10. My work is running a very large two day charity ride in August and there are a few execs getting new bikes for it that fit my description .

I try not to be too quick to judge as you never know when they are an ex racer with a bad back/knees/shoulders etc either. I'll never ever knock someone for getting out on the road and having some fun.

you can also take great chefs, blindfold them and feed them various foods they can't identify all of a sudden (yes, i watch top chef...it seemed the right analogy).

but i hear you, if you can't tell the difference between the full carbon and the aluminum option, the extra spend on the full carbon was completely not worth it in some sense. but those execs have the cash, wanted a top level bike and sprung on it. meh, good for them i say - you gotta like what you're on and sometimes the whole calculus has more to do with what you want to ride as opposed to the correct and proper selection of frame material and components

i mean, my bike is only 5 years old (orbea onix) - but when i dream, i dream of a Cervelo R3....now with electronic shifting

 

[Bustedknuckle]

i mean, no more chainrub, no more dropping your chain, no more shifts that don't actually move a gear, etc.....these are all pretty attractive ideas to me. it reduces some of the small inconveniences.... now is that worth the insane cash layout for ultegra di2? prally not...... but if i'm thinking of upgrading my bike already anyway, then i'm certainly going to consider getting the electronic option....[/QUOTE]

I don't have any of those things.....7s freewheel, friction downtube shifters, I haven't really adjusted my derailleurs for 20 years...

 

[Benotti69]

There's already bikepathaletes riding around with Dura Ace Di2 here in Brisbane. They are typically (but not exclusively) larger exec types on very high end race frames with stems pointed to the sky, carbon race wheels and badly fitting team kit who struggle to hold a straight line at 25 Kph

without people like these buying this stuff and keeping the price down for the 'real' cyclists, it would be twice as expensive

 

[fatsprintking]

i mean, no more chainrub, no more dropping your chain, no more shifts that don't actually move a gear, etc.....these are all pretty attractive ideas to me. it reduces some of the small inconveniences.... now is that worth the insane cash layout for ultegra di2? prally not...... but if i'm thinking of upgrading my bike already anyway, then i'm certainly going to consider getting the electronic option....

I don't have any of those things.....7s freewheel, friction downtube shifters, I haven't really adjusted my derailleurs for 20 years...[/QUOTE]

There was a time when changing gears and being able to adjust them properly was seen as a skill that you were required to have. It always worried me that Andy Schleck was treated as having a mechanical when he dropped his chain when this was in my view a skill error.

Roll on automatic bicycles where you can have 30 of those pesky gears but not actually have to worry about changing, the bike will just do it for you. I mean electronic shifting combined with an ecu of some sort linked to a power meter, how far away can it be? Change vs Progress!! I still hardly use some of my 8 speed cassette.

 

[Damiano Machiavelli]

without people like these buying this stuff and keeping the price down for the 'real' cyclists, it would be twice as expensive

They do not keep the price down. They keep it up. It is the reason why the prices of cycling gear have exploded upward.

 

[kiwirider]

i mean, no more chainrub, no more dropping your chain, no more shifts that don't actually move a gear, etc.....these are all pretty attractive ideas to me. it reduces some of the small inconveniences.... now is that worth the insane cash layout for ultegra di2? prally not...... but if i'm thinking of upgrading my bike already anyway, then i'm certainly going to consider getting the electronic option....

No dropped chains? Check out Schelck's problems at the Tour de Suisse TT ... despite Shimano's "using the wrong 42 for the 54" excuse (makes their Sven Nys pedal episode blame game look almost plausible), the fact that he dropped it on a straight road with no major change in slope (ie., so he wouldn't need to shift gears) and that the chain wouldn't go back on makes the whole issue look like a front derailleur problem to me ...

... and of course there are stories about both Shimano and Campag electric equipped riders getting stuck in the big ring on climbs at TDU this year ... (this was also a problem with the old Mavic systems - seems that the front derailleur is the weakest point in electric shift systems ...)

... and check out the problems that some guy had in the US because he had a water leak into his Di2 and it started making random shifts and then wouldn't shift ...

So, yep, electric shifting sure reduces the number of small inconveniences ... but only 'cos it turns them into full blown problems ...!

 

[andrebetz]

I ride Di-2 (big surprise huh?). Never had a problem. One battery charge lasts for months. Never misses a shift. Silent and fast. Is the Ultegra designed to shift as smoothly under load as the DA? Not sure, but I'm sure someone here will tell us.