Competitive Cyclist reviews Shimano Di2

Wow. What more can we say? With their new Di2 electric gruppo Shimano finally pulled off what others have been trying to do for years, and the results are simply breathtaking.

Category:

Sports

Tags:

• Cycling components
• Shimano
• Shimano Di2
• Derailleurs
• Shift Levers

[BillieJean900]

does it work with any cassette or crank

[competitivecyclist]

@BillieJean900 Shimano recommends using only their crank (either 7900 or 6700), and we do as well. The front shifting simply won't be as good with anyone else's chainrings. The cassette, however, can be any 10-speed model from Shimano or SRAM, but again - if you want it to be optimal, we recommend keeping it in the family with a Shimano 7900 cassette.

[mikeylee2001]

Can you route the cables internally?

[competitivecyclist]

@mikeylee2001 yes, Shimano offers options for internal routing, and many bike manufacturers (like Pinarello and Wilier) offer Di2-specific frames that come from the factory with the harness installed.

Andy

[samstterhamstteer]

One question what happens when it runs out of battery?

[competitivecyclist]

@samstterhamstteer there are LED battery indicators which display battery life. As long as you check the battery level after every ride, you shouldn't be stranded. However, if you *do* run out of battery, then the system will stay in the gear it's in until you can recharge.

[neonben76]

Nice, now my bike has a carbon footprint.

[IPodShuffle4G]

i want this bike!

[moviemyles100]

it would be better if it got the electricity from the friction of the wheel

[ArcaneGear]

I just came....

[CyclingAZ]

how would it work on a q ring?

[HariVIyer]

Where does it get it's power? Putting electricity into my bicycle seems silly...I ride so I can move myself with nothing but human power.

[SwedishBass]

@ryanola72 Sorry for the late reply. For some reason, i didn't get the usual email notification of it. Anyway, thanks for clearing that up. I was close to getting a Fully Di2/Dura Ace bike for 3000€, fulcrum 5 and full carbon frame, but then reality came by and knocked on my student corridor door...

The worst part about trying the Di2? Nothing will ever feel as good as it, save for the Ultegra Di2. Still, the season in Sweden is pretty much over... :(

[maddymouse46]

Omg yum

[lad080479]

i use Rotor's compact Qrings with my Di2 and have never had any issues, 550watts standing climb i changed up no problems never had a problem and done over 2500 miles with this set up. Also use the light weight spin cassette the 98gram, never missed on the either. just keeps going never misses never jumps.

[lad080479]

I disagree with that, i Run the Di2 with Rotor 3d compact Qrings, climbing at 550 watts out the seat, changed up perfect, never had a problem never missed. Even raced in the Velo24 hour as a solo rider, no problems. if like me and you suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome, the shift button on the drops is a must have.

[ryanola72]

@SwedishBass It seems unlikely that it's an adjustment issue. I'm wondering if the shift was incomplete to the second ring and if you accidentally hit the other button to reverse the action. Front shifts either go or they don't go (admittedly some a lot faster than others). Our experience with Di2 has been nothing but positive, and the performance has been flawless.