FIRST time trying Di2 Electronic Shifting after TEN YEARS riding!
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- Опубліковано 22 сер 2024
- What's your thoughts on it??
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Something you need to consider is the cost of replacing components. For example, a new Di2 rear derailleur is about 4x the cost of mechanical. Same applies to front derailleur, shifters, etc. Take home message is make sure your pockets are deep enough to afford replacement components if and when they break.
You are right about the cost, in 9 years of riding I have never had to replace a derailleur. Did have to replace whole bike due to a crash though. :)
@@markp353 I think it is the mileage and the conditions encountered that matters not the years.
You can say that about your wheels, pedals, frame etc. As for conditions, don’t worry about them. Di2 will work whatever you throw at it. GCN did a video a few years ago where they left a Di2 bike overnight submerged in water and the next day it worked perfectly.
I’ve been riding for 30 years and I’ve never broken a derailleur or shifter.
One of the benefits you won't notice on a short ride is the "perfecct shifting forever" thing. If you've had your bikes for five years you're probably on your second or third set of shifter wires, and you've re-tweaked your shifting more times than you can remember because those wires stretch and makes the whole shifting to go out of alignment. On the other hand you haven't touched your DI2 gears, the shifting is just as perfect as it was when the bike was brand new. And even if you should have a crash and break your rear derailleur or something, your new derailleur will shift perfectly as soon as it's connected. Yes you'll need to set the adjuster screws but they rarely need tweaking on any kind of derailleurs once they are set.
Also remember if you’re away from major cities or towns and touring and you have a drivetrain issue some back street shop isn’t going to have DI2 spares. Also flat battery one gear to get home.
But for most folk it’s fun to use.
Have fun servicing a bike with concealed cables 😊
I. DON'T. NEED. TO. SEE. THIS....!!!!
I have mechanical 105 and Ultegra and totally love them........and your typically honest and fab review is making me have thoughts that i don't want to be having coz i wanna be faithful to my mechanical for a long time yet 😂😂😂
Everyone seems to be firmly in one camp or the other personally I can honestly take it or leave it. I have Di2 on my Disc Road bike, but mechanical on my rim road bike, and both gravel bikes one 2X and one 1X (variety is the spice of life I guess). Love all of them and have no trouble switching between, or setting them up to not rub, and shift smooth etc. It used to bug me that there was something I wasn't getting that the "I'll never go back" people where, but actually I've come around to the realisation that's in this case the middle is a nice place too be where for once I get to cheerfully agree with everyone they are both great!!.
I'm the same with rim Vs. disc, and Tube Vs. Tubeless but I always assumed that has a lot to do with the fact I'm a 53kg fly weight, so I'm not plagued by punctures at lower pressures and a good sneeze can send me backwards LOL
Spot on comment I’ve got both and I like both the same with rim and disc 😊
Yes! THANK you for appreciating what a difference these gears can make for people with mobility issues. So many bike-gear reviewers are young and in perfect health, and completely overlook this aspect. Fifty years of cycling have given me terrible thumb arthritis, which was turning cycling into an agonizing experience. I could not afford to upgrade to electronic shifters (WHY are they SO expensive?), so I pretty much have had to give up outdoor cycling. However, I can use electronic shifting on my indoor Zwift rides, and this has saved my fitness and my sanity. And enabled me to continue experiencing the joy of cycling, even if only indoors. One day, I hope Shimano comes up with a range designed for people who don’t need fancy high-end stuff - they just need something basic and affordable to take the load off their thumbs.
Spot on. I agree it is a luxury for all of those who have perfectly fuctional hands and zero risk factors, but it's an absolute essential for anyone struggling with hand injuries. I am looking forward to the day when it's just a matter of choice in a bike spec, rather than a reflection of someone's wallet size.
Definitely agree about Di2 as an accessibility technology which can enable people to ride when they have hand strength and mobility issues. I have carpal tunnel syndrome in my right wrist which can result in my hand going numb, especially in cold/wet weather. Di2 has been a game changer for me 👍
Totally. I was at a point of having to restrict my riding because it was flaring up an old wrist injury, which convinced me to upgrade to discs and Di2. Nearly 4000£ for a bike when I had a perfectly functional steed already, was hard to stomach (this was before 105 went electronic). Three years later I can do around 7000km per year and have zero hand issues due to cycling. Insuring such an expensive bike isn't cheap and I am very much aware a rear mech costs over 200£, but it has been totally worth it.
Once you go electronic, there’s no going back. No front derailleur rub EVER, no adjustments required as it’s automatically done. I have SRAM Etap though but I have SRAM Rival mechanical. I will be replacing that though to AXS. Crisp perfect shifts always.
Another solution to FD issues is to eliminate it. I have SRAM Apex 1x on my gravel bike and I'm very happy with it.
@@jamesmckenzie3532 yes I run 1x on my gravel bike. Rival. I’m from an MTB/Enduro background though so used to narrow/wide single chainrings. I do like the SRAM large paddles for shifting, but nothing beats electronic gears. Great for winter riding with gloves too
Went to Di2 around 2012 and never went back. I compare it to going from an electric stove to gas then from gas to induction. No more cable stretch issues👍👍
@@peterlindsay8235 exactly. There just isn’t anything that is better about mechanical. So many say what if it goes wrong, mechanical you just take a spare gear cable. I’ve never had it go wrong and with sram the batteries are external and clip on to derailleurs so if they go flat you always carry a spare. But typically my batteries last 1-2 months depending on mileage/gear changes
And here I am going from di2 (tho 10speed) to downtube shifters
Why try to complicate a function that is basically very simple. I use friction shifters, they just work, and have done since 1980 to the present day. One of the great things about cycling is that it has been very simple and affordable, for my part I'm going to keep it that way.
Why bother with a fancy derailleur when you could just have a single speed? Worked in the 1920s, no reason to change.
@@KeatB Still works to this day in some cities and flat countries like the Netherlands. Back in the 20's the flatter main roads were very quite and probably quite pleasant to cycle, now if you want (as most of us do) quiet roads you need to seek them out, which in the UK means small lanes and hills.
Yes there is something to be said for the simplicity of single speed or (to go one step further) a fixie, but they would be very limiting for most people.
I switched from mechanical Ultegra 11 speed to Ultegra Di2 11 speed on my 2016 Trek Domane in 2020. I now have that groupset on a new Emonda ALR frame for Zwift etc. and a new 2023 SLR9 Emonda with 12 speed DuraAce for my road riding. Trust me Katie, there's NO going back to cable shifting. I sounded exactly like you do in the video for about the first 20 minutes I rode it in 2020. That's all it took to be a convert! - Bob (Toronto, Canada)
Fell into it Ultegra Di2 looking for a indoor trainer bike, was lucky to find an older frame with Di2 on the cheap. Ugh... why did I wait so long. Lol Problem now is I am scheming how to turn my main Dura ace bike into Di2...
Delusional
?@@Tarmaccyclocross
I have Ultegra Di2 on my summer bike and it works like a dream. I’ve been using it in full auto mode.
On my winter bike I use a 1x SRAM mechanical set up. Easy to clean and less expensive should it more wear in the harsher conditions. Both have a place and do a great job.
Just got back from Tenerife where I rented and rode a Di2 105 bike for 30 hours total...now all I do is look online for Di2 bikes to buy. I have had all sorts of issues with the mechanical Ultegra on my TCR and even at the LBS they never completely resolve them. Di2 is such joy! I will be converting soon one way or another...
Try a different shop, ultegra with the very sensible cable runs on the TCR should work perfectly for 000s of miles between minor adjustments.
I just watched a video where someone did a long winter ride in freezing conditions and the batteries packed up due to the cold and they were left stranded in the hills (it was a SRAM groupset btw) . This is a good enough reason for me to avoid electronic shifting.
I have had SRAM AXS on my Trek FX-6. for a year now. I love it. Not sure Shimano had a similar set up for a straight handle fitness bike like mine at the time I bought my SRAM AXS, but in general I thoroughly appreciate the electronic shifting. Even though my SRAM system is entry level electronic shifting, it is smooth and has been very reliable.
I have 12 speed Ultegra Di2 on my "Best bike" and I do love it, but I also have 11 speed GRX 800 mechanical on my all weather/ winter bike and I love that too.
Great! Electronic shifting is one of the best evolutions of last times. I've been using the GRX 815 Di2 2x11 on a gravel bike for several years and wouldn't go back to mechanicals. The GRX has a wider range of teeth than the 105 and the buttons for switching Edge screens are placed in better ergonomics, inside the top of the levers.
Is it shite another all the gear no idea
As someone with accessibility issues, I have all my controls on the left side, Di2 would be a dream. Price wise, its still out of reach for many, but hopefully it continues down for more people.
had di2 three years never had to touch or trim gears perfect
With two surgically repaired wrists and over 60, I've been looking at electronic shifting for a couple of years. My hesitancy comes from the maintenance and repair learning curve. I can field strip and repair all my mechanical shift bikes (GRX, 105) both at home...and more importantly out on the road. Snapped cables the exception, but at least i can get the bike in a middle gear to get home. Wary of failures to electronic shifting...probably need some schooling.
Thanks for the first impressions. Can't wait to see what new bike you've landed. 🚴♂️🚴♂️🚴♂️
There isn’t much maintenance at all and zero cables to replace. Depends on your issues with injury and how far you ride too. Long rides it’s fantastic. I like SRAM axs but Di2 isn’t much different. I rode oof road covered in mud and it all worked, in 1M of water in a road underpass it thought was 2cm it was fine too.
Great video as usual. I have stayed away from Di2 since its inception because I just couldn't see the difference in shifting my mechanical Ultegra which is amazingly quick and smooth versus the Di2. Recently bought a new Madone with Ultegra Di2. OMG. Initially, I still didn't see the big deal, but as I added miles and discovered all the little benefits that Di2 provides. I'm a convert now for sure. And, yes I love changing screens on my Garmin with the buttons!!! Keep up the great content.
Just finished a DIY upgrade to Di2 last week and had my first ride with it just yesterday. OMG, what a joy it was! My 2008 Specialized entry level bike at the time, now feels completely different and I dare to say, the expense of the upgrade gave me more value for money than buying a new bike for the same amount. And it's just a decent frame, why waste it? Love my bike. Love Di2 already.
Another delusional halfwit
I went from 105 mechanical to GRX Di2 1X11 and absolutely love it. It's been two years and I would never go back.
Another all the gear no idea
Certainly not a must have as a well set up mechanical groupset is still great but once you have tried Di2 it’s difficult to go back. It just works.
Totally agree!!! Love mechanical and always will :)
It’s shite
Katie I've always ridden campagnola mechanical for 38yrs I recently bought a 2014 Cervelo S2 Carbon which has Ultegra di2 10sp love it so smooth ,Quick, it,s now obsolete only 11/12sp are available now so parts are difficult to get hold of but I will keep it as long as I can😊😊
Congratulations on your new bike! 🚵🏼♀️ 👍🏾❤️
Well not sure how long I will keep it but will do a video on it soon :)
I've been riding Di2 for a few years now and the best bits are syncro shifting, so just use the rear shift and it adjusts the front to minimise chain crossing, the hidden buttons for my Garmin, and automatic trimming so never rubbing the front derailier. Also for idiots like me who forgot to change down the front until I have too much tension on the chain and a front mechanical derailier wont push the chain off the big ring (we have all done it grinding to a halt) Di2 just bangs the chain across with no hesitation whatever the chain tension.
I have 6870 Ultegra on my summer bike with the later battery so I also have most of the Synchro Shift functionality. I do like the Semi Synchro Shift function and run that all the time, I didn’t really feel in full control with the Full Synchro Shift function. Whilst I would agree that Di2 is smooth shifting, I don’t feel it is any better than well set up mechanical shifting, I run 10spd Tiagra on my winter bike.
My gravel bike went from Sora (I broke two shifters in six months, then a mech hanger, mech and wheel) to Di2 and i love it ! So quiet. A smooth shift feels so good, a bad one ruins your enjoyment of the ride. Got caught in 3ft of floodwater in its first week but has already outlasted my first Sora. It's a mix n match of components i fitted, was surprised it all just plug n played. Also got the "ammo counter" from the MTB Di2 set, it's so nice having a continuous display of what gear you're in , rather than trying to remember the clicks or peep down there !
Gravel bikes hybrids with drop handlebar’s at a much higher cost. Electric shifting crap
I bought a road bike with di2 during covid lockdown and really loved it. I still have a gravel bike and a mtb both mechanical, but soon will upgrade to electronic… you said it yourself, once you have it you will never go back. 👍🏾❤️✌🏾
Idiot
Absolutely love Di2
Almost as good as the view from Buckstones on a sunny winters day
I've ridden mechanical shifting since the 70s, but everyone I know who uses electronic loves it. I expect it's similar to when I went to index shifting from friction. Maybe not as big a revelation as when I went from downtube shifting to lever shifting, but I don't know. I'll get there eventually, I hope...
Of they’re going to love it after shelling out a fortune delusional
@@TarmaccyclocrossWell, two of them didn't pay for the bikes, so I'm inclined not to think they're defending a purchase
thanks, I have been using di2 for 4 months now on my Trek Madone sl7 and it shifts fantastic, once an empty battery but still got home fine
When I bought my first drop bar bike 11 years ago, I found the mechanical levers scary. I was used to grip or trigger shifting on mountain bikes and pushing a long lever off the hoods made me so nervous. So when I test rode a few bikes, and one of them had Ultegra di2, I was immediately sold. I've been riding that bike for 10 years, and just bought a second drop bar bike (gravel) and it has mechanical GRX, which I am perfectly comfortable with. I agree that di2 is a great option for people with mobility issues, tiny hands (like me) or people trying to get comfortable with drop bar bikes! So happy that 105 di2 is coming out to make it accessible to more people, and thank you Katie for giving it a try and reviewing it!
Haha... love the remark about the sound. I've had SRAM Force for about a year, and the little noise it makes when the sequential shifting switches from the large cog to the granny gear [and vice versa] never gets old! It still makes me smile!
Thinking of going electric to get 2x on my CX-everyday bike too much climbing local mixed the flats-rollars for a 1x11 to do all of it well. Sram aand shimano has their flaws to their system. So love to mix both. Sram setup with full wireless and ease charge batteries but Shimano shifting/braking then use smaller battery or better position battery on the FD so rear tire clearance is not a problem. coming from 2x10 doubletap sram.
I have 12 speed Ultregra Di2 on my summer bike and one thing I would advise you to do is to fit a chain catcher on the front derailleur if you are going to use synchronised shifting. When used in this mode, down shifting at the front without a chain catcher can lead to the chain dropping on the inside of the small ring. This is because the rear derailleur up shifts two gears immediately after the front has shifted and whilst the chain may not have settled fully on the small ring. Personally, I don't use this feature or the fully automatic mode because I prefer to maintain control over my shifting.
It's crazy, I went from riding an 80s road bike with down tube 2x6 friction shifters, to an old MTB with twist grip 3x6 and now on a gravel bike with Sora 2x9 which feels like such a massive jump from the MTB that I can't comprehend the jump to DI2.
Mind you, my gravel bike was £600 so a DI2 or other electronic groupset is probably more expensive than my current bike!
I stuck with manual Shimano for absolute decades and pooh-poohed electronic shifting as an unnecessary gimmick. I got a replacement for a crashed bike that came with Di2 and OMG I think it's fantastic. I still ride and love Shimano manual (Ultegra 11-speed) but Di2 is next-level, and doesn't need constant tweaks like the manual mechs (I find). I hope your experience is as joyful!
I wasn't looking for a di2 bike when I upgraded from 15 year old mechanical Ultegra one a few years ago, I just wanted a smoother riding bike. The ride/feel of the Roubaix won me over and the Ultegra DI2 was a cool addition. After 3 years, I love it! It's relatively flat here in NE Florida, so I only have to charge it every 2 to 3 months. I got hooked and put the wireless GX Eagle Axis shifter on my mountain bike the following year, lol.
Great video Katie. I have bikes with Di2 and Shimano mechanical. Both groupsets are great but the ease of use of the Di2, the seamless shifting and the additional features it offers over its mechanical equivalents for me does edge it. Like you said though the most important thing is to get outside on your bike and enjoy the riding either on your own or with your mates.
Main plus.... cables don't stretch or change seasonally with temp, so no more having to change cables. The indexing virtually never moves and what is really cool is, that if you wanted to, you can trim them actually on the move!! One other thing that a lot of di2 users do not realise is that there is a little bit auto wizardry even on full manual mode. Consider riding in the biggest gear possible on the small ring, the system limits the cross chaining on the cassette and excludes the last two gears. Now consider using the same gear on the big ring and then wanting to change to the small front ring. You would think that you simply blip the front left , front DR, shifter... true but this doesnt shift the front it actually shifts the rear cassette into the none cross cassette ring, than you blib again to drop the chain at the front. It is so seamless most people do not realise it is doing this and sometimes think it has just not done the chain drop to the small ring in the first place. The top blips are great in the winter, when your fingers are freezing and you have big gloves it is hard to feel the little shift paddles.... switch to auto mode and use the top buttons.
Delusional I’ve lost count the number of times I’ve seen peoples gearing failing through cold or wet weather. I can change a cable in minutes I’d like to see you fix a electronic rear mech when it goes wrong 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
@@Tarmaccyclocross I would kinda agree with externally routed cables, but the tight angles of cables around shifters and internal routing these days cause excessive cablewear. Not on all bikes, but on some. Ridden cable for over 40 years and would not go back to them on my road bikes. I ride both Sram and Shimano. Not sure that I would choose electric for Gravel, CX, or MTB. Probably too delicate for that and costly for any offs!! Had Di2 on my Trek for 4 years, only issue is forgetting to charge it once in a while.. 18,000 miles... no issuess and seemingly kind to cassette and chain.
It good for turbo. Great vlog skinny k. Looks so amazing out on them hills . Have a great week x
My bike is only 2 years old. Mechanical ultegra. Shifts fine. Have tried durace Di2 once. Yes it's nicer, better but the costs are ridiculous. Even at 105 level. I think the biggest advantage is shifting under load when climbing.
I'll probably go electronic for my next bike but that may be years away.
Oooh, Elves. Been looking at their new 2023 Vanyar Pro for next year though the Falath Evo you're on does look nice.
Not sure about 105 di2, but on ultegra and up and higher GRX the hydraulic shifters self calibrate when there has been a change in the hydraulic system ... like pad changing. They effectively auto set the bite point as the pad age and reset by pumping them when new pads are fitted etc. This is a major plus, not to be confused with the reach adjustment screw. I would check if 105 di2 has had the trickle down for this.
All Shimano Hydro brakes (and full hydro in general) self adjust even pre Di2, its the "Servo Wave" pivot ported over from MTB that 105 lacks, its supposed to improve modulation but I can't tell a difference and going by all the reviews and comparisons I read when shopping around few can, maybe it depends on how you brake.
R7020 and R7025 have reach but no free travel adjustment. Nor does Grx 400 and possibly 600. 800 has both. Although I do not know about 105 di2, but ultegra does.
@@1carusjohn32 Di2 105 (R7170 levers) definitely has freestroke adjustment, 2mm Allen key under the hoods, but that's not an automatic feature on any of Shimano's levers it requires manual adjustment.
@@chris1275cc is that reach, which moves the brake levers in or out, or the free travel where the pistons first start to move. If it moves the levers this is reach not free travel.
@@1carusjohn32 No, on all current/latest Di2 levers reach adjustment is external on the back of the lever but outside the hoods, the free stroke is about 1cm back from that screw but under the hoods. But as I say its not automatic it requires manual adjustment, and sometimes a quick bleed (if you are adjusting a lot). I do think it's Servo Wave you are thinking of its the only thing in the brake department that 105 Di2 is lacking and happens automatically. I'm not overly familiar with GRX Di2, the 11 speed now previous Gen kind of fell between previous and current Gen road and technically did not have a direct 105 equivalent in either Di2 or mechanical.
I had mechanical Dura Ace on my 2010 road bike, I ended up with Ultegra DI2 on my 2016 Trek Domane, the battery is under the bottom bracket, it does get very dirty, but the shifting is great. I get the occasional double shift , if I get a bit heavy with the button, but I absolutely love di2. SRAM with the AXS group sets, has a completely different way of shifting from what you would be used to with mechanical group sets. I will never go back…
My next bike has electronic shifters. I absolutely cannot wait!!
I use SRAM not Di2 but I guess they are very similar apart from Battery placement. I used mine for 4000km North Cape Race, APN22, European Divide Trail ( Eastern Europe ) off road and it’s fantastic. Yes you can break it and yes you can also break the manual ones too. The strain on your wrist gear changing is zero.
Loved Di2 the moment I got it on my race bike, I do have mechancial on other bikes, 105 Di2 sounds great, no need to buy Ultegra Di2 anymore.
I rode electronic shifting for the first time with a new Domane this year (Ultegra 12-sp Di2). It was nice, but I didn't realize how nice until I rode one of my other bikes with mechanical shifting after using the Di2 exclusively for about 3 months. That other bike now has Di2 on it as well. Point being, I think the difference is more noticeable going from Di2 to mechanical than the other way. I guess simply, the improved and easier shifting is more noticeable when you don't have it.
Delusional
Been riding Di2 for 5 years and love it. Hope you have a good experience with it, as well.
Thank you :) Glad you love it. Well I will still be on mechanical 100000% I have a couple of bikes! x
My summer Domane has ultegra DI2 (my previous one had it too). My winter bike has mechanical 105 - chalk and cheese.
Before moving from Surrey to Devon I ran my Di2 in semi synchronous mode (S1) as I loved the control of deciding when to shift the front chain ring. Here in Devon it is much more hilly and I gave in and tried fully synchronous mode (S2). It makes things so much easier - especially with lots of short and sometimes sharp hills. The gear changes are more gradual.
Another advantage is that the maintenace associated with cables goes away immediately. The system just works and is pretty much flawless all the time.
I have the transmitter in my system which sends information to the Garmin head unit. I keep a visual of front and rear gear positions as two of the parameters on my main screen. On a different screen I have battery remaining - page shifting is easy via the hood buttons (as your video shows)
The battery, situated in the down tube on mine, lasts several months between charges and I have to shift gears a lot here.
As an analogy, it's a bit like having a manual box vs an automatic box in your car. Some will always favour one over the other. Purists love manuals. Many other manual owners steadfastly refuse the concept of driving with an automatic box. However, once they try an automatic, the wonder why they didn't change years before - myself included.
Braking and changing gear at the same time - game changer.
Only people who can’t afford electronic slate it! It’s hard because unless a shop can demo you a bike, most people won’t get a chance to try before you buy which is a shame. But anyone who gets it would never say, na I prefer mechanical. The only negative is with winter gloves. The new 12 speed is a little better at feeling the different buttons but still hard.
I had ridden 11-speed Di2 Ultegra and wasn't blown away by it. It was smooth and precise but didn't shift as fast as mechanical 105 or Ultegra, the hoods felt too big. But then my new road bike came with 12-speed Ultegra Di2 - Shimano fixed everything I didn't like about 11-speed Di2. I love Synchro Shift and custom-programmed it with presets for climbing and flats. It really is brilliant - especially with Sprint shifters on the bar tops so I can shift whilst cruising. I have mechanical on my other bikes but just love that new 12-speed Di2. Wish it wasn't winter here in Canada! But for mountain bikes and gravel, I'm quite happy with XT and GRX mechanical. I'm far more likely to trash a rear mech on those bikes, too, so I'll take the cost savings.
electronic shifting's come a long way. by no means is it a must have for cyclists but it's definitely nicer than mechanical now that the battery life etc are good. and honestly i've really taken to the hood buttons to control your head unit. soooo nice
If I had the option to do it then Di2 every time. Unfortunately I’m on the mechanical 105s which has to be fair, been relatively good. But when it comes round to trading in the old bike for new it’s Di2. Think you should make the jump Katie, being your job and all that.
I have mechanical and electronic shifting bikes. I prefer SRAM's implementation of SW and battery mgmt, but prefer Di2's actual shifting. That being said, I feel no need to upgrade my mech bikes either. It's a nice to have, but now that SRAM & Shimano have it at lower groupsets, I'll go with it for any new purchases.
Both shite
Most people who get electronic shifting will probably do everything in their power to never use mechanical again. I switched to Ultegra Di2 in 2016 and consider it to be a quality of life improvement.
Delusional
Early adopter of the first gen Di2 back in 2010. Now on Red AXS eTap. Never gone back to mechanical since.
Because you’re an idiot
Picked up a used Cervelo P3 Triathlon bike... came with the Di2 system... simply game changing. To be able to stay in an aero position with the shift buttons on my aerobars is amazing.
Katie, invest in Ultegra di2. You with love the top hood button functionality. I started using it in June on my new Trek Domane+ SLR 7.
I've been using Ultegra Di2 since 2018. Absolutely love it. There is literally no downside (besides price)
@@stevenmeyer9674you obviously live in a cave
I switched to SRAM Force AXS this summer and absolutely love it - wireless and if the rear battery were to ever go flat, I can just swap it out for the front battery 😆
I charge mine every couple of months and I have the levers set to custom - so like SRAM the big levers are used for auto up/down including auto shift front mech and small levers override only front mech. The ONE best thing you didn't mention is the AUTO-TRIM. Basically it will trim the front mech so that it doesn't catch the chain whatever gear you're in - genius :D I love the Durace mechanical on my other bike but I miss it doesn't autotrim.
once you do it, you look for it every time. no rub. chain always goes to the same place. I’ve had mine since 2017. you’ll love it. enjoy.
Another all the gear no idea
I love di2.... have been using it for years!! As a female with small hands I just prefer the smaller hoods (way more comfortable), and it's just easier to shift gears. I also have raynaud's syndrome, which means my hands go numb really easily, so having di2 is a life saver when this happens! Also don't have to worry about cables stretching, so don't have to constantly adjust it. In regards to the battery, you just get used to charging it (and to be fair, a full charge lasts a really long time!) No one complains about charging their bike computer, so why complain about having to charge di2?... Especially when it's so much better than mechanical! Definitely worth it.
“Stop and enjoy the scenery 😀” ….looking forward to GCN’s updated critique of KK’s UA-cam channel😮
Looking forward to Katie's NBD soon with Di2 :D
Yeah watch it break 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
10 years back I wanted to test a bike and the shop had one in my size with Di2. I thought electronic shifting was just a gimmick that no one needs, but for a test ride what the heck. I would get the mechanical anyway.
After 1 hour test ride I was hooked and I took the electronic over the mechanical, despite the hefty price difference.
The shifting is just so fast, so precise and winter or summer doesn’t change. Once set never touched it in 10 years. No maintenance and you get used to the charging intervals. And it sounds silly, but I shift much more frequently with the electronic. I have 1 bike on mechanical and 2 on electronic (Di2 Ultagra and SRAM eTap), love all 3 (which is a bit excessive I know!!!), but I way prefer the electronic shifting.
For me the only valid reason not to go for electronic is the price, but with the electronic 105 thing start to look better.
02:15
that gap!!! tell the mechanic wrap it again🤣
Can't go wrong with it, the fact that it never needs adjusting is fab, although crashes can get expensive !
this is my concern. a minor crash with di2 and integrated headset could cost £100s
Total shite
As you know, DATES are my absolute Fav. 😋 But Di2 is a very, very close second. DATES + Di2 is more joy at one time than anyone deserves but everyone needs to experience. 🥰
I got 3 bikes 11s Di2.
Recently upgraded my gravel bike to Rival AXS.
11-36 as standard is great from Shimano.
Shimano needs to bring Di2 to a cheaper range, maybe rename the older Ultegra 11s to the new Tiagra Di2.
It's amazing for a triathlon bike as well. You can change gears in the drops and the TT bars. My road/gravel bikes are mechanical and they are great but I would have them Di2 as well if I could afford.
love my new Di2 Ultegra 12 speed. So far works great. Also new to me are disc brakes. One thing I notice is that I sometimes I miss shifts due to wearing full finger gloves (which I prefer).
Disc brakes and Di2 utter stupidity
Recently changed myself on summer and winter/turbo bikes. It is better in almost every way, especially when it comes to indexing, if you ever have any of those clicky/rubbing issues. In terms of DIY mechanics, it takes a bit of learning but I quickly got the hang of it. I have DA9100, 9200 and Ultegra 8000 series di2 and what I would say is the 9100 and 8000 series is easier and better to use as a mechanic than 9200. The constant need to log in via the app versus a button just makes it more fiddly to interact with. Also, wireless levers occasionally need a wired update, which requires a bit of fiddling - may as well have just the wires in on 9200 series really. The only big downside is getting complacent with charging, I have had two rides ruined because I forgot to charge my di2 systems.
I love Di2, always use semi-synchro shifting as that's how I'd shift on mechanical too. I tried full-synchro once but decided I wanted to be in charge of switching between chainrings😅 I have Di2 11spd and 12spd at the moment. From a bike building perspective I love the semi-wireless setup with 12spd but I'm not totally sold on 12spd from a lever feel and noise perspective. For my small hands I think the 11spd shifters were the sweet spot, plus I think the extra gear, whilst useful, has made for a noisier transmission. If I was only allowed one bike (e.g. by 'law' 😢) then it would probably be Di2 but I still love to ride my mechanical bike. It just works so well. There is a strange pleasure in physically moving the derailleurs yourself!
Di2 shifting has the potential to reduce wear on the drivetrain. The shifts are extremely precise and quick, plus with synchro shift no extreme cross chaining should happen.
Get in the real world
When you go Di2, there is no going back. I have Ultegra Di2 12 Speed in my Domane SL 7 Gen 4 and love it. Shimano mechanical is not bad, though. I have the latest 105 mechanical 12 speed in my Domane AL 5 Gen 4 but that’s my Zwift bike and backup bike but for outdoors cycling, electronic shifting is the way… and there is no going back.
I'm a bike mechanic and I've built some bikes with both Sram AXS and Shimano Di2. Both are fun to play around with. Sram is a lot easier to set up and install. I like both! I'm getting a new Trek Checkpoint next spring most likely. I'd be happy with either Sram or Shimano. It just depends on which bike is in stock in my size. One thing is you can hardly find a new higher end bike with mechanical shifting.
Syncro shifting can be dangerous, I've seen it drop chains and break chainstays. I had Di2 12spd Ultegra and had constant dropped chains at front, same with others even on their Dura-Ace versions. Back spinning and getting drop chains when they were rolling up to stops. Apparently the latest shifter software upgrade has fixed the drop chain issues. I got tired of all the issues and little bugs, rear mech going into maintenance mode on a ride due to a large pot hole and having to update the system. While the shifting is clean and crisp it just adds more complexity to a simple machine that can take away from the riding experience with little bugs/issues. When it works it's great, when it doesn't it's frustrating. Not to mention you can't automatically get a dropped chain but onto the chainring without stopping, on mechanical you can just shift up and on it goes. I ended up building a new bike with rim brakes and SRAM Force22 with compressionless shifting cables and it shifts so quick and smoothly I don't miss Di2 at all. Not to mention all the disc pad changes etc. I went back cos I was riding my old Ultegra 11spd mechanical in a 1x setup on my gravel bike and the simplicity of just grabbing that bike off the shelf and it always just worked was making my riding more enjoyable, only charging a GPS unit is nice, just pick up bike, check tires and ride. Each to their own but I ride to escape and rewind and relax and taking the unnecessary out is liberating, eps when I never had a dropped chain or a mechanical issue with mechanical shifting on my Ultegra for years and I'd do over 10,000km a year. Di2 is nice for people with mobility issues and is a great alternative, I'm just glad SRAM and now Shimano still offer mechanical options. I do miss the shape of the disc hoods though, the mechanical ones seem really tinny now.
For what it's worth I have SRAM Rival and Ultegra - both of which are perfect just like my mechanical Shimano GRX. Bikes are brilliant - except the tyres which can be a bit iffy. Anyway, enough of that. I live in Saddleworth and ride up the New Hey Rd from Denshaw all the time. I generally ride to Slaithwaite, Meltham and beyond but sometimes I head to Marsden and tackle one of my favourite climbs - that you may or may not know about. Old Mount Rd is short but steep-ish (14%). You take a left just before the long but easy climb up the Huddersfield Rd. Another great climb in the are is White Hill (18%) off Crow Trees Road. A challenge for me but rewarding! Enjoy yourself and continue making fabulous content.
Always good to try new things #coughdiscbrakes 😂 105 I don’t believe is available in Tim brake sadly. You should also consider sram. You can get a 46/33 on the front and a 10-33 rear really good ratios. For normal folk it’s better than shimano but the shimano is smoother 🤷♂️ as you say as long as your pedalling that’s all that matters :)
I love that climb out of Denshaw.
Swapped about 4 months ago - love it -- and indexing is soooooo easy , even for a moron like me 😂
Blimey, Katie. I knew you'd not had it on your own bikes, but I'm gobsmacked you haven't tried it before. I've got Ultegra Di2 (6800 and 8000) on three bikes, and Sram Red ETAP WiFly on one. I love them all. I still have mechanical on the others, including one with Campag, but I think Di2 is the best of all of them.
Get a grip
@@Tarmaccyclocross wtf?
Di2 made a huge difference. Due to a lack of feeling in my hands and numbness, I find mecahnical shimano gears dificult to use. With Di2, changed it so that both buttons on one leaver shift up, on the other leaver shift down, the chainring changing is automatic at points I chose. The gears changing all the way down coming to a stop is nice by just keeping a button pressed. The gear levers are more compact than mechanical aswell which is more comfortable. Seeing what gear I am in on the wahoo is helpfull.
Didn't know you could get 11-36, my ultegra has 11-34 which I though was the lowest with 50-34 chainrings.
For me the biggest difference is in the front shifting which is fantastic on Di2
Only used mechanical myself, but heard good stuff about Di2, and even ultra-endurance riders seem to rate its reliability. For me however, I don't have a problem with mechanical, it weighs the same and costs ~£500 less (12 speed 105 mechanical vs 105 Di2). I also just like the idea of the bike being fully mechanical, which may seem irrational since I use a bike computer, but meh.
Haha well if there was an option for mechanical head unit would you use it??! Think they are called maps though hahaha
@@KatieKookaburra Too addicted to Strava by this point to go proper old school with a map!
Damn that click shifting. What's wrong with good old reliable downtube friction shifters?
Definitley a game changer!
Some good deals on Merlin at the moment if you want/can convert. If you're a weight weenie though the Di2 version of 105 is up to 500g heavier compared to mechanical, according to reviews. I'm still using mechanical and it just works. My years old 6800 Ultegra works flawlessly as long as I keep the cables in good order.
You were too excited not to change. The hill out of Newhay is tough in a car!!
One thing i specifically don't like about Di2 is that it still uses cables, and all internally routed, which is pretty, but once you run into any issues, you basically have to take the whole bike apart... And watching my usual cycling channels, i've never seen anybody having issues with mechanical shifters, or even AXS, but seen multiple Di2 problems, where the cable dislodged from the battery or it just ran out of charge in the middle of a longer trip.
Waiting for your future video on Falath Evo
Di2 is a game changer
Quite surprised you never tried electric shifting until now! It’s no brainer, you will never go back 😂
It is good, especially if you're coming from mechanical shimano so no more annoying brake-cum-upshift lever confusion! More importantly, what do you think of the disc brakes? Don't think there's a rim option on 105 di2 is there
It took me about 30 seconds to realize electronic shifting is the way to go.
Delusional
I suppose that if all we've ridden with, over 10 years, is mechanical gear changing it's all we know and , therefore, luv it but interesting to hear your thoughts on the Di2, not sure I've got the brass for a change though 🤥but is that another new bike for you Katie 🥰
Great video again, Katie! I recently spent £1,100 on a lovely Trek Domane 3 that is fitted with mechanical everything (brake & gears)! I can not see spending that amount again in order to fit a Shimano 105 Di2 set up? It’s great to see the comparison between the two, but as you mentioned it is all about enjoying the ride, the great outdoors & getting fit! However, I am a disc brake convert so never say never? 🚴♂️😎👍
The frame might not be compatible with Di2.
@@paddymurphy-oconnor8255 don’t be concerned Paddy, as I’m not going to do it even if I had the budget! I’d buy a bike with the kit on it as standard, again if I could afford it! 😎👍