The Di2 Shift

Posted on October 10, 2012 by Jack & Adams Bicycles

Athletes and industry folk alike have been oohing and awing over electronic shifting since it first debut in the fall of 2008. Even a few years later, it is still the latest and greatest and the talk of many ride and shop conversations.

I was fortunate enough to experience Shimano Dura Ace Di2 Electronic shifting for the first time at the 20010 Interbike Demo Day. I got to test ride a Felt AR2 that was fully equipped with Shimano Dura Ace Di2. I was so impressed! The bike shifted like a dream! From that moment on, I knew I wanted electronic shifting and I made it my goal to get it as soon as the opportunity presented itself. My plan was to wait for the Shimano Ultegra version to come out and then I would jump at the opportunity to get the more affordable version.

This past spring I was finally able to get electronic shifting! For me, there were immediate improvements. Previously, I sometimes found mechanical shifting to be tedious and harder to do. Sometimes, that shift lever is harder to reach or to force into the next gear because I have smaller hands and I sometimes get the chain stuck between gears because I didn’t shift the lever hard enough over. But all those problems go away with electronic shifting.

I can now say that I have ridden electronic shifting on both a triathlon bike and a road bike (I know, I am spoiled). The ease of use goes without saying for both road and triathlon specific electronic shifting. On my triathlon bike I can shift my gears in the aero bars OR I can shift them at the base bar!! I no longer have to deal with the pesky Triathlon Shift Lever that always seems to bother my wrists (yes I have sensitive wrists from an old tendonitis injury from 2010). The button is easy to push! On my road bike the shifting is just as easy. I have always had a hard time shifting from the smaller chain ring in the front to the big chain ring…pushing the shift lever that far in isn’t always easy but now it is super simple with the push of the button. In addition, the electronic shifting is self correcting so it knows when it needs to fix itself into the appropriate gear/cog so the components never feel crunchy or stuck. Not to mention on both styles of bikes the shifting is just so smooth.

Some people have indicated concern about having to deal with a battery and how it handles in varied climates and what the battery life is like. The battery is well protected in its casing and can handle all conditions (featured in the Tour De France) not to mention the battery life is incredible. Once fully charged the battery can handle thousands of miles before it dies (there is also a battery indicator if you get nervous about that). The battery has yet to be of concern to me.

If you are looking for improvements/upgrades this year to your ride I would recommend you consider electronic shifting. If you have the extra funds and want to drop some bike weight in addition to bike performance improvements, then consider the Shimano Dura Ace Di2 version. If you are looking for a more affordable option (with the same performance/functionality) then consider the Shimano Ultegra Di2 version. Regardless of which route you take you will not be disappointed.

Feel free to stop by the shop, call, or email us for pricing and to see if your bike is compatible with an electronic shifting upgrade! Financing options are available through GE Capital.

Check out this photo of the Felt AR2 with Shimano Ultegra Di2…electronic shifting is so stealthy you can’t even see it!

 

By:  Angie Balentine of Jack & Adam’s Bicycles

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