I have been lucky enough to use the new Shimano Di2 (electric shifting) for the past month on my new Specialized Amira Women’s Bike. I had heard all the hype, but I didn’t really know what to expect until I finally got to use it.
The Di2 is amazing! The shifting is so smooth and fast. I can easily shift going uphill, and also at stoplights etc. I work with a lot of beginners and hope that I can convince more of them to go with Di2. It is so intuitive and easy to use. I also work with Paralympians who have physical limitations and the ease of the Di2 makes normal shifting possible for them.
When I first got my bike, the shifters were set up for a Women’s reach, and I felt the shifters were too close and difficult for me to shift while in the drops. But, after changing the angle of my drop bars a bit as suggested by Wayne at Shimano, the shifters were perfect. Since the shifters are more like buttons, I had the tendency at first to want to press them like I would a keyboard while in my drops, and my nails were too long and it was not comfortable. But, I adjusted fairly quickly and now the shifting is easy.
I love the technology and the bike looks amazing with no cables. The hoods are also very comfortable and look perfect. I was worried that the battery would be an issue, but, there is a light that comes on to give you enough warning to recharge. They have made it almost “Mari” proof, but I do admit I forgot my battery one day when I had to drive to meet some friends for a ride. That was a bit embarrassing but I had it in a gear I could ride, so the show went on and I will never forget my battery again!
I am completely sold on the Di2.
5 responses
1 Matt P // May 7, 2010 at 11:19 am
Mari, thanks for posting about Di2. I know many traditionalists who scoff at electronic shifting, so it’s good to read something positive about it.
I’m glad you mentioned Paralympians. I personally know some people who — while not disabled — simply have weaker hand muscles. So can you shift Di2 with less hand strength that the amount needed to shift a manual group?
Also, just so I’m clear, without the battery you cannot shift at all? Can you even physically move the chain? For example, if you had shown up at your ride in your 53X11, could you have moved the chain by hand to a lighter gear?
Thanks!
2 mari // May 7, 2010 at 12:56 pm
Hey Matt!
The Di2 is great fro people with weaker hand strength. It really works well and is basically like pushing a button. Very simple. I would definitely suggest it for anyone who has problems shifting a manual group. I also think it would be great for beginers, but it is still expensive so many beginners won’t be too excited to spend the money, but it is definintely worth it.
The batter lasts a LONG time and there is a light that goes on when you have about 150 miles left on the charge. That being said, you can’t shift without the battery, and there might be a way to do it manually but I don’t know about it yet. I will need to figure it out:-)
I hope you are well….
3 Patrick // Aug 9, 2010 at 2:52 pm
I dunno, as far as racing is concerned, I think the mechanical action of the bike should be all human-powered. As far as “making a better shifting product”, for the non-racing set, I’m absolutely fine with it.
I like the fact that not only must one choose their gear wisely, but they must also execute the choice through their own skill. I also dislike the fact that we keep ratcheting-up the equipment-intensiveness of the sport. This ups-the-bar the way STI levers did. A middle-class kid from anywhere USA is going to feel like he/she needs electronic shifting in order to race, and that ups the cost to entry significantly.
4 Mark // Aug 27, 2010 at 1:39 pm
I ride a a bent too bad I can’t use them on it.
5 Rick // May 10, 2011 at 7:13 am
Patrick, good points. I think Shimano will be coming out with an Ultegra level electric shift soon. They are also simplifying the mountain bike drivetrains, old 3×9, new 2×10. As for manual shifting, next time you see him, ask Andy Schleck about shifting SRAM under load
He’s now using Dura Ace.
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