Di2 ?

[biking_fox]

Anyone tried it?

It's shimano's (new?) automatic gearing for a hubdrive - As I understand it very similar to an automatic car gear box, it measures how hard you're peddling and shifts up and down gears appropriately.

I'm considering an electric tandem with the OtherHalf who isn't a strong rider - hence the e-assist - and at least one of the models comes with Di2.

How smooth is it? Does it suddenly jerk you into a new gear?

And somewhat more nebulously - how much change in 'hard peddling' does it need to shift? When OtherHalf is tired, most of the power is going to be coming from me, and I won't necessarily be wanting to shift gear just because I'm pushing a bit, unless it's hilly.

 

[steveindenmark]

I have Di2 on my carbon road bike. It has nothing to do with hub drives though.

It is an electronic way of changing gears and in my opinion it is great. Super smooth changes up and down all the time.

I am sure some technical person will come by and give you the lowdown.

Yes we can ride without Di2. But now I have it, I prefer not to.

 

[biking_fox]

Ah. It's parts of the STEPS system - https://shimano-steps.com/e-bikes/united-kingdom/en/the-system

Incorporating Di2, but going that bit further as an automatic gear I think??

For Di2 you still chose when to shift? (There are Di2 Alfine hubs)

 

[confusedcyclist]

IF you have more money than sense!

 

[twentysix by twentyfive]

How water/mud proof are the electrics?

 

[Smokin Joe]

How water/mud proof are the electrics?

They use them in pro level cyclocross.

 

[keithmac]

Have a look at the Raleigh Strada E, it will be the same system.

Shimano Steps crank motor, Alfine DI2 integrated 8 speed hub, and can do fully automatic gearchanges.

Maybe a roadtest on a Strada E will give you enough feel for the system before you buy the kit?.

 

[jowwy]

IF you have more money than sense!

Or if he has the money, he can do whatever he wants with it, as its HIS money.........

 

[Pale Rider]

Ah. It's parts of the STEPS system - https://shimano-steps.com/e-bikes/united-kingdom/en/the-system

Incorporating Di2, but going that bit further as an automatic gear I think??

For Di2 you still chose when to shift? (There are Di2 Alfine hubs)

I'm fairly sure you have a choice, so you can either shift at the push of a button for each shift or use the auto option.

Dropping to a low gear at rest sounds clever, although the bike won't know if you are a restarting on a decline and don't want to change down.

Given the added complication of matching effort from the stoker, I suspect manual shifting would work best on a tandem.