Di2

[Chislenko]

Being a bit of an old f--t I have traditionally sided with "older" technology.

However, just bought my first bike with Di2 and I flippin love it.

I may not love it if it goes wrong mind but for ease of gear change it is top notch.

 

[fossyant]

A lot of folk love it, but I know of a few people that have had issues (rear mechs) and they are an expensive replacement if they fail.

 

[Binky]

I have Di2 on my bike, it's superb.
Is it necessary? No but as and when I get a new bike I'll definitely have Di2 again.
My Canyon is 8 years old and only issue I've had was earlier this year the front mech broke through metal fatigue so could have happened on mechanical after so long.
Got second hand one off eBay for £50 and it's like new.

 

[13 rider]

I update by bike to Di2 last year absolute love it ,there's just something about the feel of the gear changes to mechanical that you can't quite explain but people who have changed just know ,also love the syncro change when dropping into the little ring so you don't get that massive jump in gearing , Agreed it's not required but it's certainly nice to have .

 

[Specialeyes]

+1 here. I got DI2 on my new bike - which would have felt sacreligious not so long ago as it's Italian, and I bloomin' love it, although in keeping with the rest of the cycling industry, the associated app is a bit pants. But who needs an app? Just ride the thing

 

[Supersuperleeds]

I also upgraded last year after @13 rider told me how pleased he was with his. I really like it and think it was worth the money.

 

[PaulSB]

Di2 is definitely an improvement on manual shifting. I really like it for that. In my experience the potential issues one can, and I have, encounter take the shine off the experience.

My tips would be these. Ensure you connect all battery level indicators to a reliable app. I use Wahoo. Do not rely on the Shimano app, which is shite, or the manual methods of checking battery life. For example pressing both shift buttons simultaneously will show a green/red indicator light for a battery level. Red, low, starts at 10% if you have 11% you'll get green!

The shifters are powered by small lithium batteries. The quality and charge level of those shipped by the manufacturer can be questionable. I had two fail inside 100 miles.

Find out what battery size your Di2 uses. Mine are an unusual size and only available online. You may need a small screwdriver to change the batteries. Carry spare batteries and screwdriver in your saddlebag.

I'm posting with the voice of, bad, experience. Saying all this I will have Di2 on future bikes as it's a good shifting system. One has to be prepared for events most people won't tell you about as they haven't experienced them.

I was able to help a buddy with spare shifter batteries when his packed up mid-ride. He didn't know how to check, was told they would last at least a year and didn't have spares.

It's just like carrying two tubes.......

 

[ColinJ]

I still like my old Cannondale (the red bike in my avatar) and can't really justify the expense of replacing it, but if it were damaged beyond repair (or stolen) then I would look at getting a good titanium or aluminum replacement with a 12-speed di2 105 disk brake groupset.

I would definitely heed @PaulSB's warning. (Signed, a 3 tubes PLUS puncture kit rider!)

 

[Binky]

If you have Di2 connected to head unit then you get an accurate reading of battery level.
You'll also get a warning via app when level gets down to 15%.

 

[Rhythm Thief]

I had a 2015 Scott Addict for a while with Ultegra Di2. Granted, it was an early version, but to be honest, it did nothing that mechanical shifting won't do, with the significant disadvantage for me, as someone who services my own bikes, that it was not really home serviceable. I did maybe 200 miles on the bike before selling it on and going back to mechanical shifting. Which I still haven't found to be inadequate in any respect. Sooner or later I suppose I might get another bike with Di2, but I can't say I'd go out of my way for it.

 

[PaulSB]

If you have Di2 connected to head unit then you get an accurate reading of battery level.
You'll also get a warning via app when level gets down to 15%.

Yes, that's what I meant, I was too busy thinking about the shite Shimano app. I have a page on my Wahoo head unit which shows derailleur, cassette and shifter levels. It's an easy check before setting off, perhaps 10 seconds. I do it at the same time as my tyre pressure check.

 

[Binky]

I like knowing what gear I'm in as well. Saves looking back at cassette and hoping another gear to shift down to going up a steep climb 😂

 

[Yellow Saddle]

Another convert here. Will not go back again. I made the jump from mechanical/rim brake/chain to Di2/hydraulic disc/belt/Alfine. Absolute heaven.

 

[Chislenko]

This is where my Luddite kicks in. I am dead happy that I have a really slick, easy gear change and people start trying to complicate things by banging on about apps and other computer speak.

Can't we just charge it every so often so that it carries on working without having to over complicate things.

 

[YMFB]

I was very happy with my 1 x SRAM Apex on my gravel bike up until I bought a road bike with Di2 Ultegra. Now I’m wanting electronic shifting on my next gravel bike.