Electric shifting yes or steer clear
#26
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I have ridden a few bikes with Di2 and would love to add it to my bike but the upgrade costs for my bike makes me just keep my mechanical setup (Ultegra 6700). If you have the option to buy it on a new bike, go for it!!!! Perfect shifting every time is truly a dream come true!
the upgrade for your 6700 to di2 (keeping 10spd) is very lost cost now. You can probably do this for less then $550. Plus the sale of your old 6700 you wouldn't be far off.
RD - $100
FD - $100
Shifters - $140
Main Control Until - $30
Internal Junction - $20
Battery and Mount and Charger $100
3 Etube Cables - $60
Sell your old shifters, RD and FD = $300?
Last edited by R1lee; 12-31-14 at 01:30 PM.
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electronic shifting is lacking in a necessity for any particular skill or talent, IMO. i think that for the most part, i find learning shifting technique and then putting it to a good use is satisfying. like Harold Hill said, "i consider the hours i spend with a cue (substitute friction shifter) in my hand are golden. helps you cultivate horse-sense a cool head and a keen eye. did you ever go try and give yourself an iron-clad leave from a three rail billiard shot? ... i say, any boob can go and shove a ball in a pocket (push a button on the handlebar)".
i don't discount the advantages in a professional race though, especially a criterium, for practical purposes, it just removes it from the level of a skill to a commodity.
and i'm sure i would feel the same way about pre-drailleur bikes too. it's just that i was born AFTER the Hoover administration.
i don't discount the advantages in a professional race though, especially a criterium, for practical purposes, it just removes it from the level of a skill to a commodity.
and i'm sure i would feel the same way about pre-drailleur bikes too. it's just that i was born AFTER the Hoover administration.
Last edited by hueyhoolihan; 12-31-14 at 02:57 PM.
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this isn't microscopic surgery here. There is no special technique to mechanical shifting, please don't make it seem like its rocket science cause its not.
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#30
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I've never ridden electronic. My friends who ride electronic swear by it. I'd be happy to try it but do not want it on any of my road bikes. One of the most appealing aspects of bikes is their simplicity. My little brain seems to be able to comprehend the mechanical aspects of bikes such that I can build my own bikes and execute any needed repairs. I'd like to keep it that way. My objection to electronic is philosophical.
#31
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The downside is that if you're an idiot like me, and ignore the flashing red light, which I've done twice now, the battery will die and you'll first lose your ability to shift the front derailleur and then about ten miles later you'll lose use of the rear derailleur.
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I've never ridden electronic. My friends who ride electronic swear by it. I'd be happy to try it but do not want it on any of my road bikes. One of the most appealing aspects of bikes is their simplicity. My little brain seems to be able to comprehend the mechanical aspects of bikes such that I can build my own bikes and execute any needed repairs. I'd like to keep it that way. My objection to electronic is philosophical.
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That said, to the OP, electronic is great stuff. It shifts wonderfully (especially the front derailer) and requires less maintenance. It's extremely reliable. It just costs a bit more. Whether the aesthetics are a bonus to you is a completely personal decision.
Last edited by Raiden; 12-31-14 at 02:44 PM.
#34
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Many people say the same thing, but it makes no sense to me.
I built my new 6800 bike up in May, and after a couple of tweaks for cable stretch in the first 500 miles, it's require no adjustments in the following 8500 miles.
If your bike requires frequent adjustments to stay shifting smoothly I suspect worn components(or just a case of SRAM ).
I built my new 6800 bike up in May, and after a couple of tweaks for cable stretch in the first 500 miles, it's require no adjustments in the following 8500 miles.
If your bike requires frequent adjustments to stay shifting smoothly I suspect worn components(or just a case of SRAM ).
Agreed. Beyond the initial cable stretch adjustment, I might do 1 or 2 barrel adjuster clicks for the whole life of the groupset.
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electronic shifting is lacking in a necessity for any particular skill or talent, IMO. i think that for the most part, i find learning shifting technique and then putting it to a good purpose is satisfying. like Harold Hill said, "i consider the hours i spend with a cue (substitute friction shifter) in my hand are golden. helps you cultivate horse-sense a cool head and a keen eye. did you ever go try and give yourself an iron-clad leave from a three rail billiard shot? ... i say, any boob can go and shove a ball in a pocket (push a button on the handlebar)".
i don't discount the advantages in a professional race though, especially a criterium, for practical purposes, it just removes it from the level of a skill to a commodity.
and i'm sure i would feel the same way about pre-drailleur bikes too. it's just that i was born AFTER the Hoover administration.
i don't discount the advantages in a professional race though, especially a criterium, for practical purposes, it just removes it from the level of a skill to a commodity.
and i'm sure i would feel the same way about pre-drailleur bikes too. it's just that i was born AFTER the Hoover administration.
I've never ridden electronic. My friends who ride electronic swear by it. I'd be happy to try it but do not want it on any of my road bikes. One of the most appealing aspects of bikes is their simplicity. My little brain seems to be able to comprehend the mechanical aspects of bikes such that I can build my own bikes and execute any needed repairs. I'd like to keep it that way. My objection to electronic is philosophical.
#36
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electronic shifting is lacking in a necessity for any particular skill or talent, IMO. i think that for the most part, i find learning shifting technique and then putting it to a good purpose is satisfying. like Harold Hill said, "i consider the hours i spend with a cue (substitute friction shifter) in my hand are golden. helps you cultivate horse-sense a cool head and a keen eye. did you ever go try and give yourself an iron-clad leave from a three rail billiard shot? ... i say, any boob can go and shove a ball in a pocket (push a button on the handlebar)".
i don't discount the advantages in a professional race though, especially a criterium, for practical purposes, it just removes it from the level of a skill to a commodity.
and i'm sure i would feel the same way about pre-drailleur bikes too. it's just that i was born AFTER the Hoover administration.
i don't discount the advantages in a professional race though, especially a criterium, for practical purposes, it just removes it from the level of a skill to a commodity.
and i'm sure i would feel the same way about pre-drailleur bikes too. it's just that i was born AFTER the Hoover administration.
Now when automatic bike shifting is introduced on a commercial scale, well then let the complaints begin. That will truly be a shame on the sport. Any boob will be able to win the TdF. I can't wait to see that.
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i just got a new bike with EPS and so far I am sold the shifting is amazing, smooth , fast and spot on, no more chain rubbing against the FD. No need to over analize or make it more complicated than what it is .
#39
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I've never ridden electronic. My friends who ride electronic swear by it. I'd be happy to try it but do not want it on any of my road bikes. One of the most appealing aspects of bikes is their simplicity. My little brain seems to be able to comprehend the mechanical aspects of bikes such that I can build my own bikes and execute any needed repairs. I'd like to keep it that way. My objection to electronic is philosophical.
#40
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I set out to buy a new 6800 mechanical equipped bike and had an order placed for a 2014 Felt F4. Waited and waited and found out that I was waiting for a bike that was sold out and unavailable. I was offered a 2014 Felt F2 with Ultegra Di2 and sprint shifters for same money, previously ordered bike was paid in full. I took the offer and got the bike and after a Summer of riding and really no maintenance to speak of out side the normal cleaning and lubrication I am sold on Di2. It does lack the feel of mechanical and is like pushing buttons on the tv remote but it shifts so nice and it's quiet no reapplied servo motor noise. I also like the sprint shifters. I can shift with very little effort while in the drops with my thumb. I am very happy with the bike and I would recommend Di2 to any one. Battery life is quite long and with the battery in the seat post it really is a clean looking groupset.
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electronic shifting is lacking in a necessity for any particular skill or talent, IMO. i think that for the most part, i find learning shifting technique and then putting it to a good use is satisfying. like Harold Hill said, "i consider the hours i spend with a cue (substitute friction shifter) in my hand are golden. helps you cultivate horse-sense a cool head and a keen eye. did you ever go try and give yourself an iron-clad leave from a three rail billiard shot? ... i say, any boob can go and shove a ball in a pocket (push a button on the handlebar)".
i don't discount the advantages in a professional race though, especially a criterium, for practical purposes, it just removes it from the level of a skill to a commodity.
and i'm sure i would feel the same way about pre-drailleur bikes too. it's just that i was born AFTER the Hoover administration.
i don't discount the advantages in a professional race though, especially a criterium, for practical purposes, it just removes it from the level of a skill to a commodity.
and i'm sure i would feel the same way about pre-drailleur bikes too. it's just that i was born AFTER the Hoover administration.
#42
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And if "any boob" has all the skills necessary to be a success in a given pursuit, how are the more talented among us going to demonstrate their excellence. It just isn't fair, is it? But on the other hand maybe things like manual automobile shifting, mechanical bicycle shifting, manual camera focusing and eie a xposure setting, etc. aren't really skills that are all that difficult to acquire or significant to possess. I mean how many folks refuse to wear shoes with Velcro straps because they can't show how well they can tbow? What's the difference? Progress is all around us in everything we do. And come on, it is not like we are talking about replacing concert pianists with a computerized "player" device. At least in this regard the Borg got it right, "Resistance is futile."
Now when automatic bike shifting is introduced on a commercial scale, well then let the complaints begin. That will truly be a shame on the sport. Any boob will be able to win the TdF. I can't wait to see that.
Now when automatic bike shifting is introduced on a commercial scale, well then let the complaints begin. That will truly be a shame on the sport. Any boob will be able to win the TdF. I can't wait to see that.
Last edited by hueyhoolihan; 12-31-14 at 03:16 PM.
#43
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If the choice was between Ultegra Di2 and Dura Ace 9000, I'd pick mechanical.
#44
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i just remember that a whole lot of people never even shifted their mult-speed bikes, for the most part, because they could never learn to do it effectively, but i'll bet the vast majority of them managed to tie their shoes before the age of eight. OK, i'll admit i was 10 or 11 and only weened at 14, but i was a late bloomer.
#45
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better is, as you know, subjective. i happen to enjoy friction shifting when i'm riding a multi-speed bike, especially the "new" , hyperglide stuff. in the same way i prefer a two-seat sports car with a four speed manual. so i don't necessarily believe others are doing it better than, me. in fact, it's a winning situation for me.
and now i'm going to ride my 5-speed manual transmissioned motorcycle with a twin-v, air-cooled, carbureated, manually choked motorcyle engine out to do some maintenance on one of my other forms of outdated transportation, the horse.
believe me, my reasons for enjoying my leisure time are well thought out as anybody's. it's just that we all don't come to the same conclusions.
and now i'm going to ride my 5-speed manual transmissioned motorcycle with a twin-v, air-cooled, carbureated, manually choked motorcyle engine out to do some maintenance on one of my other forms of outdated transportation, the horse.
believe me, my reasons for enjoying my leisure time are well thought out as anybody's. it's just that we all don't come to the same conclusions.
#46
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That's a hard choice, but why?
#48
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the upgrade for your 6700 to di2 (keeping 10spd) is very lost cost now. You can probably do this for less then $550. Plus the sale of your old 6700 you wouldn't be far off.
RD - $100
FD - $100
Shifters - $140
Main Control Until - $30
Internal Junction - $20
Battery and Mount and Charger $100
3 Etube Cables - $60
Sell your old shifters, RD and FD = $300?
RD - $100
FD - $100
Shifters - $140
Main Control Until - $30
Internal Junction - $20
Battery and Mount and Charger $100
3 Etube Cables - $60
Sell your old shifters, RD and FD = $300?
#49
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Shifters on competitive cyclist is $135 - 6770
rd and fd used but in perfect condition $100 each. eBay? I'm selling the units I own.
Battery, mount, charger ~ $100 ebay?
internal junction box - $20 eBay?
old control unit - $20 sacalerts.
3 etube cables at $20 each.
you just have to search.
#50
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I took the "wait and see" approach on electronic shifting, opting last time in 2012 for mechanical. I don't regret that, but I REALLY don't regret going with full Dura Ace Di2 on my new bike this time around. It's absolutely perfect. It works great with my oval chainrings too. A few of my riding buddies have Ultegra Di2 and the owner of my LBS has Campy Super Record EPS. Nobody complains and everybody just loves it. I don't think mechanical is dead, far from it in fact, but electronic is here to stay and will only get better and cheaper.