Originally Posted by
merlinextraligh
One nice advantage is the easier shifting interface. Right harder; left easier.
Shimano should take note. Electronic shifting systems don't need to mimic cables. Once manufacturers get that, then the shifting interface can be improved.
SRAM's eTap: Shifting finally makes sense - VeloNews.com
Originally Posted by
WhyFi
You would hope that, sooner rather than later, the manufacturers would give consumers an easy way to change between conventional (mimicking cables) and simplified shifting options.
A lot of this is available in the programming software for Di2 from Shimano. You can change the functions of the shifters to a number of choices when you program the system.
Originally Posted by
merlinextraligh
Definitely easier to port over to old frames.
That was my thought too. I have a Di2 bike and a mech bike. I like the Di2 so much, I had thought about converting the mech frame over but the conversion if it isn't set up for is ugly - ugly enough to not do it. This has me looking at that as a project again.
With Di2, and a frame designed for it, you can route the wires so the only exposed parts are a junction box, the size of a small cycle computer, typically obscured under the stem, a wire from the junction box to the frame, which runs with the rear brake cable, so no additional clutter, and a wire out the frame to the RD about a foot long.
So you're trading easier setup, and avoiding 18" of wire exposed, and a junction box, for keeping up with 4 batteries.
unless you're retrofitting an old frame I don't see that to be terribly compelling either way.
Question will be how well it shifts, and how reliable.
Also aesthetically, Dura Ace Di2, with a seatpost battery is sleeker than having batteries on each derailleur.
Agree on the battery issue for sure. The seatpost battery makes it a sleek installation.
J.