Originally Posted by
merlinextraligh
Personally, I think we should be going the opposite direction. Everything wired into one unit.
Garmin, electronic shifting, power meter, lights (as an option) all run off of one battery.
I think Shimano is missing an opportunity not putting out a fully integrated set up, with computer, power meter, shifting all rolled into one.
Typical Di2 setup has the junction box under the stem. Just make the junction box, the mount for the GPS, and you're not even adding a wire, and now you've got one battery for the whole friggin bike to charge, instead of shifter batteries, two derailleur batteries, power meter battery, garmin battery to charge.
I'd definitely put up with a couple of wires in exchange for one battery for the whole bike.
Single point of failure, if it goes, you're almost walking home.
Shifter batteries are good for a year, actually I spoke to the Sram rep and he said the real life is much longer than advertised. So just add it to your winter maint along with new chain, new brake pads and new cleats.
Derailleur batteries are interchangeable so if for some reason you forget for a month to recharge them you can always move the front to the rear since the front is used so much less.