Electronic Shifting
07-13-17 | 12:59 PM
#26
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 1,597
Likes: 7
From: Houston, TX
Bikes: 2017 Cannondale CAAD12 105, 2014 Giant Escape City
I actually said "They shift great". Does Di2 shift better then 105 or Ultegra, well from all reports it's better than both and better than Dura-Ace. Faster and more precise as well as having additional features such as the ability to program what the buttons do, interface with GPS heads, automatically trim the front derailer, etc... Not to mention cheaper to maintain, PROVIDED something doesn't fail out warranty.
07-13-17 | 01:01 PM
#27
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 1,023
Likes: 1
Surely you've noticed more people running bike packing gear these days? Also, IIRC that particular bike can take racks.
07-13-17 | 01:32 PM
#28
Don't make me sing!
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 1,023
Likes: 2
From: Western PA
Bikes: 2013 Specialized Crosstrail Elite, 1986 Centurion Elite RS, Diamondback hardtail MTB, '70s Fuji Special Road Racer, 2012 Raleigh Revenio 2.0, 1992 Trek 1000
07-13-17 | 01:45 PM
#30
On Your Left
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 8,373
Likes: 2,440
From: Long Island, New York, USA
Bikes: Trek Emonda SLR, Sram eTap, Zipp 303
"Hold on, I need to charge my bike first." I get 800+ miles with Sram eTap on a single charge and check the battery periodically.
"My bike's battery exploded!" I've never seen that.
The small motors could also fail. I have 8000 miles on Sram eTap and Shimano Di2 has been out for years.
Electronic shifting is not worth it, it weighs more and provides no day to day benefits. My bike lost weight switching from Sram Red 22 to eTap.
Analogue shifting works just fine. "If it's not broke, don't fix it." If you say so.
"My bike's battery exploded!" I've never seen that.
The small motors could also fail. I have 8000 miles on Sram eTap and Shimano Di2 has been out for years.
Electronic shifting is not worth it, it weighs more and provides no day to day benefits. My bike lost weight switching from Sram Red 22 to eTap.
Analogue shifting works just fine. "If it's not broke, don't fix it." If you say so.
07-13-17 | 01:46 PM
#31
- Soli Deo Gloria -
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 14,779
Likes: 743
From: Northwest Georgia
Bikes: 2018 Rodriguez Custom Fixed Gear, 2017 Niner RLT 9 RDO, 2015 Bianchi Pista, 2002 Fuji Robaix
I actually said "They shift great". Does Di2 shift better then 105 or Ultegra, well from all reports it's better than both and better than Dura-Ace. Faster and more precise as well as having additional features such as the ability to program what the buttons do, interface with GPS heads, automatically trim the front derailer, etc... Not to mention cheaper to maintain, PROVIDED something doesn't fail out warranty.
Worth it ?. Not to me a year ago. I think it was about $1200 for a 11 piece Ultegra Di2 system (2 shifters, brakes, b-bracket, crank, cassette, chain, F & R shifters, battery & charger, plus cables and junctions) vs. about $850 for Ultegra and $450 for 105. I went 105.
On a new bike such as the Roubaix ?, I can see the attraction at that price point.
Worth it ?. Not to me a year ago. I think it was about $1200 for a 11 piece Ultegra Di2 system (2 shifters, brakes, b-bracket, crank, cassette, chain, F & R shifters, battery & charger, plus cables and junctions) vs. about $850 for Ultegra and $450 for 105. I went 105.
On a new bike such as the Roubaix ?, I can see the attraction at that price point.
I wish everyone looked at thing with this type of practicality.
Your post shows a willingness to consider new ideas while maintaining a healthy scepticism. Both will continue to lead you to make wise choices.
Your post is also rooted in fact. Several posts in this thread illustrate how much ignorance there is about this particular topic.
-Tim-
Last edited by TimothyH; 07-13-17 at 01:50 PM.
07-13-17 | 01:50 PM
#32
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 1,023
Likes: 1
And nobody I know with electronic shifting has had any issues with batteries/battery life so far. My neighbor says he uses them for about a month before recharging and hasn't managed to run one down yet.
Last edited by manapua_man; 07-13-17 at 02:05 PM.
07-13-17 | 01:50 PM
#33
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 890
Likes: 4
07-13-17 | 01:58 PM
#34
Yo
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,610
Likes: 1
From: Ozark Mountains
Bikes: 2003 Yeti AS-R, 2018 Waltly ti
As for battery time, I charged mine when it was new and it still shows solid green after riding 6 days a week for about 2 months.
07-13-17 | 02:04 PM
#35
Yo
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,610
Likes: 1
From: Ozark Mountains
Bikes: 2003 Yeti AS-R, 2018 Waltly ti
Ultegra Di2 does weigh more than Ultegra mech by less than 1/2 lb, Dura Ace Di2 weighs less than Dura Ace mech.
07-13-17 | 02:08 PM
#37
Yo
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,610
Likes: 1
From: Ozark Mountains
Bikes: 2003 Yeti AS-R, 2018 Waltly ti
[MENTION=418438]TimothyH[/MENTION] is correc: only you can determine if something is worth it or not to you.
I still haven't been convinced indexed shifting is worth it for me and my riding, dropping a couple grand on an electronic shift system certainly isn't worth it. To a racer, it is undoubtedly worth it. To you? If you want it and can afford it, it can easily be worth it.
I still haven't been convinced indexed shifting is worth it for me and my riding, dropping a couple grand on an electronic shift system certainly isn't worth it. To a racer, it is undoubtedly worth it. To you? If you want it and can afford it, it can easily be worth it.
07-13-17 | 02:18 PM
#38
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 5,965
Likes: 1,388
From: SW Fl.
Bikes: 1999 DAHON Mariner, Day6 Semi Recumbent "FIREBALL", 1981 Custom Touring Paramount, 1983 Road Paramount, 2013 Giant Propel Advanced SL3, 2018 Specialized Red Roubaix Expert mech., 2002 Magna 7sp hybrid, 1976 Bassett Racing 45sp Cruiser
Wife of 44 years gave me the option of 2018 Roubaix Expert electronic or mechanical. I chose mechanical to save her a few $$$. Really don't see a need to spend the extra $$$ since I'm not a HOT SHOT RIDER, just a 67yo fogey registered for 2018 Bike Sebring 12/24 Hour RAAM Qualifier. Just a 400 mile TT in 24 hours.
https://www.sigmasport.co.uk/item/Sp...gid=null&pid=1
https://www.sigmasport.co.uk/item/Sp...gid=null&pid=1
07-13-17 | 02:27 PM
#39
Yo
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,610
Likes: 1
From: Ozark Mountains
Bikes: 2003 Yeti AS-R, 2018 Waltly ti
I'm one of those who actually does ride in winter. I've been through about a dozen bikes, and the mechanicals on ALL of them were a constant pain, especially in winter. You can't use the entire cassette without rubbing the front deraillure, the cables strech nearly every ride, and when it gets under about 32* F the derailleurs didn't want to work.
07-13-17 | 02:34 PM
#40
Advanced Slacker
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 6,286
Likes: 2,602
Bikes: Soma Fog Cutter, Surly Wednesday, Canfielld Tilt
GET OFF MY LAWN!!
I am far from being a Luddite. I have eagerly embraced most developments in bike tech over the past 20 years:
---I loved v-brakes when they came out. Now I love discs, even on road bikes.
---I am a tire geek (both mountain and road), and get very exited about new tire designs and drop a lot of money on trying new ones out.
---I love tubeless (sealant based tubeless ready, to be more precise).
---I took to full suspension 18 years ago, and have been thrilled about the advancements in both suspension design and fork/shock tech. I love it, bring it on. I love my DW-Link frame and PUSHed rear shock and home-modified Lyrik.
---I was one of the earliest adopters of Dropper Posts. I bought my Gravity Dropper the first year they came out, a few years before most people even knew enough to make fun of them.
---I like where mtb geometry is heading over the past 15 years.
---I love the new options for road bikes and all the new types being produced.
Honestly, I feel like I am living in the golden age of bike options.
But Shifting? Meh. With proper cable adjustment, straight hangar, and good shifting timing, I find it all works perfectly. The only difference I ever notice is the feel of the levers.
I could not be less interested in this. In fact, I find it a little icky. It goes against everything that I find beautiful about bike mechanics and technology.
To each his own. If it makes you happy go for it.
But honestly, I would not use this if you GAVE it to me.
I am far from being a Luddite. I have eagerly embraced most developments in bike tech over the past 20 years:
---I loved v-brakes when they came out. Now I love discs, even on road bikes.
---I am a tire geek (both mountain and road), and get very exited about new tire designs and drop a lot of money on trying new ones out.
---I love tubeless (sealant based tubeless ready, to be more precise).
---I took to full suspension 18 years ago, and have been thrilled about the advancements in both suspension design and fork/shock tech. I love it, bring it on. I love my DW-Link frame and PUSHed rear shock and home-modified Lyrik.
---I was one of the earliest adopters of Dropper Posts. I bought my Gravity Dropper the first year they came out, a few years before most people even knew enough to make fun of them.
---I like where mtb geometry is heading over the past 15 years.
---I love the new options for road bikes and all the new types being produced.
Honestly, I feel like I am living in the golden age of bike options.
But Shifting? Meh. With proper cable adjustment, straight hangar, and good shifting timing, I find it all works perfectly. The only difference I ever notice is the feel of the levers.
I could not be less interested in this. In fact, I find it a little icky. It goes against everything that I find beautiful about bike mechanics and technology.
To each his own. If it makes you happy go for it.
But honestly, I would not use this if you GAVE it to me.
07-13-17 | 02:34 PM
#41
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 890
Likes: 4
I thought that the mechanical parts of the derailleurs were identical for the same group, the electronic ones also included motors. Why would the mechanical one stop working and the electronic continue?
07-13-17 | 02:39 PM
#42
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 1,597
Likes: 7
From: Houston, TX
Bikes: 2017 Cannondale CAAD12 105, 2014 Giant Escape City
This thread said the batteries can fail if they are left in direct sunlight on a hot day. I ride in a lot of direct sunlight on hot days.
07-13-17 | 02:40 PM
#43
Yo
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,610
Likes: 1
From: Ozark Mountains
Bikes: 2003 Yeti AS-R, 2018 Waltly ti
Well since it's summere here and I've only had the bike 2 months I can't respond. I'm pretty sure they aren't identical, otherwise the Dura Ace couldn't be lighter than mech. I can even see differences in your pic.
07-13-17 | 02:52 PM
#44
meh
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 4,742
Likes: 1,129
From: Hopkins, MN
Bikes: 23 Cutthroat, 21 CoMotion Java; 21 Bianchi Infinito; 15 Surly Pugsley; 11 Globe Daily; 09 Kona Dew Drop; 96 Mondonico
The point is, drivetrains do fail, if you want to avoid DR failures... go fixie/SS.
One of the riders in this pack with me (you can only see the top of his blue helmet in this photo) rode SRAM eTap for this years Almanzo 100 without issues - I can't say the same for many riders using mech groupsets:
18699370_10213181149386033_223983825322108508_o.jpg
I'll be happy to go electronic shifting with my next bike.
07-13-17 | 03:02 PM
#45
- Soli Deo Gloria -
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 14,779
Likes: 743
From: Northwest Georgia
Bikes: 2018 Rodriguez Custom Fixed Gear, 2017 Niner RLT 9 RDO, 2015 Bianchi Pista, 2002 Fuji Robaix
^^ That is an awsome photo!
Which one are you?
The guy with the fat bike with woodchippers and fork bottles is way cool.
Which one are you?
The guy with the fat bike with woodchippers and fork bottles is way cool.
07-14-17 | 07:54 AM
#46
meh
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 4,742
Likes: 1,129
From: Hopkins, MN
Bikes: 23 Cutthroat, 21 CoMotion Java; 21 Bianchi Infinito; 15 Surly Pugsley; 11 Globe Daily; 09 Kona Dew Drop; 96 Mondonico
07-14-17 | 08:02 AM
#47
- Soli Deo Gloria -
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 14,779
Likes: 743
From: Northwest Georgia
Bikes: 2018 Rodriguez Custom Fixed Gear, 2017 Niner RLT 9 RDO, 2015 Bianchi Pista, 2002 Fuji Robaix
07-14-17 | 08:16 AM
#48
meh
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 4,742
Likes: 1,129
From: Hopkins, MN
Bikes: 23 Cutthroat, 21 CoMotion Java; 21 Bianchi Infinito; 15 Surly Pugsley; 11 Globe Daily; 09 Kona Dew Drop; 96 Mondonico
BTW - to be clear, the Pugsley does not have electronic shifting (see, we're on topic)
07-14-17 | 12:39 PM
#49
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 1,163
Likes: 318
I have Di2 and I like it. No cables to stretch, adjust, replace or break. No cable housings to replace. It is basically install it set it up and forget it. I get about 2 months out a a batttery charge. Is it worth it? If you can afford it and you like it then yes it is. My next bike will have electronic shifting.
07-14-17 | 12:53 PM
#50
Yo
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,610
Likes: 1
From: Ozark Mountains
Bikes: 2003 Yeti AS-R, 2018 Waltly ti
I have a pretty good bike now, but my dream bike is a titanium Litespeed with dura ace Di2 group. I'm a strange fit, so I might even go with a custom titanium frame before I die. Dura ace Di2 is actually lighter than mech.