DI2 Users - Curious to know which mode you prefer (full or semi-synchro)
#26
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What are you guys talking about this "full synchro but shift manually"? You always shift manually, the Di2 never shifts on its own. In full synchro mode the Di2 system find the next gear combo for you to avoid big/big or small/small. Am I missing something here?
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I don’t use Full Synchro to run sequentially through the gears. I use as safety net. I am running a 32 cassette on a short cage derailleur and want to make sure I stay off the big/big combination.
#28
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Since I’ve only got 1 shifter button on each side, full synchro all the way. My garmin beeps when it’s ready to shift to the big or small rings.
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Semi for me. I rarely use the small ring up front so I want full control of when it is selected, but when I do I like that it adjusts the rear accordingly.
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When they say they ''shift'' manually on full-synchro, they mean they use the FD lever even if it does automatically shift based on the chain position on the rear cassette. It's rather used as prevention.
Last edited by eduskator; 10-06-19 at 10:35 AM.
#31
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I ride Campy EPS, but I've been riding and racing for so long that manual shifting is like an involuntary function for me. My son's road and mountain bikes are both Di2, but they're also 1X...so for now it's a non-issue. It'll be interesting to see, once we add a second ring to his road bike, if he learns the gearing or lets the Di2 do the thinking for him.
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Manual mode. Have tried the other two but don't like either especially semi-synchro mode. I prefer to be in charge and decide when either front or rear derailleur changes gear.
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This year I am using full-synchro. I was using semi-synchro last year. Thought I'd try a different mode for a few hundred Ks.
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Semi-synchro. I just could not set up full-synchro the way I liked on my 6870 bike.
Played with R8050 derailleurs at Shimano last year and full-synchro was a bit more flexible then... so I may try full-synchro again this year on my R8050 series bike.
Played with R8050 derailleurs at Shimano last year and full-synchro was a bit more flexible then... so I may try full-synchro again this year on my R8050 series bike.
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Semi-syncro for me - there are times when i dont mind a little bit of cross-chaining or a slightly awkward gear combo (eg, a short descent or ascent) and dont want the chainring shifting.
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Semi - I find it useful. I didn't like the chain ring shifting autonomously with the full. I think I will try full again soon though, maybe I will change my mind. My mother always said your taste buds are always changing

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Semi- I like being able to change the chainring and get a pretty similar gear ratio, especially coming up a hill. Also have noticed I spend a lot more time on the small ring w/ Di2 vs my older SRAM
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My first day of semi synchro will be tomorrow!
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Rides4Beer I have the same exact problem! One of these days I'll get around to giving semi a try.
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#44
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After a month of trying semi synchro I turned it off. No need.
In fact I noticed, after the rear derailleur auto shift, I'd frequently shift the rear cog back to where it was pre auto shift, which I found annoying.
Plus I guess I like shifting my own gears.
In fact I noticed, after the rear derailleur auto shift, I'd frequently shift the rear cog back to where it was pre auto shift, which I found annoying.
Plus I guess I like shifting my own gears.

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I have always wondered why some roadies would prefer 1X gearing. Most might have come from the mt. bike world and they usually say something like "it's easier to deal with". Di2 full synchro essentially makes a 2X bike work like a 1X as the rider doesn't have to do any painful thinking about what gears to move to. It's like for all those who like 1X because they thought that front shifting sucked, well with Di2 Shimano has proven that not to be the case, for the most part.
Last edited by Steve B.; 06-11-20 at 09:28 AM.
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I have always wondered why some roadies would prefer 1X gearing. Most might have come from the mt. bike world and they usually say something like "it's easier to deal with". Di2 full synchro essentially makes a 2X bike work like a 1X as the rider doesn't have to do any painful thinking about what gears to move to. It's like for all thoose who like 1X because they though that front shifting sucked,well with Di2 Shimano has proven that not to be the case, for the most part.