I keep reading that future Di2 will have 'remote' shifting. I think most people looking for that were thinking of time trials. I have a different use for it, and what I'm wondering is this: Does remote mean INSTEAD OF the brake shifters, or IN ADDITION TO the brake shifters. Are two different buttons sending the same signal (not at the same time obviously) a problem, or doable?

It's not often, but if I'm on a hilly ride, there will sometimes be a stretch where my hands are on the flats, I'm back on the rear of the saddle and digging deep, and I'll want to shift down (if I have any gears left ) It completely breaks my rhythm to lean up and shift on my STI shifters. Just wondering if a future remote would give me a SECOND shifting option, that i could place somewhere more convienent for those situations, or just replace the brake shifter option, which really wouldn't help me at all. Basically just dreaming about the future since it's a slow day at work. Thoughts?

It could, perfectly feasible.

Whether they choose to implement the option or not, is a whole different question.

IMHO, the whole reason that the shifters on Di2 are made the way they are was that they would be close to what people were used to in mechancial shifting. For acceptance purposes, the first Di2 needed to be like what people were familiar with.

There's no inherenet reason the shifting needs to be done by a lever in the brake hoods.

Once, Di2 is well integrated into the market, Shimano will be able to put the "shifters" wherever, and in whatever form that works for people. I think you'll see the shifters contiune to evolve.

you can get the Di2 satellite shifters. https://www.bikeradar.com/road/news/a...e-review-29302



Cav has been using them for a while.

Thanks for the link, that's exactly what I'm thinking about, especially the link to the bar top buttons, BUT, it still didn't answer (at least I didn't see it) the question of whether this is an additional shift point, or just moving the ONE point you have to another spot. BUT I would have to assume that a pro like Cavendish isn't going to limit himself to JUST the drops shifter when he has to ride 100 miles before the sprint, right?

The remote mechanism is a pressure sensitive battery operated sensor inserted into the rider's rectum, called Di3 Supposicon. One squeeze will shift up and two quick squeezes will shift down. It will be very expensive and everyone will buy it because it's the latest Shimano technology. Subsequent Di4 models will be wireless for added rider comfort. However, resale value will probably be lower than other non-rectally shifted derailleur systems.

It shouldn't be hard to implement. The question would be whether you have to splice the wire to insert the second shifter or run a separate wire.

it's an additional shifter. On the Di2 brifter there is a second port for plugging in the satellite shifters.

Both DA and Ultegra Di2 already support remote shifters.

For what it's worth (?) XTR had remote shifters back in the day. It was so you could shift while you were out on your bar ends (lol, remember those?).

voice-activated shifters?

The next step is neural shifters, like on that Prius bike concept.

It would be interesting to see what part of your brain wins out, the "no pain no gain" side or the "why are you doing this to yourself?" side.

I'm wondering with Di2 why the shifters are on the brake anyway. There's no mechanical need for that anymore. Lets get creative...

Shifters were moved to the brake in the first place because that's where your hands are.

I'll wait for the Di4

First generation Di2 had to look and work like a mechanical group for acceptance. As it gains wider acceptance, they'll be free to get more creative.

If they go wireless, a glove mounted switch were you just tap your finger could be pretty cool.

you realize the number doesn't stand for a generation. It's digital integrated intelligence. Hence, 2 i's, therefore Di2. There won't be a Di3, or Di4.

I don't ride with my hands on the brakes at all times. I am in quick reach of the brakes, but not on them.

Sorry, but SRAM patented the double butt-clench shifting technology.

I have two sets of remote shifters, one for sprinting like Cav's, and the other on the tops for climbing. If you do a search, you'll find an earlier post that includes pictures.