Update on "Test Dummies . . . Again!"

Further evalution of DI-2 and new battery setupon our tandem:
After the recharge of the battery at 1360 miles things went along fine.
398 miles later while climbing a hill, the front der. quit functioning. No warning lights at all.
Ended up in too hard a gear to finish the climb, so walked up.
Checked the wiring and after some fiddling around with a connector was able to get a couple more shifts out of the
battery.
Went home recharged battery and 38 miles later system quit completely.
A soldered battery connector was creating intermittent functioning.
Took tandem back to Bob Davis who fixed the connector, but now the front shifting was off completely.
While getting it to work reasonably well on the test stand, actual riding it was a total different result.
Adjusting the limit screws seemed not to help with various over-shifts, no-shifts and derailings.
After several hours of diagnosing and attempted fixes found that
threads in the metal housing for the screw were not stripped, but totally gone!
While fixable with make-do retapping decided that it was not worth it. Dependability of components is critical and
this unit proved to be problematic for us.
Had several options but whittled it down back to the old dependable non-electronic shifting.
Decided to keep the 10-speed rear shifting. Bob had a supply of chainrings available plus a pair of 10-speed barcons.
Opted back for the old mechanical stuff. Triple up front, 10-speed in the back.
Our opinion of the initial DI-2 stands. Best shifting ever; quick, instantaneous and automatic trim adjust for front
derailleur was fantastic. Easy to get spoiled!
However, while that is great, we also like dependability.
If we would of paid the $3,600 retail price for the DI-2, we would not be enthused!
The test gave us a new insight and opportunity to evaluate electronic shifting.
Just our input/experience.
Pedal on TWOgether!
Rudy and Kay/zonatandem

Rudy, needless to say this is a disappointing report. You and Kay have enough tandem experience to be excellent product testers. If electronic shifting fails on you then it indicates to me that it stills needs some additional refinement.

Thanks for the honest evaluation. I will stay with mechanical shifting for the near future. My 6703 with DA derailleurs and SRAM cassette is shifting extremely well.

Wayne

DubT:
We tell it the way it is!
Disappointed in failure of component after less than 2,000 miles not due to abuse or misuse.

I anticipate that some may say that faulty installation may have contributed to an electrical short and then eventual failure. Having dealt with many bike and auto shops however I view ease of installation by the less than perfect mechanic as an important feature. Occasional electrical failures can be one of the more difficult maddening problems to address.

Thanks for the update.