Jan 26, 2010
602nds had the opportunity to catch up with Drew Johnson – National Product Manager from Shimano Australia at the Tour Down Under in Adelaide, South Australia to have a close look at the new Dura-Ace DI2 shifting system.
Leading in innovation and design, Shimano introduced the Dura-Ace with Di2 electronic road components in 2009. As an addition to the upgraded mechanical Dura-Ace 7900 series, the electronic Dura-Ace 7970 DI2 system delivers state-of-the-art technology that will give road riders a revolutionary riding experience. Di2 stands for Digital Integrated Intelligence.
The innovative shift technology is based on the Shimano Index System (SIS) that has proved its superior gear changing characteristics over the years. The big difference being that the shifting action is provided for by electronics instead of mechanics.
This electronic shifting system has been tested extensively by professional riders in all conditions possible and was used in the grand tours such as the Tour de France and the Giro.
The DI2 system consists of Dual Control Levers, electronically operated front and rear derailleurs and a battery kit. For the other components, such as the crankset and brakes, riders can use products from the new mechanical Dura-Ace 7900 group.
Control Levers
Shifting is executed by simply pressing the buttons located on the brake levers . No power is needed anymore to shift, which gives important advantages since it is easier now to always keep a tight grip on the handlebar and to keep your concentration on riding instead on shifting. The shift system allows accurate and effortless shifting. Furthermore, the shifting performance will never be affected by contaminated or stretched cables since the shifting signal is transferred electronically.
The operating buttons work similar to mechanical Dual Control Levers that all riders are familiar with so you don’t need to re-program your mind for a new system. The ergonomic bracket shape featuring reach adjustment provides a greater degree of ergonomics and control for a variety of riders such as women and those with smaller hands. An optional satellite switch allows shifting from multiple positions on the handlebar.
The DI2 control levers are compatible with the new Shimano FlightDeck computer (SC-7900) that measures data such as heart rate, altitude, cadence, gear position and battery indicator.
Dura-Ace with Di2 technology contributes to Time Trial and Triathlon riding by its multi position shifters. It allows riders to shift while braking, by enjoying an effortless operation even when riding in the aerodynamic position. An electronic satellite switch is available that can be integrated into time trial handlebar extensions with shift wires guided through the bars for optimal aerodynamics.
Derailleurs
The most remarkable difference you will notice is shifting the front derailleur. Just pushing the button will shift the front derailleur completely effortless and smooth, even under high load. An additional feature, much appeciated by riders, is the automatic trim function. The chain guide moves automatically in response to the setting of the rear derailleur eliminating chain rubbing on the front derailleur. Also, the rear derailleur offers remarkably quick and smooth shifts. It has a wide gear ratio (11-27T compatible) and the electronics are well protected from heavy impacts such as crashes.
Battery
Dura-Ace Di2 uses a long-life 7.4V Li-Ion battery that is compact and powerful. The battery is very easy to mount and remove for charging and it fits any kind of road bike.
The shifting system is not wireless since that would require additional power and transmittors that would add to the weight of the system A fully wireless system would also decrease reliability.
The Future
The Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 system represents a major evolution in bike hardware. Shimano revolutionised gear changing with index shifting (Shimano Index Shifting – SIS) in the 1980′s followed by the integrated levers (Shimano Total Integration – STI) in the 1990′s enabling the rider to shift without taking the hands off the brake levers.
The effortless control by electronic buttons saves the normal wear and tear that we have come used to with traditional levers that will ultimately lead to less servicing and greater reliability by minimising the number of mechanical parts.
With traditionalists wary of the developments they need to understand that the Di2 system does not automate gear selection or changing but provides an electronic interface to the mechanical derailleurs themselves. A rider still has to understand how gearing works and when to select the appropriate gear during their ride.
The Di2 system is here to stay and has now been proven not to be a gimmick but a serious top-end component. The future is exciting as the bicycle industry takes on technology allowing it to filter down throughout product ranges.
Digital Integrated Intelligence means a revolution in bicycle technology, changing the road racing scene for ever.
For more information about the Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 system visit the Shimano website.
I wonder how many years before we see an ultegra version for the masses?
Great question… From what I can gather, the Di2 will remain a premium product for a while as part of the Dura-Ace range. I can however see the technology filter down throughout the road range to possibly Ultegra and cross over to Shimano’s mountain bike range. Di2 has already been successfully used for cyclo-cross, so it can handle abuse.