Di2 - non internal cabling

[Sittingduck]

I think I know the answer to this but wanted to solicit some feedback, anyway

Can you install Di-2 on a bike that has external cabling or does it require professional work to adapt the frame in some way?

Ta

 

[Yellow Saddle]

Although Di2 cables are durable, they are soft and pliable. Routing them externally would require them to be taped up along their entire length. This would be ugly and short-lived. The tape would never be waterproof since the two ends would always present an opening for water and dirt and eventually it will peel off.
Do what you have to do to route it internally.

 

[ianrauk]

Do what you have to do to route it internally.

@Sittingduck
Translation - new bike needed

 

[zizou]

A club mate has external di2, it doesnt look as neat as mechanical (mainly due to a couple of cable ties being needed plus the external battery) but the wires are in a sheath and look pretty well protected. As far as im aware he has never had any problems with water ingress or the tape peeling off

 

[Sittingduck]

The battery packs now come in a round sausage thing that slides into the seatpost, I think. Is the reason for it generally being internally cabled that the wires are exactly that - wires and not cables, bearing no tension and no cable stops required?

I am pretty much decided that I want to upgrade to Di-2 but love my SuperSix frame

 

[Smokin Joe]

Splash out on SRAM wireless.

 

[Yellow Saddle]

The battery packs now come in a round sausage thing that slides into the seatpost, I think. Is the reason for it generally being internally cabled that the wires are exactly that - wires and not cables, bearing no tension and no cable stops required?

I am pretty much decided that I want to upgrade to Di-2 but love my SuperSix frame

Di2 is fantastic but calls for a drastic upgrade to a completely new bike. I say this because whilst you're at it, you may as well take the plunge to hydraulic disc brakes and a through-axle fork and front hub as well. Just doing Di2 is like getting a fancy new phone with a NiCad battery.

 

[Sittingduck]

Hmm... A new bike you say. Have to think about that one

 

[ianrauk]

Hmm... A new bike you say. Have to think about that one

No you don't

 

[topcat1]

[QUOTE

Can you install Di-2 on a bike that has external cabling or does it require professional work to adapt the frame in some way?

Ta[/QUOTE

Who would want to do that?

Dura Ace Di2 external from year one waterproof and still going strong

 

[Sittingduck]

Is it a special version then Dave? I know you used to be able to get an 'external' version but I thought that was only the battery pack, e.g. the oblong ones you sometimes see mounted on the underside of the down tube, by the BB. Thought it had been replaced by the seatpost battery, which I assume fits all kinds of bikes and not just ones with internal cabling. Can you tell I have no clue what I am talking about...? I don't think I have really thought this through and likely can't afford it but saw Ultegra Di-2 kits for 599 at Merlin. Am fed up of having shifting issues and having to replace cables / living with less-than-perfect shifting!

 

[zizou]

Is it a special version then Dave? I know you used to be able to get an 'external' version but I thought that was only the battery pack, e.g. the oblong ones you sometimes see mounted on the underside of the down tube, by the BB. Thought it had been replaced by the seatpost battery, which I assume fits all kinds of bikes and not just ones with internal cabling. Can you tell I have no clue what I am talking about...? I don't think I have really thought this through and likely can't afford it but saw Ultegra Di-2 kits for 599 at Merlin. Am fed up of having shifting issues and having to replace cables / living with less-than-perfect shifting!

You can get an external mount for the seatpost battery so it sits behind a bottle cage, ive not seen any bikes with it apart from photos but it looks a bit like a thin mini pump behind the cage

You could also drill a small hole in the frame - it will invalidate the frame warranty but if you research where to do it and are careful then you would be ok - Cervelo even have a guide to do this on their website. Although that being said i personally would put up with external wires rather than resort to a drill incase i need the warranty support down the line!

 

[topcat1]

They no longer make the external kit, may i suggest upgrading your gear cables to the new polymer and ptfe or just go 11 spd mechanical as it's very good.

 

[Sbudge]

As of 2 weeks ago the external kit was widely available. I can't vouch for how durable the routing will be long term but so long as the frame is properly degreased and cleaned before applying the Shimano external routing kits are pretty tough. If you pay attention to details you can do a pretty neat job too. The battery can be mounted either below the frame or on a modified bottle cage mount.

I wouldn't dream of going back to mechanical now.

Budge

 

[topcat1]

I stand corrected