Electric shifting for electronic virgin

[BigonaBianchi]

I read this
http://www.bikerumor.com/2011/08/10/ultegra-di2-electronic-shifting-ride-review-video-tech-report/
I'm about to splash out on a new bike. Ive narrowed it down to a cube with ultergra shifting, or a cube with electronic shifting. I have never ridden an electic shifting bike before. I get that it's supposed to make switiching smooter and more reliable, but I am concerned about battery life, foul weather performance, and above all getting it fixed when it breaks without spending shed loads of cash. I am also worried because I guess a lot of bike dealers, especially abroad (like northern cyprus) wont have the parts of knowledge to fix it.

Am I being unrasonable in my concerns?

 

[smokeysmoo]

@Mr Haematocrit

 

[ianrauk]

A friend who's bike has electronic shifting gears goes months and months before having to recharge.

 

[Deleted member 35268]

Some say you can make adjustments to the gears whilst in the saddle, so if (in the unlikely event) they don't index properly, you can tweak them back into shape.

 

[BigonaBianchi]

my biggest concern is getting them fixed if the fail. Also the cost of getting them fixed. I know I can fix my own shifting if i need to on a mechanical set up, but just say the set up dies in th eback of beyond where th eneartest bike shop is operated by a goat herder more used to servising tractors?

 

[Peteaud]

I have a Supersix Di2.

Battery life, had to charge mine for the 2nd time in 6 months, a bit inconvenient. The little junction box has a battery indicator anyway so you are not going to run out of juice.

The same nutty box allows you to trim the mechs electronicly

Repairs, well i guess not as easy as normal mechanical but prices will and are coming down.

Waterproofing, dont know as i dont take the bike out in the rain (CF melts you know)

My one caveat, i only bought mine as it was a summer / best bike and have a winter ride. If i was to have bike for all year i would go mecanical. That said, riding Di2 brings a massive grin to my face every time i ride it. Effortless and precise shifting every time.

 

[HLaB]

Never being able to afford it myself, I can only go with what I've seen; Ive seen others fail a few times but I also know someone it has never failed on, so I guess its more down to the individuals. That said though I think I'd be tempted to go for the campy system which I believe still retains a manual shift element if it does fail.

 

[BigonaBianchi]

With @ £2200
Without @ £1599

Time to eat...chill...decide...

 

[Smokin Joe]

You can spend your life worrying "What if it fails?" The same thing was said about STI and Ergo systems when they first appeared. Electronic systems seem to have a very good overall reliability record, you're bound to get the odd report of trouble as you would with anything.

If you want it and can afford it, get it.

 

[Mr Haematocrit]

I get that it's supposed to make switiching smooter and more reliable,

Electronic shifting does not make shifting smoother, anyone who suggests it does lacks the ability to setup mechanical shifting well.
Electronic shifting is no more reliable than mechanical, both can have issues. At best it makes shifting more consistent as you do not suffer cable stretch.

But I am concerned about battery life

The battery life is not an issue, when the battery starts to go flat it shops shifting on the front mech first and then the back a long term after.
There is also the ability to test the battery level by pressing and holding down a shifter, if you do this before and after every ride and still find your pushing your bike with a flat battery, you deserve it.

foul weather performance

Externally mounted batteries such as those on bottle cage mounts, and chain stay mounts are rubbish and massively increase the possibility of having issues.. Its why I run internal seat post batteries.

, and above all getting it fixed when it breaks without spending shed loads of cash. I am also worried because I guess a lot of bike dealers, especially abroad (like northern cyprus) wont have the parts of knowledge to fix it.

Its not just Cyprus which has the issues. The UK is pretty bad as well, some installations I have seen from bike shops are simply shocking. Many lack the diagnostic equipment to trouble shoot it, or the understanding of the technology. Many just replace parts until the issue is addressed and that's your bill from the bike shop.

Am I being unrasonable in my concerns?

No but equally you must be aware its not going to change your world. I have three bikes with electronic shifting and the bike I have with the slickest shifting is mechanical.

I would advise checking your lbs has the diagnostic kit and as about how they troubleshoot issues.

Im a big fan of electronic shifting as all mine are modified and I run multiple shift options on each bike. I also have the diagnostics for all systems and would most certainly state I use one a month in general. If it goes wrong and you do not understand the system or know someone who does your likely to have fun..
I'm always willing to take your money to address things though.

If your London area your welcome to come and have a play with my electronics.

 

[Mr Haematocrit]

I read this
http://www.bikerumor.com/2011/08/10/ultegra-di2-electronic-shifting-ride-review-video-tech-report/

Although that review correctly states the the mechs are larger in Ultegra due to having a cheaper servo, they fail to mention that the servo is also slower which may be important to you. (Who knows)

The best electronic system IMHO is 10 speed Dura-Ace Di2 as its the most flexible.

 

[ianrauk]

@BigonaBianchi test riding one of @Mr Haematocrit 's bikes..... now I would pay to see that

Edit: Just found a pic

 

[BigonaBianchi]

Kool...I think Im going for the non electric shifting ...thinking it through my bike is just about the only hi tech free zone left in my life...i've been more than happy on normal mechanical shifting until now...im not a racer....so although my heart says electric my head says mechanical...besides the price difference is substantial, and I'll still want some carbon aero bars, new road shoes, pedals, and the obligatory new cube bike lycra lol!
Also it's one less charger to carry abroad...and ...although I could easily be talked into changing my mind, Im reading th eposts above and seeing no 'necessary' upside for me, given my style of riding and likely locations. I guess if I want to and can afford it later on I could always add an electronic upgrade....but the reality is i dont' NEED it, i just want it. Besides Im still a lucky guy to be able to get a new bike like the cube....blessings counted, I'll go with the gtx race cube in a 64cm blue white...that and an upgraded bianchi will be more than excellent for my needs ....thanks for all your input

 

[derrick]

Have a mate with DI2 had a problem with it draining the battery after 36 miles, tried another battery still the same, took it to lbs should be ready next week, but others i know have it and have had no problems, luck of the draw i suppose.

 

[BigonaBianchi]

The bike I was considering.has Di2.