Electronic Shifting - Whats the verdict so far?

coastwatch

It's been around for a few years now and although still expensive, it's now becoming affordable, with Ultegra Di2 available at €1199, less than the high-end mechanical groupsets. (It's still a lot of money though). You can even get a Canyon AL with Ultegra Di2 for €2000.

The electronic groupsets get great reviews, they seem to run without a problem, but I get the impression the systems are not selling anywhere near the volumes they were expected to sell. I'm sure millions must have been spent on R&D. Probably not a lot for Shimano, but it must be a big bet for Campag.
I think I've only seen a handfull of bikes with electronic shifting in the last two years. I dont how many pro teams use electronic, but they use what they are paid to use anyway.
So, my question is, why are people not upgrading to electronic shifting on existing bikes or buying new with electronic? Or is it still very early days and in 5 years we'll all be using it and mechanicals will be for restoration projects?

If anyone on here has electronic shifting, whats your opinion, is it a big improvement, or a "nice to have" , just for racing, or anything but?

Raam

It's too expensive.

I've only used Campag EPS briefly and it was nice.

CheGuedara

Don't currently ride electronic but have both ridden and built bikes running Ui2 and Di2 and have ridden Record EPS. As always depending on what side of the Shimano/Campag devide you sit you'll go with one or the other for their electronic variant.

My observations - rear shifting is very precise and accurate, but no more so than the mechanical version when set up correctly IMO. In the case of both companies front electronic gear change they are an improvement over mechanical - very effortless moving the chain between the chainrings. They just put the chain where you want it, immediately as you demand it.

All in all the main advantages of electronic shifting seem to be less physical effort required to bring about the gear changes, something close to reliably flawless shifting and never having to think about stretched cables. Downsides? Having to ensure the battery is charged (seen one or two panics before races where spare batteries had to be found quickly to replace dead ones) and that no shorts develop in the system.

Is it worth the premium over mechanical? I don't really think so.
Would I have them on my bikes if I could comfortably afford it? Probably.
Would I recommend electronic over mechanical? Yes, only if it doesn't unduly stress the finances - it's the way all performance cycle gearing is going to go, just a matter of time.

andy69

F**kin love it. Got a Fuji sst at great price with Di2 as it happens (didn't set out looking for it, just happened to be on the 2012 model), and I have to say that I'd recommend it to anyone. I wouldn't go back. Even have the wife thinking about Di2 on her new bike! :-)

Beasty

I like them. Don't think they make a material difference to performance on the road bikes, but shifting on the TT bike is a lot more accurate and being able to shift while holding the "bull horns" is a definite benefit

MajesticDonkey

I've never tried it, but a friend has Di2 on his Ridley and finds it great. I personally don't like the whole idea of electronic stuff on the bike.

Roger Hassenforder

andy69 wrote: »

F**kin love it. Got a Fuji sst at great price with Di2 as it happens (didn't set out looking for it, just happened to be on the 2012 model), and I have to say that I'd recommend it to anyone. I wouldn't go back. Even have the wife thinking about Di2 on her new bike! :-)

if you got this:

youre a jammy basterd!
Ive a sst3, and often log in for a fap

andy69

Roger Hassenforder wrote: »

if you got this:

youre a jammy basterd!
Ive a sst3, and often log in for a fap

Hehe! That's my baby alright! Just cleaned it up now ready for Naas tomorrow ;-)