Di2 & Madone review

[Dogmama]

First, the Di2. I've been on a bike with Campy for 17 years, so I'm used to smooth, quiet shifts. The Di2 is incredible. You need to be careful where you place your hands because just a slight touch will shift gears. The amount of pressure is similar to caressing a cat's ear. The lever moves, maybe one inch maximum. I shifted up & down on hills & there was no difference in the smoothness. Seriously, it makes my beloved Campy seem like index shifting. (How many people remember THAT?) The front chainring trues itself up - it makes a high pitched whirring sound - not loud but you can hear it. I think it's pretty cool.

You can check the battery level by touching the lever. A very small box (1/2 inch by 1 inch) mounted on the wire by the handlebars reads green, flashing red, etc. I read that if something goes wrong, they can plug the system into a computer and the faulty part lights up. Right now the Ultegra Di2 is only available on the 6 series Madones, but in the spring it's supposed to be available in the 5 series. (Trek bikes, obviously.) It runs about $2K - half of what DuraAce Di2 costs. But, I priced out C-Chorus and it was $2K for non-electronic shifting.

Now the Madone - wow. I never thought I'd like a bike better than my steel custom bike, but apparently they've made a few changes in geometry in the past 17 years. I also never thought I'd like carbon fiber. This bike weights 15 pounds. It is stiff but not punishing. The handling is beyond compare. I actually slipped in some gravel and it was like the bike corrected itself. I can do a 270 degree turn no problem. If I'm coming out of the saddle, I have to shift to a harder gear so that the bike doesn't come out from under me. I had them put carbon fiber handlebars on so that the ride would be smoother. I have arthritis in my hands, neck, back, you name it. I got off that bike after 1.5 hours totally pain free. I was riding into headwinds, did some pretty good hills, and the time flew by.

I'm a pretty happy camper!

[Seajay]

This is great! You're going to have a fun spring.

[marni]

First, the Di2. I've been on a bike with Campy for 17 years, so I'm used to smooth, quiet shifts. The Di2 is incredible. You need to be careful where you place your hands because just a slight touch will shift gears. The amount of pressure is similar to caressing a cat's ear. The lever moves, maybe one inch maximum. I shifted up & down on hills & there was no difference in the smoothness. Seriously, it makes my beloved Campy seem like index shifting. (How many people remember THAT?) The front chainring trues itself up - it makes a high pitched whirring sound - not loud but you can hear it. I think it's pretty cool.

You can check the battery level by touching the lever. A very small box (1/2 inch by 1 inch) mounted on the wire by the handlebars reads green, flashing red, etc. I read that if something goes wrong, they can plug the system into a computer and the faulty part lights up. Right now the Ultegra Di2 is only available on the 6 series Madones, but in the spring it's supposed to be available in the 5 series. (Trek bikes, obviously.) It runs about $2K - half of what DuraAce Di2 costs. But, I priced out C-Chorus and it was $2K for non-electronic shifting.

Now the Madone - wow. I never thought I'd like a bike better than my steel custom bike, but apparently they've made a few changes in geometry in the past 17 years. I also never thought I'd like carbon fiber. This bike weights 15 pounds. It is stiff but not punishing. The handling is beyond compare. I actually slipped in some gravel and it was like the bike corrected itself. I can do a 270 degree turn no problem. If I'm coming out of the saddle, I have to shift to a harder gear so that the bike doesn't come out from under me. I had them put carbon fiber handlebars on so that the ride would be smoother. I have arthritis in my hands, neck, back, you name it. I got off that bike after 1.5 hours totally pain free. I was riding into headwinds, did some pretty good hills, and the time flew by.

I'm a pretty happy camper!

I am currently saving up for a madone- which madone did you get?

marni

[Dogmama]

I am currently saving up for a madone- which madone did you get?

marni

The 6.2. In the Spring, the 5.0 series will have Ultegra electronic shifting, if you're interested. Right now, you have to go with the 6.0 series.

[azfiddle]

Amazing technology!

[Wahine]

Congratulations! I'm glad you're happy with your new bike.

[Jo-n-NY]

Congratulations on your new bike. I described my Specialized Amira the same way, stiff but not punishing. When people said this about their frames it was hard to figure out what they were talking about. Definetely something to be tried and felt to fully understand.

Enjoy!!!

[ladyicon]

I am sooooo jealous. Enjoy your new ride.

[goride]

Congratulations on your new ride and thanks for the nice review of the electronic shifting. One question, is the battery rechargeable or does it need to be replaced, and how often? Just curious because I am not really good about recharging my electronics.

[Dogmama]

The battery is rechargeable but they say it needs recharging every 500 miles. It depends, of course, if you shift a lot or a little.