DI2 Depression.

[ridebikeme]

HA! I love this thread, thanks Wahine! AS a mechanic, I've always wondered why on earth people would spend so much on their shifting... as you said many people can't even remember to charge their cellphone(and I belong to that club)and what happens when you are riding far from home. Will there be a shop close by to help if you have issues? And what if that shop doesn't carry D12?

In addition to my shop, I worked for bike touring companies for 16 years, and we were riding in the "sticks", I was the only support. I'm so thankful that I'm not doing that now only because I wouldn't be carrying D12 parts with me. While the bike companies want us all to continue to spend our money with them, in my mind, there certainly are many items that would be more beneficial to all of us and that would have a bigger impact than "electronic gizmos." Ok, let me go plug in my phone...

[Skippyak]

I want though LOL.

[Owlie]

HA! I love this thread, thanks Wahine! AS a mechanic, I've always wondered why on earth people would spend so much on their shifting... as you said many people can't even remember to charge their cellphone(and I belong to that club)and what happens when you are riding far from home. Will there be a shop close by to help if you have issues? And what if that shop doesn't carry D12?

In addition to my shop, I worked for bike touring companies for 16 years, and we were riding in the "sticks", I was the only support. I'm so thankful that I'm not doing that now only because I wouldn't be carrying D12 parts with me. While the bike companies want us all to continue to spend our money with them, in my mind, there certainly are many items that would be more beneficial to all of us and that would have a bigger impact than "electronic gizmos." Ok, let me go plug in my phone...

I'm not entirely sure how DI2 works, but I imagine there's a whole lot more that can go wrong with it than mechanical shifters, and probably a whole lot more expensive to repair. Certainly more expensive to replace!

I suppose if you're a pro and those milliseconds count, go for it.

[OakLeaf]

In addition to my shop, I worked for bike touring companies for 16 years, and we were riding in the "sticks", I was the only support. I'm so thankful that I'm not doing that now only because I wouldn't be carrying D12 parts with me.

I'm reminded of one of the centuries I did in southeastern Ohio when someone flatted one of his tubular tires.

No chase vehicle with a spare wheel, very obviously. No spare tire. No patch kit, sewing kit or glue. The nearest bike shop of *any* kind was probably 50 rural miles away, and it wouldn't have been the kind of bike shop that would have had tubies in stock anyway. Plus, it was a Sunday.

Three years later I'm still trying to figure out what the guy was thinking going out on a ride like that with those wheels on. At least with tubies you *have* another pair of wheels with clinchers. Not like swapping out your shifters and derailleurs.

[Jolt]

This is the first I have heard about DI2...sounds like a great example of an answer to a question nobody asked! What is the point of electronic shifting? At least e-assist on a bike can enable somebody to ride who otherwise might not be able to, and that is a good thing. As for expensive new technology that does nothing but complicate what should be simple, phooey.

[ridebikeme]

CAn definietly understand where you are coming from Oakleaf. Years ago, I was riding on sewups and did have a spare with me. Although what I didn't take into account was that it was fall and very cool out. What that means is that I didn't weigh enough to really push on the bike/wheels and get the glue so that it was soft, so I could change my flat. Friction generally allows the glue to become quite soft, but on that cold morning, well that didn't happen... and here was the mechanic walking back to the shop. That was the last time that I ever rode sew ups, perhaps now the glue is a bit better... but I'd rather know that I can get myself home... because now I do live in very rural area.

[pll]

I also find electronic shifting like a little "invasion" of sorts, like I would lose something if I get it. However, I can see it can be helpful if you have hand issues. For example, shifting from the small ring to the big ring I always had difficulty (much improved after I splurged on some exotic Japanese cables, though). Electronic shifting might make that easier for me. Also because of my weak grip, I am keeping an eye on hydraulic brakes for a future bike.

Have you gals taken a look at how DI2 works? It's neat to see both derailleurs adjust at the same time. No more cross-chaining.

<Before you throw tomatoes my way, keep in mind that all of this comes from someone who drives a car with a manual transmission, without automatic locks or windows. And I don't have a smart phone, either.>

[OakLeaf]

I also find electronic shifting like a little "invasion" of sorts, like I would lose something if I get it.

Really, that's exactly how I felt about indexed shifting at first. Not that it stopped me from installing the little washer click-side up when you still had the option of "fretless..."

[Owlie]

I also find electronic shifting like a little "invasion" of sorts, like I would lose something if I get it. However, I can see it can be helpful if you have hand issues. For example, shifting from the small ring to the big ring I always had difficulty (much improved after I splurged on some exotic Japanese cables, though). Electronic shifting might make that easier for me. Also because of my weak grip, I am keeping an eye on hydraulic brakes for a future bike.

Have you gals taken a look at how DI2 works? It's neat to see both derailleurs adjust at the same time. No more cross-chaining.

<Before you throw tomatoes my way, keep in mind that all of this comes from someone who drives a car with a manual transmission, without automatic locks or windows. And I don't have a smart phone, either.>

I totally agree that if you have hand issues (arthritis, etc), electronic shifting is definitely a plus. I think there's a difference between accommodating so that you can ride comfortably and buying it because of purported performance improvement (and because it's a cool new toy). But then, you could say that about nearly anything.

[Skippyak]

I used to only ever drive stick shifts, it is the same thing really, who drives a stick unless you have a performance car anymore? I love auto cars. I get hives when I have to drive my DHs stick shift and I drove stick for longer than I have driven auto. I am waiting for the auto version in bike shifting.

[pll]

I used to only ever drive stick shifts, it is the same thing really, who drives a stick unless you have a performance car anymore? I love auto cars. I get hives when I have to drive my DHs stick shift and I drove stick for longer than I have driven auto. I am waiting for the auto version in bike shifting.

Just in case, mine is not a performance car. I simply like a manual transmission, it's fun to drive. The same car with an automatic transmission is heavier and less responsive.

[zoom-zoom]

I used to only ever drive stick shifts, it is the same thing really, who drives a stick unless you have a performance car anymore? I love auto cars. I get hives when I have to drive my DHs stick shift and I drove stick for longer than I have driven auto. I am waiting for the auto version in bike shifting.

Ha, and you could not PAY me to drive an automagic. Gah, I replaced one automatic transmission in my first car (previous owner clearly had not maintained it properly). Manual absolutely rocks in snow! And traction/stability control blows. I can always upshift and get my foot off the gas faster than those systems will kick-in. I won't even buy a car with automatic transmission.

[zoom-zoom]

I totally agree that if you have hand issues (arthritis, etc), electronic shifting is definitely a plus. I think there's a difference between accommodating so that you can ride comfortably and buying it because of purported performance improvement (and because it's a cool new toy). But then, you could say that about nearly anything.

I thought Di2 was stupid, too...until I broke my wrist mountain-biking. It's taken me a long time to have enough strength in my fingers/wrist/hand to properly shift my right SRAM lever and my wrist limited my rides until the past couple of months. Had I broken my left wrist I'd really be screwed. It's hard work shifting to the big ring on that side even with a fully functional wrist.

So, yeah, they serve a purpose. I'm considering Di2 on my next bike...especially if I develop arthritis in my bum wrist. Anything that allows me to bike more, in spite of physical limitations/injury, is a good thing.