Would you prefer electronic shifting if it was (roughly) the same price as mechanical?

NorthCascades
NorthCascades Posts: 10,968 Member
edited November 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
I need to buy a fondo bike. I've been planning to get it with Ultegra (mechanical). Today I test rode something that spoke to me. The salesman told me I can have it in Ultegra Di2 (6870) for $120 over the price of the mechanical Ultegra group on the same bike.

I see a lot of advantages and few disadvantages. Mech Ultegra shifts beautifully so it isn't hugely necessary. Trim has always annoyed me so I like the idea of not having to deal with it. I kind of like the feel of mechanical shifting though.

Anyway I'm leaning toward taking it but would like opinions, especially from people who've spent more than 20 minutes using this technology.

Replies

  • Alisonswim46
    Alisonswim46 Posts: 208 Member
    Don't forget you have to charge it!
  • MeanderingMammal
    MeanderingMammal Posts: 7,865 Member
    Data integration with the edge gives you more insight.
  • chunkytfg
    chunkytfg Posts: 339 Member
    Just fitted SRAM eTap to my road bike as an upgrade to ultegra mechanical. It's works apart imo. Just so much better. If my sales guy told me I could have had it for just $120 over mechanical I'd have ripped his arm off!!

    My GF has dura-ace di2 on her bike and it is also very very good. I especially like the self adjusting Front mech that moves to stop rubbing.
  • chunkytfg
    chunkytfg Posts: 339 Member
    Joenali wrote: »
    Don't forget you have to charge it!

    Twice a year maybe depending on how much you ride.
  • BrianSharpe
    BrianSharpe Posts: 9,247 Member
    Given that a shifter cable broke on me during a race this year I'd definitely be leaning towards electronic at that small of a price differential.
  • Djproulx
    Djproulx Posts: 3,084 Member
    x2 on the "remember to charge it" advice. Have 2 friends who raced 70.3's in a single gear due to pilot error this year. With that said, very high marks for electronic shifting among members of my training group.
  • NorthCascades
    NorthCascades Posts: 10,968 Member
    I just put a deposit down on the bike. :smile:
  • NorthCascades
    NorthCascades Posts: 10,968 Member
    MeanderingMammal wrote: »
    Data integration with the edge gives you more insight.

    That's actually pretty valuable. Do I have to buy a transmitter to do this, or does it work out of the box?
  • scorpio516
    scorpio516 Posts: 955 Member
    NorthCascades wrote: »
    MeanderingMammal wrote: »
    Data integration with the edge gives you more insight.

    That's actually pretty valuable. Do I have to buy a transmitter to do this, or does it work out of the box?

    Back when they announced it (Edge 510 days) you needed a $80 DI2 wireless sender, but I don't know today. Garmin doesn't say, it's a question for Shimano
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