Project Dura-Ace Di2: Part 2
The second instalment of the long-term test of Shimano's new groupset
Good weather has finally arrived in southern Ontario, allowing us to put in some solid miles on Shimano’s new Dura Ace Di2 groupset, and delve deeper into some more of its new features. You can see first impressions of the groupset in part one of this series.
One of the most highly touted features of the new Di2 groupset is the ability to customized the setup to your personal preference. This customization comes from the updated E-tube software and wiring system. The new E-tube system allows the whole setup to be plug into a PC. With the associated software, you can designate and change shift-lever functions and shift speed. When updates become available for the software, for performance improvements or added functionality, the firmware will allow for them. Currently the software is only PC compatible; however, Mac users can still run the program via emulation software, such as Parallel or Boot Camp.
We met with Shimano Canada’s technical specialist Ben Pye for more details on customizing the groupset.
Having the ability to play with the setup for the past month has been revealing. You don’t have to work within the limitations of a mechanical setup. Currently, mechanical shift paddles don’t match. The outer paddle on the left that moves to a harder gear doesn’t match the outer paddle on the right, which goes to an easer gear. But with the Di2 system, the outer paddles can be programmed to perform the same function on both the left and right shift levers, arguably a more intuitive set up.
We have also been experimenting with the shift speed, which is most useful in conjunction with the “unlimited setup.” In the unlimited set up, the number of cogs you shift is directly tied to the length of time you hold down the shift lever, so adjusting the shift speed sets the sensitivity of this action. After some experimenting, we settled on the second-fastest shift mode. With a few long rides under our belts, we new have a good feel for how long to hold the shift lever in order to shift three, five or all 11 cogs. This feature is handy for keeping up on rolling terrain that’s part of our weekend hammerfests.
The level of customization iscertainly nice, but is it necessary? No. But then neither are integrated shifters or index shifting. After all, riders were able to ride and race just fine on down-tune levers and friction shifting. However, the added functions of Shimano’s Dura-Ace 9070 really make the entire shifting process seamless and serves to enhance the ride experience.
The other part ofthe customization, or what Shimano calls “rider tuned” features, is the new four-arm crank. By going to four arms, Shimano was able to shed some weight. But the real benefit is the reduction in bolt circle size, allowing the use of both standard (52/38, 53/39 and 55/42) and compact (50/34 and 52/36 ) chainrings without having to swap cranks. Riding in your weekend club ride’s fast group? Keep up with the 53/39 setup. Going to the Pyrenees to ride the famous climbs of the Tour? Throw on the compact set to ensure you can spin your way to the top. Shimano is able to get away with only four arms without sacrificing stiffness, and hence shift quality, with careful positioning of the arms and their 3D hollow chainrings. The new crankarms have also been beefed up to ensure no loss of power transfer, even under pro-rider wattage. Along with the new derailleur’s ability to handle 28-tooth cogs and an expanded range of cassettes, Shimano’s new Dura Ace Di2 can be tailored to nearly any terrain and rider ability.
