Shimano is bringing out new Deore XT Di2 groupsets with Auto Shift

Shimano is bringing out new two XT Di2  drivetrain, the first update to the mountain bike electric shifting in years. But there’s a catch. The two derailleurs, which feature completely new shift capabilities, are designed for use with eMTBs. Free Shift and Auto Shift, two new Di2 shift modes, only work in coordination with an EP drive unit.

Shimano is also rolling out two new motors, the EP801 and EP6, as well as an all-new Cues Di2 shifter.

Next-gen eMTB features: Free Shift and Auto Shift

Free Shift and Auto Shift take advantage of having a motor and computer system integrated into an eMTB. Instead of just powering the bike, the new drive modes use the motor to make new shifting capabilities possible.

Free Shift

Free Shift lets you shift gears while coasting. It does so by integrating XT Di2 derailleurs and the motor. Shift while coasting and the EP6 or EP801 will advance the chain enough to shift gears. So, for example, when you’re cruising downhill, round a corner and see a big hill you can enjoy the descent and get in the right gear to get up the hill.

Auto Shift with Manual Override

Auto Shift takes integration to a whole new level. When engaged, the system will automatically shift gears for you, making predictive gear changes based on your speed and cadence. The goal is to let you focus on riding without worrying about finding the right gear.

XT Di2 is back in eMTB form

to talked advantage of new shift modes, you’ll need the new version of Shimano’s XT Di2 groupset and one of the updated motors.

Di2 first rolled out in 2008. The new XT Di2 groupsets reflect a very different market. Specifically, eMTB’s are popular and becoming more capable.

Two XT Di2 derailleurs are arriving. An 11-speed XT Di2 LG, designed to work with Shimano’s Linkglide chain and cassette. And a more performance-oriented 12-speed XT Di2 HG+, designed for Shimano’s Hyperglide+ drivetrains. Both derailleurs are powered by the EP system’s centralized battery. Both derailleurs also work with either the new EP6 or EP801 motors.

There are a few differences beyond 11 versus 12 speeds. XT Di2 LG will let riders use all modes including full Auto Shift with Manual Override. XT Di2 HG+ only lets riders choose manual shifting, Free Shift, and auto shifting while coasting.

New EP6 and updated EP 801

To make all this work, Shimano introduces two motors. The EP6 is an all-new motor that brings the EP8 design to a mid-level price point. It has the same 85Nm max torque and 250 watt power as the EP8 (and EP801), but tips the scales at 3.0 kg instead of 2.7.

The EP801 is an update to the EP8 that allows it to integrate with the new XT Di2 and Cues derailleurs and the new shift capabilities they allow. It’s still compatible with mechanical drivetrain, too.

Both drive units also feature new CAN accessory ports, allowing further and future integration with other features.

Cues Di2 drivetrain

Since e-bikes cover a wide range of consumers and are especially well represented in the commuter crowd, Shimano decided to make a Di2 drivetrain specifically for those riders. Cues Di2 is designed for durability and performance in a ‘lifestyle’ component line. It’s in line with Shimano’s Linkglide e-bike drivetrain, but Cues Di2 allows riders to take advantage of functions like Auto Shift that need communication between motor and derailleur in order to work properly.

There’s a catch: pricing and availability

Because all these parts are geared toward integrative functions like Free Shift, XT Di2, Cues Di2, EP6 and EP 801 drive units will only be available as part of complete builds. That mean’s there’s no individual part pricing available. You can expect to see those bikes hitting stores in … 2023.

So why announce the new drivetrains now? Eurobike starts this week and a few bikes there will be showing off the new systems. Shimano’s announcing details so people know what they’re looking at.