How much would you spend for an upgrade to smooth shifting in your next road bike? If $8,000 is within the ballpark, then Shimano-powered electronic shifters could be on your future. We took the cycling giant’s latest gear for a spin in Central Park, drawing envious glances from various spandex-clad bikers through the ride. Outfitted with the company’s newest Ultegra 6770 Di2 series of gears, the shifters gave us a taste of technology normally reserved for Tour de Francers — at new, cheaper pricing . So what was it want to be the envy of cyclists everywhere? Jump past the break to determine.
Many aspiring Lance Armstrongs will inform you that the way forward for bike technology is all about electronic gear-shifting. Unlike the normal lever shifter, the electronic variety uses a motorized derailleur to go the chain from cog to cog. Thought by many to be faster, smarter and easier to apply than an average shifter, the electronic version only requires the clicking of a mouse-like button. The handlebar controls move both front and the rear gears, giving the rider enhanced control over the ride with minimal effort. The shifter is powered by a removable lithium ion battery, which requires a 90-minute charge every 1,250 miles or so.
Even an amateur bike rider would be ready to feel the variation between Shimano electronic gears and people on an ordinary road bike. The super sensitive shifter only requires a lightweight press to head the chain inside the front or rear derailleur and find the best gear. There isn’t any sticking or bumpy shifting, making the action smooth and effortless — getting the shift right at any time when. For sure, moving between gears will not be that enormous of a deal for those folks used to a Huffy, but if it involves winning triathlons and road races, a smooth shifter is among the key components to copping a gold medal to go with your Lycra bodysuit. Expect to peer Shimano’s new line of electronic gears in various bikes within the coming months.
Joe Pollicino contributed to this report.
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