Back in July of 2015 we received the much-anticipated Shimano XTR Di2 drivetrain. Prior to the release of this extremely high-end and very expensive electric groupset, this was a system more commonly used by lycra-clad grid-dodgers on the road! ‘Never will it work on a mountain bike’ we all laughed, but could we all be proved wrong?
The Di2 system has been thoroughly used and abused in the UK, through a tough winter and against the clock on many occasions. The system has now been transfered to its second test bike, a Scott Genius LT build for the 2016 season (see here). After 900 hard earned kilometers it’s time to see how the drivetrain has performed.
Installing Shimano XTR Di2
The Di2 kit was originally fitted by Shimano at their HQ in the UK. We watched on as a PC was brought out and the complicated system was meticulously routed through the bike’s internal cable openings. Last year it was a struggle to fit the battery in the frame (however, many new frames actually have battery fitting panels) so Shimano opted to fit with the use of the bottle cage mount, which looked cumbersome and ugly. After quick lesson off the technical guys it was off to the nearest trail to test it out.
Programing Shimano XTR Di2
The shifter is extremely easy to operate, a quick press for one shift up or down and a longer full press for two up or down shifts, The shifter can be re-programmed to change which button sends the mech up or down the cassette, we found they come programmed with what seemed like the wrong way round as standard. Keep your thumb pressed down on either up or down shifts and the mech is sent non-stop to the top or bottom. At first this took a bit of getting used to, as it can send the chain flying up the gears on a climb more than wanted if you keep your thumb on the up-shift button too long by mistake; this actually resulted in a snapped chain on the first ride!
Adjusting Shimano XTR Di2
Using the display panel you can unlock the many features of Di2, with a quick press of a finger onto the side of the display you can select the micro adjustment, here you can easily make slight changes up or down whilst riding on the flat to get the shift absolutely perfect. Much like that of a barrel adjuster in a normal shifter, this is useful if you have slightly bent your hanger or are fitting to a different frame. Also when using the synchro system (front and rear mech work from one shifter) the screen can be selected to adjust which of the two shifting modes the rider would require. Modes can be adjusted by plugging the system into a PC and choosing at what point exactly the front mech changes in conjunction to the rear; are you still with us?!
Wiring the Shimano XTR Di2
The display unit fits nicely onto the bars and gives out vital information such as shifting mode, battery life, current gear and micro adjustments and is also the point where the battery charger can be plugged in to attach to your PC or the mains. Wires, which are all the same, but in varying lengths attach to the screen, the mechs, shifter and battery, all have the same ends which easily plug in and there is no order to what goes where in the back of the screen, simple.
The front and rear mechs fit in the same way as conventional mechs, with all front mounting options catered for. The rear mech is Shimano’s sleekest to date, hugging the rear cassette and staying nicely out of the way of those nasty obstacles, available in medium or long cage versions. The XTR Synchro system comes with a 11/40 cassette, made up of more separate types of metals than the International Space Station!
Performance Of The Shimano XTR Di2
At the back end of last season we used the full synchro system on a 2x drivetrain. We found the shifting to be incredible, so precise and true that it really was shockingly good. The battery life is probably the most surprising, as even with multiple weekly rides, the lengths between charges can still be measured in months not weeks! The only problem experienced in running the synchro shift was during an Isle of Man Enduro race, when after a crash and a chain loss, we dragged a looped chain through the rear mech, breaking part of the cage; this was easily replaced, as all parts are replaceable. The massive gear selection of the 2x synchro shift was fantastic for longer days in the saddle, making those massive climbs a lot easier on tired legs. Another problem we encountered was after a silly crash the very small and dainty grub screw assembly which holds the shifter onto the bars became twisted and gave enough problems to have to also be replaced.
We then built the Di2 into a 1x drivetrain, the XTR rear 11/40 cassette was replaced with the XT 11/42 version, the front mech was ditched for simplicity and the XTR cranks had an Absolute Black oval ring fitted and held in place with a very effective prototype chain guide (more on the guide soon!). Also we took the battery out of it’s holder and fitted it under the dropper post in the frame out of the way.
Reliability Of The Shimano XTR Di2
There are many benefits to this system, now we’re used to it and have it set up, the simplicity, incredible battery life, absolute precise shifting that never struggles and beautiful looks all impress. It has never failed, the only noise it emits is a quiet electronic click on every shift, often remarked on by following riders! We really didn’t expect such a niche system to be as good as it is; almost wanting it to fail and prove our original suspicions correct. But after countless rides it has become one of our favourite drivetrains, plus it’s been ridden in every awful condition imaginable, this thing has really proven us wrong.
Would We Buy The Shimano XTR Di2
The only real negatives we see to the XTR Di2 system is the tiny grub screw holding the shifter, the way it can only be programmed or updated by PC (not a Mac) and it’s absolutely ridiculously high price.
But now with the XT version has been released, using all the same technology, but featuring new programming from phones and iPads and coming in at much less crippling prices, we think this will be a serious consideration for all riders, not just those with big wallets!
Price Of The Shimano XTR Di2
Front mech XTR € 316.99 (£ 249.99) XT € 189.99 (£ 149.99)
Rear mech XTR € 507.99 (£ 399.99) XT € 285.99 (£ 224.99)
Shifter XTR € 189.99 (£ 149.99) XT € 100.99 (£ 79.99)
Charger XTR € 94.99 (£ 74.99)
Battery Holder XTR € 75.99 (£ 59.99)
Battery XTR € 126.99 (£ 99.99)
Display Screen XTR € 107.99 (£ 84.99)
1000mm wire x1 € 24.99(£ 19.99)
Full 2X11 XTR Di2 € 2505.99 (£ 2010.00)
Full 1X11 XTR Di2 € 1924.18 (£ 1513.00)
For more information visit the Shimano Website.
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Words: Photos: Jim Buchanan, Isac Paddock, Christoph Bayer
