There have been rumours for a long time, but now the time has finally come. After Shimano presented the latest offshoot of the "conventional" XTR M9000 groupset, the XTR Di2 is now available. Under the abbreviation M9050, the electronic shifting system is now also available for mountain bikes.
With the market launch of Di2 on road bikes in 2009, Shimano immediately succeeded in increasing precision and, above all, ease of use when shifting gears with a high level of reliability. The XTR Di2 should now make the transfer to off-road terrain possible. With over 20000 kilometres of testing, the new technology had to prove itself under all conceivable conditions, including with cross-country legend Julien Absalon, who was closely involved in the development. Hardly any other new groupset has been tested as rigorously as this one.
E-Tube makes the XTR Di2 individually programmable
As with the current Di2 road bike groupsets, the shifting logic of the electric XTR can be programmed. The so-called E-Tube cable system connects all Di2 components via a plug-and-play connection and transmits both energy and information to the individual components of the system. For example, the front derailleur can be operated from the left switch to the right switch and the rear derailleur to the left switch.
If the switch is held down, the so-called multi-shift function is activated, in which several gears are shifted in succession. Both the shift speed and the number of gears shifted via multi-shift - i.e. two, three or all eleven gears - can be selected as required.
In addition to the electronically controlled motors in the front derailleur and rear derailleur, the new XTR Di2 can be combined with a Fox iCD system to control the fork and shock. The associated display provides information about the battery capacity, the selected gear and, if necessary, the mode of the Fox suspension elements (platform or open). The battery is mounted on the side next to the bottle cage and should last for around 1500 gear changes, just like on a road bike.
Syncro Shift: semi-automatic shifting with one hand
If you choose the option with a double or triple chainring, you can optionally operate the gears with just one hand. With the Syncro-Shift mode, the front derailleur shifts automatically and makes the shift lever for the front derailleur superfluous. This individually adjustable function ensures a straight chain line and the most efficient power transmission possible. Shimano promises short operating distances, tactile feedback and reliable, fast and smooth shifting. The following video explains the Syncro-Shift function:
The bike developers were already able to test the new electric XTR groupset before the press. Michal Staab from Canyon is convinced of the functionality: "It makes no sense to replace mechanics with electronics if there is no additional benefit. However, the automatic front derailleur function of the XTR Di2 gives you noticeable added value. Incidentally, the shifting function is flawless and works so well at the front that you don't even notice it."
Comparison of weights - Shimano XTR electronic vs. mechanical
Prices are not yet known, but are likely to be significantly higher than those of the mechanical M9000 series. Harald Lucas from Cube on the two sides of electronic progress: "The XTR Di2 shifts absolutely perfectly. The front derailleur function is certainly a highlight. This makes a double or triple configuration more interesting again. However, because the Di2 will cost around 60 per cent more than the mechanical XTR, demand could initially be somewhat restrained."
The detailed BIKE ride report will follow after the ride presentation at the World Cup in Albstadt on 1 June 2014.
