Many things can be programmed on the control computer of the new XTR, but probably the most exciting function is called "Synchroshift": As with a hub gear system, the gears can be clicked through one after the other with a single switch. The decision as to whether to shift gears on the chainring at the front or the sprocket at the rear is made by the electric system - and, if the first test rides are to be trusted, it does so super-fast, precisely and almost unnoticed using small electric motors. In this way, the technology automatically avoids wear and friction-intensive chain movements. Racing cyclists don't have to think about the shifting strategy, but for trekking bikers it could mean a gain in comfort. This shifting logic did not exist with the previous Di2 shifting systems for road bikes.
Another important difference to previous mountain bike drivetrains is the use of a single sprocket set. This is eleven-fold and has a huge spread of 11 to 40 teeth. At the same time, the XTR crankset is now also available with just one chainring at the front - an option that is probably only suitable for flatlanders and racers. If you need a wider gear range, you can still choose a double or triple chainring. With the new top groupset, Shimano is also entering new price dimensions:
the importer expects the price to be at least 50 per cent higher than the mechanical XTR.
Electric shifting on a trekking bike?
That's what the experts say:
"For me, this is initially a cultural issue, like the debate about tight or wide cycling shorts, full or hardtail. Technically, it will work at some point, even if there are still teething problems. But it will probably be a while before trekking bikers switch to electric: in terms of cycling culture, they tend to be on the conservative side."
Uwe Matthies, MAXX
"Many years ago, there was a mechanical twist shifter that did exactly what is useful for trekking cyclists on the Di2: It shifted all gears one after the other with a single switch and avoided heavy skewing. The part failed for various reasons, but the Synchroshift function of the Di2 does exactly that, only electronically. For trekking bikers, however, the technical and financial effort is excessive, even if the technology is passed on to the XT groupset. But the shifting function convinced me during a test ride."
Volker Dohrmann, STEVENS
"I only see a very small user group among trekking customers: occasional cyclists don't need it technically, even if they are often overwhelmed by the shifting logic of a derailleur and shift back and forth. However, the classic long-distance cyclist will continue to shift with Rohloff, as Di2 does not solve derailleur problems such as squeaking, sanding and wear - and electronics are not fitted to their bikes anyway. I see it most likely with the randonneurs who ride a lot and fast. But they have racing handlebars. An electrically controlled triple road bike groupset on a par with the '105' would certainly be more promising."
Stefan Stiener, VELOTRAUM
"As long as Di2 stays with the mountain bike groupsets, it's still too uphill-heavy in terms of gear ratios anyway - and it's too expensive: trekking bikers spend 1500 or 2500 euros for the whole bike, so you can't get into those ranges yet. If that changes, I can imagine it on a trekking bike. But then it wouldn't be about shifting speed and precision, but about comfort and avoiding operating errors. For pedelecs, the electronics make even more sense, for example in an integrated drive concept that reduces the motor power at the time of shifting so that shifting under load does not permanently destroy the hub gear."
Jonathan Herget, CUBE
"I was able to try it out: Shimano takes gear shifting to a new level with the XTR Di2. I have no doubts about the durability or reliability of the XTR Di2. The clean look with cables routed in the frame and integrated battery round off the innovative XTR Di2 as befits its status. But why shift electronically when it also works perfectly mechanically? I want to do it myself and not have to run to a specialist dealer at the slightest snag. I'd rather change the shift cable myself or increase the cable tension instead of connecting the display to my laptop. That's why I would ultimately screw a mechanical XTR version onto my bike, despite the flawless function."
Stefan Loibl, BIKE editor
