I’m converting over to di2 and trying to gauge whether it makes sense to go the 1 button route on the aero bars. I know that forces me into synchro shift. The 2 button solution is not as elegant but, to me, more versatile. What do you folks use and/or recommend?
I have one button, but wish I had two. When transitioning from a descent to a climb or vice versa the two button comes in handy.
Also, I believe you can program extra buttons (if you’re using synchro shifting) to switch data screens on your Garmin if you also have the wireless junction or inline dongle and it’s paired to your Garmin.
If you ever want to go 12-speed Di2, keep in mind that the 2-button TT shifters are not compatible with the new system. The 1-button shifters are.
(if you don’t, feel free to ignore this ;-))
I am not really happy with my 1-button, two chainring set-up.
sometimes the FD-shift catches you off guardwhile the shift to the big ring is generally smooth and can be done under reasonable load, the shift to the small isn’t for methe automatic counter-shift in the back is much too slow for my taste and i’d prefer it to happen BEFORE the FD shift, not after…
I would LOVE if Shimano gave us a way to manually trigger a FD-shift even with the one-button set-up. Either press two buttons at once (maybe SRAM-patented?) or long-press (I hardly use the current behavior of long-press, i.e. multishift - but others might)
preemtive remark: I have tried all possible tweaks in the shimano app including shift speed and various countershift-settings. I ended up completely disabling the countershift and just doing it manually because that way it can be done faster
I think the key to making the one-button system liveable and user friendly is the audible “chainring shift†warning on the bike computer. I can’t imagine riding one-button Synchroshift without it. This requires the Bluetooth antenna accessory on the 11-speed systems. The antenna is built into the 12-speed systems.
I like the idea of having the long press actuate the FD. I do plenty of races and TTs on open roads where intersections are monitored for safety but not controlled so I do find myself needing to dump gears in a hurry before stopping for traffic. However this is a predictable situation and I have no issue just hitting the shifter multiple times. Having the ability to manually shift a FD would be more useful than multi-shift because as it is I can find the FD shift delayed in rolling landscapes until I really want to be putting power into the pedals. On a mechanical setup I would shift before things get steep (temporarily moving into a sub-optimal gear) to ensure that I can move into the sweet spot when things get tough rather than having to do a lot of shifting right as things get tough. You could set up semi-shifting to kinda mimic this but that would lead to excessive FD shifts on flatter roads.
Terry, I’ve had your site bookmarked for awhile…it’s a great resource for electronic shifting. There’s very little chance I’d switch to 12 speed.
To all, thanks for the replies. I think 2 button is the way I’ll go. Maybe it’s just my old brain but I think I’d prefer to be able to shift the RD up/down with one hand. I’ll play around with the synchro shifting to see what feels best. I’ll be getting the inline wireless unit to be able to make changes easily.
I’m converting over to di2 and trying to gauge whether it makes sense to go the 1 button route on the aero bars. I know that forces me into synchro shift. The 2 button solution is not as elegant but, to me, more versatile. What do you folks use and/or recommend?
I just went opposite route, two button to one. With conventional extensions and no “TT rules” to worry of, I see zero reason for someone to go single button unless you just hate the ergonomics.
I went one button for the aero and ergonomics of single button for time trial, otherwise the ergo of two button is just a bit much sticking up or rotated and such.
IMO, if you own “fancy” or “super extensions” the only way to go is one button. Otherwise the ergonomics of reaching to shift a two button is junk as you have to rotate them so if your hands are close together at the ends you can actually get to the buttons.
Also, with di2 you can buy into the two button Dura Ace. As I understand it, you could then still program those to shift the FD. You would come out of aero, then shift the FD. Versus with two button shifting the FD in aero.
So, you can do both if you want. One button extensions and then two button on the brakes, and still go semi synchro or manual shift. If you’re handy with wire routing you could expose the button on the di2 unit to double click while riding to change the mode also. Most TT/tri bikes hide this, but you could in reason make it available.
Boy this thread caught my eye. 2 button period. I have 5 bikes 4 have 2 button work great. The 5th is my Felt IA with one button or Synro shifting…it sucks on a tri bike. The big thing is climbing out of the saddle and you shift and it changes the big ring to the small and there is a horrible dead spot and you have to quickly shift up. You will find out if you go one button. I am trying to change to 2 button been waiting 8 months for the shift brake levers. I did get the extensions shifters after 6 months. Been dealing with Glory cycle they are still trying to get them. If you know source please let me know. Glory cycle told me many have changed. I did change the shift points it did help some what but you cannot shut it off. LOL
I’m converting over to di2 and trying to gauge whether it makes sense to go the 1 button route on the aero bars. I know that forces me into synchro shift. The 2 button solution is not as elegant but, to me, more versatile. What do you folks use and/or recommend?
I just went opposite route, two button to one. With conventional extensions and no “TT rules” to worry of, I see zero reason for someone to go single button unless you just hate the ergonomics.
I went one button for the aero and ergonomics of single button for time trial, otherwise the ergo of two button is just a bit much sticking up or rotated and such.
IMO, if you own “fancy” or “super extensions” the only way to go is one button. Otherwise the ergonomics of reaching to shift a two button is junk as you have to rotate them so if your hands are close together at the ends you can actually get to the buttons.
Also, with di2 you can buy into the two button Dura Ace. As I understand it, you could then still program those to shift the FD. You would come out of aero, then shift the FD. Versus with two button shifting the FD in aero.
So, you can do both if you want. One button extensions and then two button on the brakes, and still go semi synchro or manual shift. If you’re handy with wire routing you could expose the button on the di2 unit to double click while riding to change the mode also. Most TT/tri bikes hide this, but you could in reason make it available.
You Can go full synchro and still assign the buttons on the levers to shift the FD regardless of which mode you use
do you mean mechanical brake and di2?
I am vhsngibg to new rever hydraulic disc and 1 button satellite add in. so I can sell you my used shifters if needed
Lucky for me Felt AI is mechanical disc brake and they work fantastic makes converting two button easy.
I’m also thinking about foregoing the basebar shifters since I’m so use to shifting from the aero bars (even on uphill segments). 2 buttons on the right aero bar would be super convenient for those scenarios.
Two button for me as well. So much more perceptive and really lets me control how I want the shifts. I deal with both daily and the 2 button seems so much better in so many ways.
I’m also thinking about foregoing the basebar shifters since I’m so use to shifting from the aero bars (even on uphill segments). 2 buttons on the right aero bar would be super convenient for those scenarios.
Basebar brake shift buttons are really the magic of di2 or sram. Whether you go two or one button there or on the extensions.
Shifting in technical riding situations without reaching a hand off a bar. It’s really more fun.
I’m also thinking about foregoing the basebar shifters since I’m so use to shifting from the aero bars (even on uphill segments). 2 buttons on the right aero bar would be super convenient for those scenarios.
Basebar brake shift buttons are really the magic of di2 or sram. Whether you go two or one button there or on the extensions.
Shifting in technical riding situations without reaching a hand off a bar. It’s really more fun.
This! I find the biggest advantage of Di2 is basebar shifting. I expect I change gears 3-4x more when I’m on the basebar because it’s so easy. It’s hard to explain without riding a TT bike with Di2, but it’s the best bike upgrade I’ve made.
Base bar shifting is really important when climbing out of the saddle. Being able to shift while climbing is so much easier with 2 button Di2 on the base bar.
I have a Trek Speed Concept, and would like to upgrade to Di2 if I could. I think I’d also prefer the 2 button system. Are they still making it new, or would I have to source it used?
I originally felt like I wouldn’t really ever need or want it, but it would be great to shift from from the basebar.
They still make the 2 button for aero bars, just built one up last week.
Agree that the brake levers with Di2 buttons are a big enhancement for me.
For the post about the synchro being annoying big to little, I agree. My best advice would be to go into the settings and change the synchro to shift earlier. The stock setup will cross chain all the way before shifting the FD. I reprogrammed mine to shift much earlier and I prefer it. It can also make it smoother to actually go up a gear in ratio rather than down, once the FD has shifted you can keep dumping cogs, but at least you’re doing it before you’re on a really steep slope.