I recent read an article about internal batteries for DI2 and EPS on bikeradar here. I don’t have a DI2, but I’m interested in the Ultegra as my next upgrade potentially.
I love the clean look of the internal battery but I’m wondering about how annoying it would be to charge if it’s not removable.
Ultegra Di2 is easy: plug it into electrical outlet and port that’s attached under stem. I’ve had it for a month and ride about 14 hours / week, and have charged once.
You charge E-Tube systems through the front junction box. I have 7970 with a custom internal battery and I use the rear derailleur wire.
Both the old EPS and the new EPS, you have to charge on the bike, there’s not way to move the battery to the charger (unless you disassemble everything, but that would be simply crazy). One thing to keep in mind with the new internal EPS, you need a place for a charge port. I opened up the drain hole under the bottom bracket on my wifes Parlee to fit the charge plug there. Another option would be to drill a hole in the seat tube (not too interested in that…).
I think my interest is in finding out people’s opinion on if it’s annoying to run a cable to the bike somewhere. I store my bike inside, so it’ll likely be near a receptacle so it probably isn’t a problem. I’m just wondering if I’m deluding myself into thinking this and the reality will be forgetting to charge it and other annoyances and the original removable battery of the DI is the more preferred from a convenience standpoint with the trade off of it being an uglier solution.
The internal battery charger for etube Di2 has long cords so it isn’t difficult to reach an outlet to charge. The external battery is easier if it is mounted on the outside since you can remove it to charge and swap it out in an emergency.
If the external battery in mounted inside the frame like the P5 or the BMC TM01 then it is less convenient since you have to remove the rear wheel and open up the battery compartment.
It really just depends on what frame you are using. The internal is fine as long as you check the charge before a big event / longer ride and have a charger ready.
You should also note that these systems don’t require charging all that often. I think most people are seeing over 1,000 miles between charges. So it isn’t like a cell phone you need to charge every day. Even if you have to run an extension cord once a month (or less), I’d say it is worth it.
Kevin
Not an annoyance at all because the systems don’t require charging often. I ride the road bike 4x a week for a total 8-15hrs and have not depleted my shimano internal battery below 50% in the last month . Hooking it up to a charger is easy peasy also. Not an issue at all.
The internal battery works great and is a good clean solution. Don’t go external removable.
Thanks. That’s what I’ve been hoping to hear. I’ve just been hesitant because up until now everything I’ve ever used on my bike has either been coin cell replaceable (speed/cad sensor, powermeter) or removable and rechargeable (Cycle computer, Triathlon watch, lights, etc). It sounds like they’ve come up with a good run time for the battery size.
I have the DuraAce Di2, 2012 edition. I don’t think it’s that different from the Ultegra. It’s not a problem at all. I charge mine once every couple of months and immediately before a significant race. Not a big deal.
My internal battery has only been charged twice and I have had it installed on the bike since Oct. I only mention checking it since I took my bike on vacation and realized I had forgotten my charger. The battery was still at 50% a month after charging. In the packing process, I had forgotten to check the charge as well. I was lucky since it would have been impossible to get a replacement if it was dead.
My external batteries last about 3-4 months between charges even with daily rides.