First Look: Shimano Unveils 2012 Ultegra Di2
An electronic version of Shimano’s Ultegra components has long been rumored. When we’ve asked Shimanoites about it in the past, all we’ve ever gotten were hems and haws, followed by long pauses. Just how economical would a lower priced sibling to the higher-end Dura-Ace offering be? What design shortcomings might exist as Shimano tried to make the gruppo financially viable to product managers? There are still plenty of questions to be answered, but until a later date, here’s the Shimano release…
Professional riders have been using Shimano Dura-Ace components with Di2 electronic shifting technology in the biggest races in the world over the past four years; over the highest mountains, in the most extreme weather conditions and over the worst possible roads and cyclo-cross tracks. Now this revolutionary technology has made its way into Shimano Ultegra, making it available to a much wider group of road racers and enthusiasts.
The advantages of Di2 (Digital Integrated Intelligence) are clear for everybody who has tested it: changing gears becomes easier, effortless and faster by simply touching the shift buttons. Control at the tip of your fingers. Additional benefits include an automatic trimming front derailleur, unmatched precision plus easy installation and adjustment.
Shimano Ultegra 6770 series with Di2 technology consists of Dual Control Levers, electronically operated front and rear derailleurs, a battery and electric cables. The remaining components – like the Hollowtech II crankset, brake calipers, cassette sprockets and chain ? are borrowed from the mechanical Shimano Ultegra 6700 component group.
The electric cables require only two core wires (Dura-Ace Di2 has four) and the connectors are smaller too with a diameter of 5.1mm (-3.7mm compared to Dura-Ace Di2). Easy plug and play system to connect the cables, which will be available in different lengths to accommodate most frame dimensions.
The SEIS (Shimano Electronic Intelligence System) is based on the Shimano Index System (SIS) that has proved its superior gear changing characteristics over the years. The big difference is that in this case, the shifting action is provided for by electronics instead of mechanics.
Ultegra 6770 products will exclusively become available in the new Ultegra glossy grey color. The products are not compatible with Dura-Ace Di2.
SHIMANO ULTEGRA Di2 Product specs:
ST-6770 Dual Control Levers (10-speed, for double crank sets)
Effortless electronic push button shifting
Intuitive operation, similar to mechanical ULTEGRA
Reach adjust mechanism ? fits all hand sizes
Weight: 313g/pair
MSRP: $444.99
RD-6770 Rear Derailleur (10-speed)
Fast, precise and smooth electronic shifting ? even under load
Easy electronic adjustment system
Crash saver function
Wide gear ratio ? Compatible with 11-28T cassette sprockets
Weight: 270g
MSRP: $339.99
FD-6770 Front Derailleur (10-speed, for double cranksets)
Fast, precise and smooth electronic shifting ? even under load
Automatic trim function
Weight: 162g
MSRP: $309.99
SM-BTR1 Battery
High performance lithium ion battery (7.4V)
Easy to assemble/remove for charging
Charging time: maximum 90 minutes
Weight: 71g
MSRP: $94.99
SM-EW67-A-E Electric Cable Junction
Battery charge indicator
Rear derailleur adjustment mode
MSRP Cable Junction Box: $34.99
MSRP Front Wiring Harness: $114.99
MSRP Wires (ea): $29.99 (4 total required)
MSRP Battery Mount: $134.99
Available October 2011. For more info: Shimano.
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