BluFalconActual

Out of the blue today I found out that I am getting a pretty substantial re-enlistment bonus. First thing that came to mind was what I was going to spend on my bike. As of now, I have the 105 5800 across the board except for Ultegra wheels and brakes. I am debating either going with the Ultregra di2 and leaving the 105 cranks or purchasing a combination of (mechanical) Dura-Ace shifters, Dura-Ace front mech and Ultegra cranks and rear mech. The mechanical option is a little cheaper through Merlin, but I can't decide on what would be a better idea. Any input?

dvdslw

I personally would go Ultegra di2 only because I've been riding with it for about three years now and just can't see going back to mechanical. I've test ridden several bikes with mechanical Dura Ace and they shift very well but don't quite give me the same precise feel I get with di2. It would be easier for you to stay mechanical because you simply have to swap a few parts, adjust, and go. With a di2 conversion you're looking at swapping all of the parts, battery location, routing of e-tube wires, etc... Just looking on Jenson's web site, you can piece together a 6870 kit for right at $900 with an internal battery here from the US.

shelbyfv

I would skip Di2 if your bike was not designed for it. All that hanging out as an after thought doesn't look right, very dated. Don't know if your 105 is silver or black, but as you've probably noticed, the grayish 6800 doesn't go with either, nor does it play well with 9000 black/silver mix. 9000 brakes and both derailleurs, keep the 105 crank unless the budget also allows for 9000. Shifters would be the last. This is all about what looks right, as you will probably not notice a functional difference.

DiabloScott

Di2 on a new bike!

BluFalconActual

For the record, my bike has internal cabling for di2.

BluFalconActual

That option has crossed my mind. I just bought my current bike no more than 2 months ago though and I still really like it. If Felt still made the Z series then I would be really looking into that. Plus, divorces are expensive.

sh00k

get the DA 9100 setup... it's gorgeous!

BluFalconActual

That is tempting. I would have to use the new 8000 Ultegra rear mech because I run a 32 cassette. It's still around 900 bucks which is still under the self imposed budget that I placed on myself.

dvdslw

If an Ultega 8000 or Dura Ace 9100 crank is in your current want list, keep in mind that you can't use anything but an Ultegra 8050 or Dura Ace 9150 (or mech 8000/9100) front derailleur because Shimano has moved the chainline on the new cranks enough to where the older derailleurs will not work with them.

Marcus_Ti

That is the nice thing about bikes....they're cheaper than marriages or divorces.

BluFalconActual

Thanks for the heads up.
Full R8000/9100 comes in at about the same price as the current di2 system. First world problems

Samuel D

Still listed as 43.5 mm here.

Da Reef

I vote electric with the warning that it is very hard to go back to mechanical.

Samuel D

I vote not to ‘upgrade’, or if you do, to keep it mechanical. I don’t see what electrics add to changing gears other than cost and complexity (yes, I’ve tried Di2 on the road). Learn how to set up your Bowden-cable gears properly, i.e. follow Shimano’s detailed instructions instead of some random YouTube video (all the videos I’ve seen have been inadequate in one way or another).

mercator

Upgrade fever is a funny thing, you have a two month old bike with modern parts that you really like and already you want to improve it.

For the money you are looking at spending, you will get much better results if you buy new wheels, plus then you will have a spare set of wheels. What do you do with a spare set of shifters? Sell them I guess, but don't expect to net much back.

lsberrios1 

Once you go electric, your rides are less hectic.

DiabloScott

This bike with the mechanical shifters would make a good foul-weather ride because you won't care if they get rained on. Di2 bike for the good days and you won't have to clean it as often.

lsberrios1 

All good investments are expensive in the beginning but they pay off later.

Dean V

Di2 is nice but I don't mind when I swap back to ride my bikes that have mechanical shifting.

Da Reef

Not all heroin users become addicts but most do...

topslop1

Just barely.

MikeOK

Another vote for Di2.

TimothyH

I would reverse this.

Stream crossings, descending 7 miles on gravel in a thunderstorm, puddles turning to ice, washing with a hose... When conditions deteriorate I'll take Di2 every time.

Save the mechanical for a nice sunny day when there is a 10% chance of maybe getting some pollen on your bike.


-Tim-

BluFalconActual

Welp, Im stationed in the middle of the Mojave desert so wet weather is a only a couple days a year and I don't ride in it because of the flash floods

valygrl

What is your goal? Lose weight? Improve functionality? Aesthetics? Start with that question and you may be able to figure out what you want.

Bike vacation might be a fun way to spend the $ too.