Di2 remote shifters
 

Finally going to convert my Diverge gravel bike over to GRX Di2. The parts have all been ordered but I'm curious as to how helpful climbing or remote shifters would be.

Is it worth the $100 price tag to install a remote shifter? I'm not sure I even need it but since I'm still in the ordering phase of the project I thought it would be worth looking into.

I think the Dura Ace SW-R9150 remote shifters are the better option. The problem is since I plan to use the bar end junction I think I will have only 1 open port on the left shifter assy so I can't use them. Or can I?

The only other available option I can find is the Shimano SW-600 climbing shifter Currently discontinued by Shimano but still available at select retailers.

Since it is my gravel bike I'm more inclined to ride with my hands on the hoods, but while climbing it is always nice to use the tops for a change of hand position.

Are they useful for the average rider? Are they worth the extra expense for something that may not be as useful as I have imagined?

Changing hand position is nice while climbing, so just move your hand back to the hood when you need to shift.

That's what I am currently doing. And that's the issue really isn't it? Are they actually beneficial? I'm not set on them, just curious. I'm not so sure I like the rocker style switch anyway. It's fugly.

I don't think moving your hands from the tops, to the hoods for a moment, is an "issue"

I have the 610 remote shifter, located next to my stem and I just use my thumb to change gears. I find it very handy when climbing. Is it worth the extra expense ... to me yes. But if I didn't have it that wouldn't be a deal breaker.
Moving to the lever to change gears is not a big deal but with the 610 I don't have to move my hand, off the tops, at all.

:lol:

Neither do I. I was more poking fun at my apparent laziness.

Imagine being forced to use only downtube shifters?

:cry:

I cannot imagine such horrors.

If you have only one port free, install a remote shifter for the rear gears. That's typically what you'll be changing in a climb.

I love having the climbing switch on my road bikes to the right of the stem and miss it on my current Tiagra gravel rig...planning the upgrade soon as I find my thumb habitually hunting for it when a steep hill presents itself...

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...94ac6139_k.jpg

I have both versions of the climbing buttons. I like them and would miss not having them, which is why I put them on both bikes, but is nowhere near a dealbreaker kind of thing.

Thanks for the pic. A visual of what I want to try is always helpful.

Right now I'm leaning towards not getting one at all. Seems interesting, and somewhat helpful at times. But may not be practical at the moment. Thanks to those who replied. :thumb:

What happened to the bar tape on the right side?
It looks backwards on top and messed up at the hook.

What is that on the left side of the stem?

That is a pretty cool picture, how did you manage that while moving?


https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...7a64a5800e.jpg

that's a bell. Use your thumb, to hit the little lever.

https://www.knog.com/category/produc...v=3a1ed7090bfa

I've been practicing that shot...tough to get symmetry;)

I've never seen that one before.

Well, you did a good job. It looks professionally done.

Your cockpit looks pretty familiar to me, P1 SLR 7, Garmin, Blendr mount and Spec shoes;). I pick up my Blendr/Garmin mount tomorrow from the LBS. Now you've got me thinking about adding climb switches when it is time to wrap the bars. I like the looks of that mirror too. Do you like it?

Mirror is a lifesaver. All my bikes have them. Only reason I don't have one on the right-hand side is the bar-end junction box. Sure I get made fun of a lot, but it is so essential from a situational awareness POV.

Available on Amazon

Sprintech Racing

Thanks. I currently use an eyeglass mounted mirror which I like in most situations but am always looking for something better. Also well aware of the dork factor of using any mirror but I don't care since since I'd rather see vehicles approaching well in advance. I think I will order one a give it a try.

Managed to grab another one this morning...note the temperature on the Garmin lol.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...b597a209_k.jpg

Personally, not necessary. And in fact just takes up valuable real estate on the bars.
If anything, I'd rather have the remote sprinter shifters, since i ride in the drops a lot.

Who wraps your handlebars?:eek:

Can't you shift from the drops with Shimano? i can up or down shift from the drops with ease with my Chorus brifters.

I have sprint shifters (tho I don't race much and sprint) but I absolutely love them since I spend more time on the drops lately. See some pros who climb thousands of metres in GTs don't have them and go to the hoods to shift. Maybe fitting them is an issue on some handlebars.

Having said that I strongly support any upgrade that makes you more efficient and puts your legs over the bike. Just give it a try. If you don't like them you can always sell them on ebay.