Opinions on previous generation di2 for cross
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Opinions on previous generation di2 for cross
I'm starting to put together a build kit for a new cross bike and have noticed that the newer stuff means older 11sp has some nice prices.
So far r785 shifters with hydraulic brakes seem to be selling for around 250 a set, 11 speed xt read der for 150s range, ultegra fder for around 100, wires, battery, charging port is another few hundred and of course Pro bar and stem are another 150.Seems like 900-1000 would get shifters, brakes, ders, and functionality. On the other hand 11sp Dura Ace with hydraulic levers and brakes is 400 and comes to just under 600 with ultegra ders. Is the 300-400 difference worth it for di2?
Being a cross bike the cheap side would be RS505 shifters and brakes for 160 and 105 ders for another 100. and no worries about breaking anything.
So far r785 shifters with hydraulic brakes seem to be selling for around 250 a set, 11 speed xt read der for 150s range, ultegra fder for around 100, wires, battery, charging port is another few hundred and of course Pro bar and stem are another 150.Seems like 900-1000 would get shifters, brakes, ders, and functionality. On the other hand 11sp Dura Ace with hydraulic levers and brakes is 400 and comes to just under 600 with ultegra ders. Is the 300-400 difference worth it for di2?
Being a cross bike the cheap side would be RS505 shifters and brakes for 160 and 105 ders for another 100. and no worries about breaking anything.
#2
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Couple of obvious answers, "Yes", being one, "Is there a question ?" another.
I think you're asking is your logic and are your choices valid and the answer is yes.
The Di2 prices don't seem like a great deal, somewhere in the $800 range ?, which is typical. So then the question becomes DA vs. Di2 and it's a subjective "does Di2 shift better than DA ?", maybe not out of the box ("different", but not necessarily better ?), but mechanical shifting quality deteriorates over time with dirt, etc, so Di2 has the advantage there as you won't be changing out cables every year. DA is supposed to shift a bit smoother than Ultegra but as you'd be using Ultegra derailers, you maybe won't benefit from the improved DA shifting if you mix in Ultegra, thus not seeing the point of using DA at all.
The bottom line is to get Di2 because you want it. You won't be disappointed as it's a great system,the best Shimano offers IMO. It's not trouble free though, there's a post somewhere from a guy who cannot get Synchro to work at all. Not many posts though from folks asking "How do I fix my Di2 system"
I think you're asking is your logic and are your choices valid and the answer is yes.
The Di2 prices don't seem like a great deal, somewhere in the $800 range ?, which is typical. So then the question becomes DA vs. Di2 and it's a subjective "does Di2 shift better than DA ?", maybe not out of the box ("different", but not necessarily better ?), but mechanical shifting quality deteriorates over time with dirt, etc, so Di2 has the advantage there as you won't be changing out cables every year. DA is supposed to shift a bit smoother than Ultegra but as you'd be using Ultegra derailers, you maybe won't benefit from the improved DA shifting if you mix in Ultegra, thus not seeing the point of using DA at all.
The bottom line is to get Di2 because you want it. You won't be disappointed as it's a great system,the best Shimano offers IMO. It's not trouble free though, there's a post somewhere from a guy who cannot get Synchro to work at all. Not many posts though from folks asking "How do I fix my Di2 system"
#3
Di2 fanatic
Keep in mind that you can also run Di2 MTB derailleurs with road Di2 shifters. The mtb derailleurs may be heavier, but possibly also more cross-proof.
(All derailleurs in a Di2 system must be either MTB or road/GRX and they must all be 10-speed or all 11-speed)
(All derailleurs in a Di2 system must be either MTB or road/GRX and they must all be 10-speed or all 11-speed)