The Shimano 12-speed Di2 groupset
For many, the Shimano 12-speed Di2 is the queen of the shifting groups. So that you can also get the full potential out of it, we at buycycle have summarized all the most important tips and tricks around the electric circuit: In Nic's YouTube video and in this blog post you will learn everything about the 12-speed Di2, from the battery check, the different modes and the fine-tuning of the front derailleur, to the E-Tube app!
Let's start with the function button: it is the alpha and omega of any adjustments you can make and is located on the outside of the rear derailleur on the newer models. On the inside you'll find a small LED light that shows you all the information you need in the following steps.
1. Battery check.
To check the battery status of your Di2, you simply click once on the function button. If the LED is permanently green, the battery is charged between 100% and 50%, if it flashes green, it is between 50% and 25%. If the LED lights up red or even remains completely off, you should reach for the USB cable and recharge the battery.
The central battery of the Di2 sits mostly in the seatpost, but the cable that was supplied to you in the normal case, you can simply connect to a USB charging cable and plug in the charging socket on the rear derailleur left by folding up the protective device of rubber briefly. However, make sure that you insert the plug the right way around and do not use force to avoid damaging the charging socket.
The shift levers on the handlebars are not connected to the central battery, but are powered by their own button cell batteries. To check their status, press both shift buttons on one lever at the same time and as long as the LED on the hood is green, you can cycle and shift with peace of mind. If this LED lights up red, the batteries are only under 10% charged and should be replaced within the next month.
2. Switching modes.
The Shimano Di2 system offers three different shifting modes. In the first mode, you shift manually as with a mechanical shift group and operate the front and rear derailleurs independently.
The second mode is the semi-synchronous mode. Here, the rear derailleur automatically shifts up or down to a corresponding sprocket when shifting on the front derailleur. This automatic adjustment ensures that you are always in a solid gear ratio and can be configured to shift up to 4 sprockets. However, the default setting of the semi-synchronous shift adjustment is designed for 2 sprockets.
The third and final mode is fully synchronized shifting. In this mode, the front derailleur automatically shifts up or down when the rear derailleur is shifted over a certain sprocket. Likewise, however, the rear derailleur automatically moves up or down to compensate for a change in the front derailleur. No matter how and where you shift in the third mode, you are always in the optimal gear ratio.
To switch from one mode to the next, turn back to the function key and press it twice in quick succession. When the LED is solid blue, you are in manual mode, when it blinks twice, you are in semi-sync mode, and blinking three times means you are in full-sync mode. If you want to briefly check which mode you are currently in without changing it, simply press the function key once and the battery indicator is followed by the blue light, which tells you your current mode.
3. Fine tuning of the shifting group.
In the finer adjustment of the gearbox, starting at the rear derailleur, you will find the two limit screws and the B-tension screw.
The first step is to check the B-bolt. This can be used to adjust the distance between the rear derailleur rollers and the cassette. However, this is usually already set correctly at the factory. To adjust, shift to the small chainring at the front and the largest sprocket at the rear (i.e. the lightest gear). The distance between the guide pulley wheel and the largest sprocket varies depending on the cassette used. According to Shimano's user manual, the distance for Dura-Ace and Ultegra cassettes should be as follows:
- 11-28T - 18mm
- 11-30T - 14mm
- 11-32T - 10mm
- 11-34T - 6mm
For 105-casettes:
- 11-34 - 10mm
- 11-36 - 6mm
Once the B-screw is correctly adjusted, the next step is to fine-tune the gears. To do this, shift the chain to the fifth sprocket from the bottom. It is important that the chain lies exactly on the middle sprocket. Then hold down the function button until the LED lights up yellow, confirming that you are now in adjustment mode. From here, you can fine-tune the rear derailleur by pressing the buttons on the right shift lever. When you shift up, the rear derailleur moves inward; when you shift down, it moves outward.
Shift up until you hear the chain rubbing as if it wants to shift to the next sprocket. Now shift down 5 times or press the corresponding rear derailleur button 5 times. Your jockey wheel on the rear derailleur should now be in line with the sprocket. A final check never hurts, shift through all gears once to make sure everything is running smoothly. If not, repeat the entire process and downshift only 4 times this time instead of 5.
Now you can turn to the front derailleur and adjust the upper and lower limit. This prevents the chain from rubbing against the front derailleur and ensures that it does not fall off the chainring. To set the upper limit, shift to the largest chainring and the smallest sprocket. Then go back into adjustment mode and start fine-tuning the front end, this time using the buttons on the left shifter. The goal here is for the distance between the chain and the outer plate to be 1 mm. Then click on the function button again to exit the setting mode.
To set the lower limit, shift to the smaller chainring and the largest rear sprocket and repeat the process. At the latest now your gears should run properly.
4. E-Tube app.
With the E-Tube app from Shimano you can not only configure the modes even more precisely, but also adjust the buttons, check the battery status and update the firmware. Simply download the E-Tube Project app and connect it via Bluetooth with the Di2.
To do this, press the function button on the rear derailleur until it starts to flash blue and your shifting group is thus ready to be paired. Then simply follow the steps that are displayed in the app and once your bike is connected, you can make use of the full Di2 potential.
So much for the Di2 circuit: For questions about the Shimano shift groups is our team is always there for you and if you need further tips and tricks around the bike you can have a look at our numerous other blog articles! And if you are so enthusiastic about the Di2 now that you want to ride it immediately, then we surely have a suitable bike for you on buycycle.com. Until then, we wish you first of all: Happy indexing, happy cycling!