Electronic Shifters
Shimano launched the first commercially popular electronic drivetrain in 2009. It was called Di2, and one reason it was so successful was the fantastic feel of its electronic shifters. In the years since, other brands including SRAM and Campagnolo have developed their own electronic drivetrains. These systems have different technologies and capabilities, but one thing they all have in common is a precise push-button feel with the shifters. You could say that electronic shifters have become the new command centers on modern high-tech bikes. And lucky for us, the price tag for going electronic has steadily dropped since that first Shimano group was introduced a decade ago. There are more accessible options now than ever before.
On road groups, electronic shifters are typically integrated with brake levers just like they are with mechanical groups. On the mountain bike side, shifters such as Shimano’s XTR Di2 models mount separately from the brake levers, with a tidy, streamlined package. Electronic shifters for MTB don’t require the all the inner workings of mechanical shifters and therefore take up less space on the handlebar.
Some of the key benefits of an electronic drivetrain include faster shifting speeds compared to mechanical and the option to shift all the way across the cassette by pressing and holding a shifter button. You can even custom program some electronic shift systems, adjusting things like shifting speed and which buttons you use to shift. And you can easily add additional shift buttons to aero bars or other areas of the handlebar including “climbing shifters” on the tops or “sprinting shifters” on the drops.
We carry electronic shifters for both road and mountain bike in all the major brands. If you have compatibility or other technical questions while shopping for electronic shifters, call one of Gear Advisors at 888-880-3811, they’ll be happy to help guide you.
