Shimano v SRAM electronic MTB groupset

[GrantRH]

So initially I was thinking the electronic groupsets for MTB is crazy. How are they going to deal with the mud, bumps, and river crossings that you don't encounter on the road?

 

I then see them introduced at the world champs this year, which makes a fairly convincing argument that they are robust enough for offroad use.

 

I am a sucker for gadgets so I have now decided that I would like to upgrade to an electronic groupset for my MTB when they arrive in SA.

 

Shimano Di2 should be here by the end of the year. But, after being a big Shimano fan before my current bike, I now actually prefer SRAM (X0 currently). So I searched on the interwebby to seen what SRAM was doing by way of electronic groupsets.

 

It appears that SRAMs onroad version made a guest appearance in the Tour of California, so the MTB version is probably expected late next year some time.

 

What is different between the SRAM and Shimano electric groupsets you may ask? Apart from brand preference, the SRAM offering is wireless!!! For a gadget nut, that is just another level... and no more cables to worry about. Disadvantages include that each component will need a battery rather than one battery for the entire groupset, and in theory there may be interference in the wireless communication between the components (I have never had this problem with my HR monitor or cadence meters so I don't see why it should be any different).

 

So the questions are:

 

1. Are you thinking of upgrading to an electronic groupset when available? If not, why (apart from the cost obviously)?

 

2. If so, SRAM or Shimano and why?

[JA-Q001]

Only problem with trying to go the SRAM way is that they haven't even officially launched or announced the Electric road group, so I dont know how long you are going to wait for the MTB group. Going by Shimano timeline, you will have to wait about 4 or 5 years.

 

Also, can you afford the XTR Di2? Sheesh, from what I have read, its going to cost something like R30 000, so just imagine hitting your RD on a rock, bending your dropout a small fraction and that expensive piece of equipment land in your spokes!

[GrantRH]

Only problem with trying to go the SRAM way is that they haven't even officially launched or announced the Electric road group, so I dont know how long you are going to wait for the MTB group. Going by Shimano timeline, you will have to wait about 4 or 5 years.

 

Also, can you afford the XTR Di2? Sheesh, from what I have read, its going to cost something like R30 000, so just imagine hitting your RD on a rock, bending your dropout a small fraction and that expensive piece of equipment land in your spokes!

I am worried about the delay with the SRAM release. But indications are possibly mid-2015 for the roadies, and I am hoping maybe 6 months later for the MTB version.

 

As for cost, you can upgrade incrementally. I heard prices of 20k for a full set, but I am thinking on first upgrading the RD and then the FD later. No doubt, I will need to insure it in case of those possible accidents.

[GrantRH]

Anyone else out there thinking if the electronic groupset?

[madbradd]

I love the idea.

 

1x11 electronic will be awesome if shimano bring out an xt version and a wide range cassette. Xtr too much for me. But I want a version that doesn't have a controller... So just a shifter, and RD. I expect that the battery will stay on the bottle cage.

[GrantRH]

I love the idea.

 

1x11 electronic will be awesome if shimano bring out an xt version and a wide range cassette. Xtr too much for me. But I want a version that doesn't have a controller... So just a shifter, and RD. I expect that the battery will stay on the bottle cage.

The controller can make a 2x10 work like a 1x11, so that you only need a shifter for the RD and the FD is automatic.

 

It will trickle down to XT, like the Dura Ace has trickled down to the Ultegra.

[madbradd]

The controller can make a 2x10 work like a 1x11, so that you only need a shifter for the RD and the FD is automatic.

 

It will trickle down to XT, like the Dura Ace has trickled down to the Ultegra.

I understand the way the controller works but just prefer the idea of 1x11 rather than controlled 2x11. They wont be doing a 10spd di2 as far as I understand.

[Pipsqueak]

I saw a bike decked out with Di2 the other day, and I was disappointed to see that there are still cables that need to be routed - and on top of that batteries & controllers too. What the hell? Seems like a whole lot MORE hassle than just setting your old cables properly.

 

Am I missing something?

[raptor-22]

So initially I was thinking the electronic groupsets for MTB is crazy. How are they going to deal with the mud, bumps, and river crossings that you don't encounter on the road?

 

I then see them introduced at the world champs this year, which makes a fairly convincing argument that they are robust enough for offroad use.

 

I am a sucker for gadgets so I have now decided that I would like to upgrade to an electronic groupset for my MTB when they arrive in SA.

 

Shimano Di2 should be here by the end of the year. But, after being a big Shimano fan before my current bike, I now actually prefer SRAM (X0 currently). So I searched on the interwebby to seen what SRAM was doing by way of electronic groupsets.

 

It appears that SRAMs onroad version made a guest appearance in the Tour of California, so the MTB version is probably expected late next year some time.

 

What is different between the SRAM and Shimano electric groupsets you may ask? Apart from brand preference, the SRAM offering is wireless!!! For a gadget nut, that is just another level... and no more cables to worry about. Disadvantages include that each component will need a battery rather than one battery for the entire groupset, and in theory there may be interference in the wireless communication between the components (I have never had this problem with my HR monitor or cadence meters so I don't see why it should be any different).

 

So the questions are:

 

1. Are you thinking of upgrading to an electronic groupset when available? If not, why (apart from the cost obviously)?

 

2. If so, SRAM or Shimano and why?

 

 

 

SRAM when ICASA grants it approval....