Shimano chose to launch their new Dura-Ace 7970 Di2 group in Kona, Hawaii during the week of the Kona, Ironman. The tropical backdrop and influx of multi-sport athletes from around the world created a fertile setting for consumers and dealers to also get a look at revolutionary new electric TT shifters from Shimano. The shifters did not arrive in time to actually be raced in the event, but Shimano had Ironman winner, Craig Alexander, ride them after the race and he has reportedly already ordered up a set. We had the difficult task of flying out to Kona, meeting with Shimano engineer Kazuhiro Fujii (one member of the engineering team responsible for Di2 in Osaka) and riding the volcanic climbs around Kona with Wayne Stetina and the Shimano crew to get a feel for group that is positioned to literally blow-open the world of bicycle shifting in the upcoming months.
THE TRIFECTA
One thing to keep in mind is that Shimano is launching three new products for 2009-2010. The mechanical Dura-Ace 7900 is completely redesigned and literally made way for the Di2 (Dura-Ace 7970) to emerge in the marketplace, which is set for early next year (Jan 09). The ST7971 and SW7971 TT shifters will follow suit. Customers of the new Dura-Ace 7900, which will be available first, can then upgrade to Di2 when it becomes available.
We will be riding the Di2 groups for a few long rides in Kona this week to get some miles on the new group and report back. Stay tuned for a feature on Di2 in the next issue of RBA. For now, here is a close look at the TT Shifters.
Aero. Aero. Aero: There’s no dangling shift paddles hitting the wind. No need to stretch, re-adjust, or change your aero-position to shift, which means your body will stay in the most aero-position for longer periods of time. Translation: More speed.
Shifting Choice: This is a great feature—You can shift from the alternate shift buttons on the bar so when you are out of the saddle on a steep climb you can control your shifting without having to reach forward and get out of position.
Top to Bottom: The top buttons shift to larger chainrings, the lower buttons to smaller chainrings or cogs.
For four years, Kazuhiro Fujii and a team of engineers at Shimano, invisioned the Di2 group, tested and retested in Osaka and are now proudly watching their work enter the marketplace. Kazuhiro commuted the 46 kilometers to work, personally testing different iterations of Di2. Shimano USA's Wayne Stetina has had the enviable job of testing the products in Orange County, CA. The testing process began in Osaka in 2003. Five versions and over 20,000 miles later (Wayne Stetina alone has put 20,000 miles just on the last two versions of Di2) it is finally here.
WILL THE PRO'S BE JUICED UP IN 2009? (Seems like a fair pun this week)
All Electric Pro Teams?: Not just yet, but expect to see quite a few
teams running the TT shifters during the upcoming season when they
become readily available.
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