#!markdown
I have DI2 ultegra on my cross bike and mechanical Dura-Ace on the road bike.
DI2 is faster and never misses although I still hit the wrong button or don't
push enough at times. I don't find it so much better than mechanical that I
will run out and replace all my drive trains with electric. Even if the stuff
cost the same I wouldn't change it unless it was worn out. I think it really
makes sense though especially for off road where cables degrade and require
replacement often enough. But with the cost difference being what it is, I
don't think it is worth it from my perspective. And cheaper stuff is all well
and good, but I tend to wear out and break cheaper stuff.
I'll bet in the next ten years though we will see electric all down to the
lowest usable stuff and only the Wallmart crap will be mechanical.
Gearboxes will never be as good because you loose a ton of efficiency with
gear friction. And they are far more complex to build and maintain. They have
their place though. Maybe in the future engineers can reduce or eliminate gear
friction in some fashion.
April 8, 2016, 9:10 a.m. - Andy Eunson
#!markdown I have DI2 ultegra on my cross bike and mechanical Dura-Ace on the road bike. DI2 is faster and never misses although I still hit the wrong button or don't push enough at times. I don't find it so much better than mechanical that I will run out and replace all my drive trains with electric. Even if the stuff cost the same I wouldn't change it unless it was worn out. I think it really makes sense though especially for off road where cables degrade and require replacement often enough. But with the cost difference being what it is, I don't think it is worth it from my perspective. And cheaper stuff is all well and good, but I tend to wear out and break cheaper stuff. I'll bet in the next ten years though we will see electric all down to the lowest usable stuff and only the Wallmart crap will be mechanical. Gearboxes will never be as good because you loose a ton of efficiency with gear friction. And they are far more complex to build and maintain. They have their place though. Maybe in the future engineers can reduce or eliminate gear friction in some fashion.