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"A solution to a problem that doesn't exist." "Unnecessary." "A marketing gimmick." Those are lines offered time and again by armchair critics of Shimano's new Dura-Ace Di2 electronic drivetrain, yet few of those pundits have spent any time on the stuff. After our initial sampling last summer in Japan and now two solid months of near-continuous use on a proper test group, we can confidently say that shifting-by-wire doesn't just work; it's flat-out awesome.Shifting performance that's second to none.For the full review please view Bike Radar
Incredibly smooth, precise and reliable shift performance that cable-actuated systems can't match, but hugely expensive and multiple shift performance could be better
We rode one of the first working prototypes of the electronic Dura-Ace Di2 over a year ago, and it's taken until now for it to be available on production bikes. Focus's bike is the first to be available to test.Before I'd even shifted a gear I was aware of the improved lever-hood shape compared to the 7900. Sure, there are bound to be differences of opinion between riders, but for me the new slimmer design found the ideal middle ground; not so 'scooped' as the new Campagnolo, but more of an ergonomic feel than SRAM's designs. The textured grip was a nice addition too. At first I found myself constantly shifting up and down the gears, pressing and playing with the buttons, like a kid with a new toy. The rear mech shifted incredibly smoothly, and rapidly too. It's a step up from previous Dura-Ace shifting performance, which is a big compliment. Some of that might be down to the new directional chain, but the self –learning rear mech, which you can see micro-trimming itself, means each shift should always be perfectly aligned...Surely it's a pain having to remember to charge the battery? Hardly. I had been using it for 2 weeks, and thought I'd better check it, but the battery had lost almost no charge, so there is little or no issue there. It's not attractive having taped under the down tube, but are they any less unsightly than having steel cables there? And so it does on.
All of which makes the Focus Izalco Extreme Di2 an outstanding bike even before you star to look at the cost, which frankly don't ad up. The complete bikes costs £4049.10 which, less groupset price, means you're getting everything else for £1350, which makes it quite unbelievable.