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Shimano Ultegra Di2 for TT and Tri
images by Nick Salazar
Aug 25, 2012  hits 51,225

The new E-tube system uses smaller junctions, waterproof connectors (no shrink wrap), and is a total plug-and-play system. No hunting for the right wiring harness, you just plug any combination of shifters in to your front junction and off you go.
The new E-tube system uses smaller junctions, waterproof connectors (no shrink wrap), and is a total plug-and-play system. No hunting for the right wiring harness, you just plug any combination of shifters in to your front junction and off you go.

Shimano chose to launch its Ultegra Di2 TT components at the USA Pro Cycling Challenge in Denver, Colorado. The launch occurs simultaneous to the closing TT that would decide the race, and also concurrent with the launch of the new Orbea Ordu. TriRig was there to get all the details of the new system and bring you detailed photos of it all.


Back to article: Shimano Ultegra Di2 for TT and Tri


  • The new E-tube system uses smaller junctions, waterproof connectors (no shrink wrap), and is a total plug-and-play system. No hunting for the right wiring harness, you just plug any combination of shifters in to your front junction and off you go.
  • The new Ultegra Di2 TT setup is beautiful, and just as fantastic as its Di2 counterpart, just a little heavier.
  • Ultegra's Di2 components are a little larger and heavier than their Dura-Ace counterparts, but they are MUCH cheaper, and now cross-compatible for a clear upgrade path.
  • The small E-tube system makes for much cleaner bike builds. The Ordu was built with this system in mind, and does a good job of keeping cables managed even though they are exposed.
  • All the Di2 components use the same batteries as before, and are just as hackable in that way. Shifting becomes harder to hack, but Shimano is now providing software to let users keep up with all the updates that will roll out over the years. Sequential shifting? Shimano says it's a possibility, probably in the future.
  • Externally-routed Di2 TT has NEVER been this clean before. E-tube is the future.
  • These are the new TT/tri shifters, which will be compatible with Ultegra and Dura-Ace versions of Di2, as with all the components of the E-tube platform.
  • There are no brake lever shifters YET, but Shimano has them coming in a month or so.

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