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Further to my previous thread I’ve nearly got all the bits I need to convert from 105 mechanical to Ultegra di2 (both hydraulic).
I haven’t bought cables yet but have the following:
R785 shifters
6870 front mech
8050 rear mech
3 port junction a
4 port junction b
Bluetooth module
Internal battery - the latest one that has syncro shift
What I don’t yet have are cables and a charger - and any other bits and bobs for fitting. I have a Cannondale Caad12 which is all internal routing.
Where would people put the bluetooth module (it’s the small /slim inline one) - the 3 port front junction will be under the stem - so I’m wondering if I could hide the module just inside the bottom of the down tube near the junction b? Will it work through the tubing or will I need to pull it out to connect to the e-tube app? I’d prefer not to have it on show where it would be quite easy to pinch.
Also, what grommets and things can you use where cables go in / out of the frame - are they frame specific or is it just off the shelf bits that’ll fit any bike?
I have the bluetooth module on a carbon bike and a titanium bike - in both cases I plugged it into the battery so it hangs in the seat tube. No issues with connectivity, but relatively easy to get to if I need to.
I thought the latest battery came with blietooth built in? If you are buying a charger, the charger itself connects to a laptop so you can update firmware.
I don’t have a laptop though...only a Mac mini desktop which I don’t think is compatible with e-tube. Planning to use the iPhone app.
I don’t think the battery has Bluetooth on it’s own from the Reading I’ve done on it. At least I hope it doesn’t as o now have both!
Either way I’m going to need a charger - they just seem unnecessarily expensive. Still got about £100 of cables to buy or so yet....even though I’ve got some good prices on stuff (all brand new) it’s quite expensive.
Im still sourcing stuff for my build, sonif you have a link to any bargains....
Ian
Chain reaction sent a £10 off code today so I picked up a 6870 Ultegra front mech for £100 which seemed ok.
Bike parts.co.uk have £11 off a £100 spend so worth a look there. Rear mech is the most expensive item and couldn’t find a decent deal on a new one - went with an 8050 Ultegra gs with the £11 off code.
I went with the XT Di2 MT800 System Display for my gravel drop bar bike as that removed the need for junction a and the Bluetooth module and puts the charge port where it’s easily accessible,less ripable offy.
You have to watch Bluetooth flashing the battery with the charger as it can fail and then you’ll need to find someone with the pce1/2 to get it back.
The pros used to have the junction a under the saddle but that requires more cable costs and a niggle with the 785 shifters is the single port so you can’t just wire between and them and down to the 4 part junction.
The worst cost of di2 is the wiring tbh.
I thought the latest battery came with blietooth built in?
I don't think so. I think it's just that the Bluetooth module only works with the latest battery.
Bluetooth in Seat post, you need the new battery but battery alone won’t work. The app is shit, or it was last time I tried, I would borrow a laptop to get it going.
This was a year ago so might all be fine now.
Thanks for clarification. It appears id got a little mistaken
Ian
The more I hear about di2 woes the more I’m thinking maybe I should have just swapped to Sram Rival or Force 22 as I much preferred doubletap to shimano shifting. I like a nice clunky / positive shift and just find shimano so vague.