I think I know the answer to this but _is_ it possible to install Di2 onto an externally routed bike, ie. my ~2017 Supersix or will it always end up a total bodge with external electrical cables needing to be the exact lengths etc?
I guess I could look into eTap (have had it before and regret selling it) but think I'd prefer Di2 if possible.
Tell me it's a terrible idea, save me some money!!
https://bike.shimano.com/en-EU/product/component/ultegra-r8050-di2/SM-EWC2.html
You can get these to hide the cables in and protect them but it'll never look as neat as an internally routes system.
As an aside, I wanted to upgrade my SRAM rival gravel bike to a 12 speed etap system (frame isn't suited to Shimano di2 or I would go GRX) but the prices of a bottom of the range Rival electronic system are mental, 1200 quid.
Prices of bike parts are crazy right now.
Some of the later rim brake SuperSixes could route Di2 or mechanical. There is a different dropout with a port for the Di2 wire vs a cable stop.
If yours is any earlier than that (i.e. with the gear cables running at the 4-o’clock and 8-o’clock positions on the down tube) it will be a hideous bodge.
Buying Etap in parts, as and when they come up on offer, is vastly cheaper than buying a groupset. Reckon you could get Force for well under a grand with some patience.
As an aside, why haven’t we had a thread on the price of new Campag super record? £4,499, amd you’ll have to provide your own power meter…
Tomhoward, yeah, that's the way I'm looking at going. Annoying having to source a new freehub body aswell for the 12sp cassette. Any suggestions on sites that have these offer more often that others? Also wondering if it's worth going for the XPLR flavour in 1x or just go 2x for an easier and hopefully cheaper range of rear cassettes.
Edit, although would a Shimano 12sp HG cassette on my 11sp freehub body work with SRAM or are they spaced just differently enough to cause problems.
The shops that have own brands that they spec up are who I’d be keeping an eye on, for when they offload OEM stuff that hasn’t been fitted to bikes. Ze Germans not so great now HMRC are getting their act together on VAT, but worth keeping an eye on.
I did it a few years ago on tripster. By using an MTB display I ended up with a single cable running under the down tube to an external junction box under the bottom bracket
It looks pretty neat to my eyes - you can't really see the cable. The stick routing cable channels aren't that stickyb really so I used helitape in several places instead.
I know a few who have done it on older (really old) bikes, combinations of neatly taped guides, Di2 cables spiraled round a brake cable under the top tube (no, i didn't think it was a good idea, but it's been like that probably 6 or 7 years without any issues).
Also, drilling ports in the DT/ST and stays to change the routing to internal (steel frame).
Some look good, some don't.
@alanw2007 - sadly mine is a 2015 frame - actually thought it was newer than that...
I have it on my trike and it looks fine. I have the long wire under the down tube. Seriously, just do it. Works fine looks fine.
Spot the cables. Note the battery is reverse mounted on the seat tube (obscured by a pedal). You can mount the battery on the Dow tube water bottle boss. Excess cable is wrapped around a chain stay bridge. The down tube has the di2 cable cover. I don’t run a FD so. A little easier but not much cable saving.
I have etap on the other TT bike. No real functional difference.
