One of the standout new features of the latest Dura-Ace Di2 R9150 electronic road bike groupset is its ability to provide synchronised shifting. This means that when you make an upshift or a downshift, the mechanism determines whether a change between the larger and smaller chainring is needed too, or will be more effective, so that you end up with less cross-chaining and a more mechanically efficient chainline.
It also means that you can set both your left side shift levers to shift you down your gears and both your right side levers to shift you up, the system dealing with the required front and rear mech changes.
New battery pack gives you synchronised shift options for older Di2 systems
(Image credit: chris catchpole)
Now Shimano has introduced a new Di2 battery, the sexily named BT-DN110, which works with the older Dura-Ace Di2 R9000 and Ultegra Di2 R6800 to provide the same functionality. The battery pack contains a memory chip that provides the processing power to handle the required shift patterns and user customisation.
Having installed the new battery, a firmware update to Shimano’s E-tube control software, via a PC cable or Bluetooth connection, gives you access to the synchronised shifting functionality. You select the shifting mode via the button on the Di2 junction box.
Watch: Shimano Ultegra groupset review
As well as fully synchronised shifting, you have the semi-synchronised option already available in the new Dura-Ace Di2 R9150. In this case, you manually shift between chainrings and the Di2 mechanism shifts the rear mech automatically to put you in the correct rear sprocket to maintain your gear ratio.
Shimano’s E-tube Project app or its website can be used to configure the shifting pattern to meet your personal requirements. It’s a neat upgrade for those with Shimano’s older electronic groupsets who may want access to the latest functions, without the expense of a wholesale change of their groupset.
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Paul started writing for Cycling Weekly in 2015, covering cycling tech, new bikes and product testing. Since then, he’s reviewed hundreds of bikes and thousands of other pieces of cycling equipment for the magazine and the Cycling Weekly website.
He’s been cycling for a lot longer than that though and his travels by bike have taken him all around Europe and to California. He’s been riding gravel since before gravel bikes existed too, riding a cyclocross bike through the Chilterns and along the South Downs.
