Mechanical VS Electronic Groupsets (Which is Best for YOU?)

In this video, we break down the differences between mechanical and electronic groupsets.

As this topic is a little grey given the different types of electronic groupsets on the market, including SRAM eTap, Campagnolo EPS, Shimano Di2 etc, for the purpose of this piece we focus on Ultegra r8000 mechanical and Ultegra r8050 Di2 electronic.

I interview cyclists from around the Melbourne area to get different opinions/preferences and then we speak with Darcy from Hampton Cycles (who has previously raced road bikes and now builds them) about the pros and cons of mechanical vs electronic. Cables have a big say in this piece, which leads down a path of one groupset having more flexibility, reliability and even durability.

[joer.k.]

For me, it’s mechanical groupset. I love the art of shifting. That feeling when you shift is something personal.

[paulstephens]

Personal observations here, i can recall half a dozen group rides in the last few years where folks have had electronics issues but none with mechanical issues, not to say they don't exist but electronic failures seem to be 'hard' (stuck in 1 gear) whilst mechanical are 'soft' (noise or degraded shifting), cable breakages whilst not unknown are very rare.

[mikeywikeybikey]

As someone who has never ridden electronic, don’t understand the idea of ‘faster’ shifting. I’ve never finished a ride or race and thought that faster shifting would have made me win?
Secondly, the more complex a system is, the more points of failure are created.

I’m sure electronic groupsets are amazing when they are working, I just can’t see the lure of adding another app/blue tooth connection to make my bike work. It’s painful enough just getting my hear rate monitor to sync with my head unit.

By the looks of shimano’s new 12 speed. It’ll be electronic whether we like it or not in the near future.

[terbennett]

Try Dura Ace mechanical and electronic. You won't be able to tell the difference. Most people going to electronic from mechanical notice the difference because they had lesser components to start with. As for speed shifting, with the right cables, mechanical can actually shift faster than electronic. I own both and they are both great. One isn't better than the other if you are a seasoned cyclist.

[harrylook]

Can't imagine going back to mechanical after a season with electronic. Electronic is so much smoother - perfect shift every single time.

[kennethreister]

Electronic shifting just makes a more joyful riding experience. I'm using Ultegra 6870 - Crisp, precise shifting every time - flawless. The need for adjustment is extremely rare and not caused by the derailleur itself. The battery provides 2 to 3 months of shifting at 100 miles per week (I shift a lot). Just charge it occasionally or monthly and don't worry about running out of power while on the road. Electronic shifting puts removes any manual shift frustrations (speed of shift, incomplete shifts, accidental double shifts etc.).

[norevlimitr]

When in doubt buy both. One bike mechanical one bike electronic.

[larisonjohnson]

I run a 105 mech on gravel and Ultegra Di2 for road. Di2 is just soo smooth and easy, I love it. Easily added a few extra switches for Garmin Control, hands never have to change at an awkward time. And full synchro is just Sweet! But in dirt, mud and trails, mech is still easier to try and fix in the field.

[andylees]

I recently had a right shoulder reconstruction, and with a DI2 setup I've been able to maintain a cycling schedule on an indoor trainer with virtually no time off. Operate in full syncro mode with all the shifting on my left buttons (my right arm is still in a sling). Without the DI2 flexibility I'd be far more limited in my training options. I can even redo rides I or other people have done on the roads. I purchased the DI2 bike before I knew about needing shoulder surgery, but it's turned out to be far more than just a nice thing to have.

[mysho]

Surprised Di2 Battery was mentioned so many times. It's rare you need to charge time I put the charger on, it seems like it tops off the battery in much less than 10 mins. If you don't forget air in tires, lube on chain, charge computer, charge lights, charge phone, why would you forget to charge Di2 for weeks/months? It only uses power for a few secs every shift, so the battery drain is not that much even on a 50, 75, 100 mile ride multiple times in a week.
Battery is NOT a worry or hassle. Tiny point to huge upside of electronic shifting. I'm more concerned about just battery age / charge cycles, like a phone eventually they just wear out. But given the average use of Di2 vs the avg use of a cell phone, It's a very small worry.
What has gotten my attention recently is the SRAM wireless electronic no worry about cable might need to monitor battery charge more closely but at the moment they don't offer Hydraulic Brakes with addicted to them I'll stick with Shimano
P.S. Just saw another YT video on Di2 charging Di2 using computer / laptop vs wall charger surprising.

[michaelanderson]

Like your style of vids cam.Very clear and to the point on subject, easy to follow.Not like some vloggers where the person being interviewed is seen over the shoulder in a selfie and we get a flash of a bike etc now and again.

[therealpinkyskull]

No surprise the girls love electronic. Idk electronic sounds kinda tempting but I love shifting and tinkering with my mechanical stuff. I also drive a stick shift vehicle and like the shifting feedback I get that’s similar to mechanical shifting. maybe I’ll try electronic gears on my next bike.

[katomiler]

If I was still racing and sponsored and supported, I'd ride electronic and disc, but I'm not and so I don't. Mechanical and rim is simple, easier to maintain on my own and out on the road, and far less expensive.

[onilovni]

I've jumped from mechanical/hydraulic Ultegra 6800 to Dura Ace R9170 (Di2 and Hydraulic) and the performance gap is gigantic. The only downside with di2 is the lack of bodging possibilities in case something goes wrong when you're far from your repair stand. I always found that shimano hydraulic shifters had a less crisp feeling compared to mechanical. Now with di2 this is a thing of the past and it will only go bad in the event of a crash. You can't end up with an empty battery, unless you forget to charge it every 2 months... not that hard.

[hugohahn]

Would love for di2 to have the same installation and connectivity ease as axs

[Cortes]

I like both. My CAAD12 is a Di2 frame. If I had the money, I’d upgrade to Ultegra Di2 but I never had problems with mechanical.

[vomErsten]

MTB - mechanical
Road - Electronic

While electronic shifting allowing shifting under load is even more useful to MTB riding than road riding, the chance that something breaks is much higher for the same reason. Simple economics makes running SRAM XX1 AXS or Shimano XTR Di2 cost prohibitive when you consider how much easier it is to smash that expensive mech. That increased likelihood of failure also makes being able to use common parts from friendly riders even more advantageous. Subjectively, the art of shifting a mechanical drivetrain in MTB is also far more satisfying to nail with the much more dynamic changes to load. :D

[leedorney]

I've rode mechanical for A LONG TIME, wanted elec. lots - got it and not regreted it at all! Like your 1st commentor says - it's less 'taxing' on your hands... Electric is a dream tho you've got to take care of it for cost etc... Blips are great on the tops too!

[auswi]

I recently bought a Giant TCR with Ultegra Di2. This is my second Giant with Di2 and whilst I haven't really had much recent experience with mechanical, I can say the following: Shifting just happens. Tap the paddle button, and you're done. Auto trimming on the front derailleur is nice. Battery life isn't an issue, if you remember to charge every ~500ks depending on shifting (the new Giant also has power meters that need charging as well, so like a phone, you just have to remember to charge it up). I really like the hood mounted buttons that can be used to change screens on my Garmin. I also hear that you can get sprint shifters on the bars, but I don't have these. What I am not so sure about is the semi and auto modes. In principle they are a good idea, but I keep going back to manual mode as the shifts sometimes work well, and in other times but you in an odd gear. Also, if you want to get the gear selection showing on your Garmin you need to buy the Shimano D-Fly module. This should just be built in, not an extra.

[stuartdryer]

I love my Ultegra Di2. Set it and forget it. Charge it once a month (charge lasts longer But if it is a routine you never forget). That's it. And shifting performance is better. But it was pricey. I have Ultegra mechanical on my second bike. It's really good. But Di2 is better and you notice it immediately. It's a luxury item for sure. (I never use the synchro or semi synchro). I completely agree with the conclusion at the end.