Shimano Ultegra 11-speed

by Simon · 22/08/2013

Compared to the previous Ultegra Di2 6770 shifter, Shimano have improved the ergonomics, with slimmer hoods as with 6800, but then also improved the shape of the shift button and made the surface contrast more recognisable.

Shimano Ultegra 6870 di2 shifter

For testers there’s the new time trial shifters known as ST-6871. They offer the same braking control as with the Dura-Ace version and allow the rider to shift gears while braking. Look out for a review of these soon here on CycleTechReview.com.

Shimano Ultegra 6870 di2 time trial shifter ST-6871

As with Dura-Ace 9000, both derailleurs have also been completely redesigned. The front mech looks significantly different and like Dura Ace has a much longer, taller arm to it (Shimano claim that despite this it is more compact and lighter) which affords a shorter stroke, felt at the lever. The rear mech also has a shorter stroke to provide a more even shifting feel across the full range of the cassette.

Shimano Ultegra 6800 Front and Rear Mech

The 6870 Di2 derailleurs are more compact and lighter than their predecessors. The rear derailleur has an automatic protection system that moves the cage in the event of a crash and there are two versions: short cage (SS) to 28T and long cage (GS) to 32T rear cassettes. The 32T GS rear derailleur in combination with a 46-36 front chainset will suit cyclocross applications. Both rear derailleurs are featured with multi shifting where a single press and hold of the shift button sends the rear derailleur all the way up or down the cassette or when programmed with Shimano’s E-tube system, two or three gear shifts. You can also alter the speed of gear shifts to one of five speeds.