How To Install & Set Up A Shimano Di2 Groupset | GCN Tech Monday Maintenance

Installing a Shimano Di2 electronic groupset to your road bike isn't as difficult as you'd think. In this video, Alex talks you through the simplest way to correctly install your groupset and index your gears so your Shimano electronic groupset shifts perfectly every time!
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[@gcntech]

Did this video help you set up Di2 on your bike? Let us know 👇

[@pappie_joppie]

Nope unfortunately I can't afford Di2

[@GC_420]

I think we are starting to see a lot of repeat/rehash videos. I believe this same Di2 setup was done by Ollie before IIRC.

[@Mikster2006]

very much! And no magnets or blue wires for a change. Amazing!

[@a.s.1673]

So good explaned, clear and we'll filmed top!

[@climateemergency7943]

hello, I still have one issue where I can't quite figure out how to resolve it and it would be terrific if someone could give me some useful advice. My problem is that I can't screw the screw on the rear derailleur out much more than I already have to make the rear derailleur align with the smallest sprocket. With a mechanical groupset this could easily be resolved by adjusting the length of the cable but with di2 I have no Idea. Does anyone know how to di that?

[@rishisank]

Now that I learnt, send me the di2 group sets pls.😀

[@seanforgor]

😂😂😂

[@hendriksiering9077]

what about internal cable rattling in the down tube, or the drop bars???

[@timstendel4900]

Now I need a video to set up Syncro-Shifting...

[@maggiebest08]

Completely satisfied.

[@genova2006]

Awesome instruction. Thank you

[@SaitekFreak999]

Is this really the way to adjust the high and low limit screws on the RD? Shimano states in the manual that the derailleur position (what would be done with the hi/lo screws on mechanical shifting) is set electronically (Similar to the low limit of the FD) and that the limit screws are just supposed to be touching their "stoppers", with the high limit screw being backed off by one revolution to allow the derailleur to overshift. If you force the derailleur out of position by adjusting it with the limit screws, if I understood this correctly, this can lead to the destruction of the derailleur as it will try to move the derailleur past the limit screws into its calculated position which might fry the motor or power delivery. Shimano is giving a warning about this in the manual.

[@mrnosy1]

Cant i just take a jigsaw to my frame and make it di2 compatible?

[@MazzaJ]

awesome!

[@KendraHubbard]

During setup, what if the chain won't shift to the smallest gear on the back? We went into setup mode on the junction box but it still won't shift into the smallest ring on the rear.

[@GNX157]

I think on the latest versions of DI2, the system won’t go into the smallest two gears in back when you’re in the small ring up front. Is that your issue?

[@rodagear497]

Luar biasa,,terima kasih untuk info nya👍👍mekanik idola saya❤️❤️❤️

[@shannontrainer5857]

The cable can go through the stem and handlebars, as long as the top headset is 1-1/2 inches.

[@Der_koelsche_Tornado]

Do you guys know what handle bar this is? I‘m looking for such a handle bar with an integrated shaft for the junction box

[@stijemars6910]

Hi, I’m having the same thought. Have you found it yet??

[@Der_koelsche_Tornado]

@@stijemars6910 Nope not yet 😩

[@stijemars6910]

@@Der_koelsche_Tornado I found that the vision Merton 5d and 6d have it. But the are north of 400 € in Europe :(

[@Der_koelsche_Tornado]

@@stijemars6910 I‘m currently more tending to change the junction box to a EW-RS910 A E-Tube that’s within the handlebar. Could be a bit tricky. But definitly a cheaper solution to get the cockpit cleaner :D

[@stijemars6910]

@@Der_koelsche_Tornado yess true, it’s just some cable routing so I think that’s a good one. I’m going to try to find a second hand aero cockpit haha

[@alexnice9847]

Interesting vid. So, to replace the shimano di2 battery (on your endurace) you have to remove the press fitted bottom bracket... How inconvenient Shimano! Sram is better in that regard. That's the kind of information you wished you knew once you bought your bike. I bet 2-3% of people will damage their frame by doing it.

[@IanB17]

Not sure why he showed the little tool for inserting & taking out the cables but then didn’t use it..........🤔😂

[@leonosbo]

This bike was really easy to assemble kzbin.infoUgkxMesz3KOGEmwmvyKQfLfrRSUXLFzfVHZA and required very few adjustments out of the box. The wheels did not require any truing/adjustments. The frame had some small scratches, but nothing major.I did replace the seat though - the seat it came with was very uncomfortable. The tires need to be re-inflated every 4-5 days, but this appears to be quite common for the narrow 700x25 tires.Overall, in my opinion, this bike looks and rides like a much more expensive bike.

[@whatwelearned]

I love Shimano but if they think I'd pay more for their wired system than for the equivalent SRAM completely wireless one they are fucking crazy.

[@miksterr]

No tags or foam for cables to stop rattles?

[@asifyussuf4859]

So how do I get that bike?

[@richiejames928]

Can’t believe how antiquated this seems when compared to srams wireless stuff. I mean your running wires all over the place you might just stick to running cables. fully wireless or gtfo.

[@nizamnizam289]

Can you please make a vedio about shimano di2 external cable system installation vedio

[@muhammedmufeed8413]

THERE IS A EXTERNAL GEAR CABLE DI2 WITH EXTERNAL DI2 BATTERY SETUP PLEASE PUT A INSTALLATION VEDIO ABOUT IT

[@MrCyclist]

Why not have your local bike do it right? Isn't this why they exist?

[@donwinston]

Electric wires, batteries, and motors should be banned.

[@ldavid2]

yeah, derailleurs, too. let's go back to the simple life of single speed only!!

[@jackt1400]

Elimination of cables is one of the primary reason why I want to go for electronic groupset. With the DI2, I still needa route wire... AXS is my choice, must simpler to retrofit.

[@marcogiampa283]

He forgot to mention that the front derailleur hanger support screw might not contact the front derailleur hanger and might hit your frame and make a dent in the carbon, in this case you need the small stopper plate that comes with your front derailleur

[@markxkovacic]

Seems most mechanics and manufactures skip this step. Makes a difference in the quality of the front shifting. There are a lot of those metal support tabs in the box or in the trash.

[@marcogiampa283]

@@markxkovacic yeah lots of new frames have the front derailleur hanger bolts where the screw goes so you don't need it, but some go straight into the carbon and will destroy it

[@phillentz6742]

I really think Alex does an excellent job. I mean I will never own Di2 or probably never afford it but I can't help but to watch it!

[@SixSioux]

I love Shimano and I always will, but after watching this video out of curiosity, I am glad I updgraded to Sram eTap! Slightly more intuitive 😅 Thanks Alex for the great video tho!

[@g.h.gathar7244]

I don` get how the cables are placed in the frame. Is there a need to adapt the length of the cables? Otherwise they are rattling around in the tubes, aren`t they?

[@Michael-kv9pp]

What happened to the charging port?

[@grimp53]

And to that nice bar-end programming plug?

[@kevinford2223]

Wow they really have made bicycling complicated haven’t they Pretty soon you’re going to need a programmer to just go ride 😂

[@herculesmclovin]

Already programmes running on bikes, especially with suspension on mtb, for on the fly adjustments etc.. It's mad

[@benlafaver5362]

#askgcntech #GCNTECH Can you please do a video on cockpit geometry? I am a track racer and I would like to learn the difference between riding positions for endurance vs sprint events. The rider position can be changed by simply changing stem length and angle, bar width, reach, drop, sweep, and flare. Could you please address some of the crazy handlebar designs used by top track athletes? Also, explain what advantages a rider may have with a longer bar for a sprint event for example. Thanks so much!

[@Seth-kt9lw]

Can you do another video with the new 12 speed Di2?

[@stewdickson]

"Hey Alex, should we clean the frame before we install all this sh!t?" "Nah, fck it"

[@iancantrill5961]

#gcntech Hi there, please could you do a video on the installation of GRX hydraulic brakes including the sub brake levers. Thanks.

[@farhadtarapore]

Nice vid. Although it uses more wires for a "wireless" setup than a conventional "wired" setup 😁

[@richyb794]

Just purchased my first electronic shifting 2019 Trek Domane. Is the E-Tube app (or something like it) able to be utilized for this "older" system? I don't see a "dongle" anywhere that would allow for this.

[@tchomusic]

Why would any intelligent human would choose this messy wired crap over Sram etap?

[@400chevlc]

What determines whether your frame is Di2 compatible or not?

[@rexfest]

In adjustment mode for the FD, my FD doesn't seem to make any movements, but the RD does. What is going on? Brand new FD and firmware is up to date.

[@alexgraves6842]

Newbie question, how do you charge the battery? Is there a port provided for charging? Or do you need to take out the battery every time it needs to be charged?

[@chrisj5443]

Charge it from a laptop with a provided cable into the upper j-box.

[@alexgraves6842]

@@chrisj5443 Thanks for the info. 👍

[@Quick-Nick]

Why does everybody stop the video before the hydraulic brakesystem is connected as well ??

[@Dollarjon]

Rattle rattle rattle.. cables are loose

[@melihsaruhan2462]

On some bikes I see a small black circle thing on the beginning of the seat stay near the bottom bracket, what is that?

[@otakarsindler6117]

Alex finally gave up how to show setting up mechanical Front mech correctly and switched to Di2 groupset :-)

[@jaysegarner-craddock8690]

Does anyone one know what frame he uses and what other frames that are compatible with shimano di2

[@691deadsilence]

I would rather install etap axs least no cables ok more expensive but its wireless not like this

[@certifiedomlayoo]

cant wait for di2 105 or even tiagra (impossible)

[@mihalis1010]

You'll be waiting a long ass time then.

[@gcntech]

who knows! That would be sweet

[@maxgarely3628]

Me too but it probably won’t happen because DA and Ultegra is manufactured in a different facility

[@certifiedomlayoo]

@@maxgarely3628 idunno man , wish Shimano can make electronic shifting that are universal

[@raspberrylord9550]

105 sure, tiagra mabey not since it is a more beginner groupset.

[@esrefcelikcelik8789]

Wht the fuck? Is this ad or information video? I quit

[@JMcLeodKC711]

@1:05....That’s a super crucial tool if you want to keep your warranty intact.

[@johnossendorf9979]

So since Di2 105 is significantly more expensive than mechanical 105 WAS (🤔??😐?!🤨!!) and a lot of beginners and people on a budget will no longer be able to afford 105 level performance, I guess Tiagra is the new low cost 'high performance' 👉 group set of the people👈 like 105 used to be.

[@laszlozoltan5021]

once you cash in your winning lottery ticket........

[@davidwebster2616]

I must be missing something here: My Ultegra 11 speed Di2 will not shift into the smallest sprocket (12t) while in the top chainring (53t). Is it possible the front derailleur isn't adjusted over enough and Di2 is telling me it can't shift to the 12? The front derailleur isn't rubbing so I'm doubtful. My bike was fine until I changed to a new cassette. I hope I provided enough info.

[@DavidSmith-ex6bg]

Ok you have installed the Di2 now tell use the fine adjustment like in the install manual . Because if I follow your install as shown my Di2 will work but not be turned as per factory manual .

[@brezdog4623]

Are there any instructions anywhere for this kind of junction box? How do i know what shift mode it's in etc. Is there a key for flashing sequences?

[@melvinlee7726]

#askgcntech assuming 2 same gear ratios (e.g. 36/18 and 52/26), which gearing will be more efficient and/or feel easier when pedalling?

[@homoinspirus]

36/18

[@tonyjones9442]

Why is Di2 so expensive? The profit margin on these new must be excessive. Using a canbus system the electronic components are properly minimal. Its almost tempting to make a raspberry pi version to prove it. (And the R & D on canbus was done in the 80s so that's no excuse for the price either)

[@robbeelsas]

"we'll probably want to aim for about half a millimeter gap just to make sure it's not touching, causing any annoying rubbing" sounds like an early 2000's college party survival guide for women

[@sephirohmoto]

hi, my BB is already installed(press fit) , do i need to take out the BB in order.to.route the wire??

[@maximusmiles8435]

Doesn't the wires have grommets?

[@stevehambley55]

Upgrade your frame? I see a lot of Di2 installs on older non Di2 specific frames by running the cables externally. Not as elegant but....

[@LarryRichelli]

It seems I cannot get my question answered: How do you power the Di2 groupset if you gravel bike has a internally routed dropper post?

[@seinfeld11123]

how do you route the cables in the bottom bracket. there usually isn't any space there as the bracket and bearings etc take up the whole space for a reason....

[@AaronGoodTimes]

Should one use any foam sound dampeners on Di2 wires like some people install on mechanical brake or shifter lines? Thanks for the video!

[@BetterShifting]

Shimano have a thing for that - ew-sd50-i , they're a bit like zip ties, bit Di2 specific. Some people just use zip ties :)

[@AaronGoodTimes]

@@BetterShifting Thanks! :)

[@filomeno853]

I’m 5’5 what size fits me

[@christophercondron5388]

Where's the best place to buy ultegra di2 (disc shifters) electronic parts only in the UK

[@iancruz2304]

Very well explained mate. Good thing it was not Tom Last that did this presentation or I will not be at lost with so much skipping and assumptions.

[@piggybladder]

Let's be honest DI2 became obsolete and irrelevant when etap came out

[@bugboy152000]

#AskGCNTech I have been noticing what could only be described as oscillation through the chain on some of my middle gears while on the trainer. I changed my old Ultegra cassette with a new one and upgraded to a GOLD CHAIN! I've noticed that my previous cassette has cut into the splines a little bit. Would this make my new cassette and chain feel "dodgy"? I've been careful to index my gears properly several times trying to trouble shoot. Thank you for any help you can provide. Have not missed a show yet!!

[@joshsteinmann2363]

Heads up to all of those who don't know, Di2 uses PLC (power line communication). That means it doesn't matter which ports your cables are connected to in the controller, as long as they are in-line with the system in some manner.

[@smallhatshatethetruth7933]

Like ethernet through power plugs?

[@shaunoakes2394]

Fantastic video. Just set my di2 up. Very quiet and smooth.👍👍👍

[@DavidDickens1]

Why was the charging port not included

[@DyamesPendong]

i can't afford one, at least i can learn how to install one xd

[@smallhatshatethetruth7933]

Has Sam Pilgrim been teaching you magic tricks lol?

[@whaleshark2625]

You're going to need to do a new one for the 12 speed Di2 groupset :)

[@Trogonotron]

I love Shimano but wireless Sram etap is better

[@kyle3570]

i love watching things i cant afford :)

[@gcntech]

Hopefully as this tech becomes more and more popular the cost will come down as it has to some extent since it's inception, we can only hope!

[@hayabusa27]

This is so painful to watch

[@ImagineTeamBuilding]

Hi Alex. Can i ask you what are this disc rotors. They dont look loke dura Ace. And a other questions. Would dura Ace rotors work ok with ultegra calipers. Tnx 4 answer.

[@BetterShifting]

Yes, they would work :-). Some people also use XT, XTR or Hope rotors :)

[@ashleymarper4652]

#GCNTECH Hi I would like some advice on how to store a MTB which has seen a lot of miles and I would like to store it in a barn. what are the best ideas for storing it? (I'm planning to get it repaired and sorted in the future)

[@Didyoureallythinkaboutit]

I’d flip it over n put her on her handle bars n seat. Put a bit a hay under the seat to keep it clean. Ought to gitter.

[@davidnardone3853]

Can Di2 handy a 3x crank?

[@BetterShifting]

Yes, but only if you use MTB derailleurs.. (which may not fit on a road frame due to the different mounting system for the FD)

[@MrDado937]

Little bit too quick on important parts, pity

[@vongdong10]

Perfect timing! I just bought a whole kit, ready to get it in as soon as I order a few parts for the frame.

[@SaltehBalleh]

Good luck! Ask me anything :)

[@benoitdugas745]

the best video about setting up Di2 thank you

[@roydarnell3683]

How many forks does your frameset have?

[@aarjayemm]

Great video Alex! Would be nice to use the Di2 plug in tool during the install after showing it at the beginning though 😅

[@hermankloet2039]

Same remark

[@helmymezlan5219]

good explanation... well done sir

[@csizmas392]

11:01 *Stops wheel with hand*:o

[@certifiedomlayoo]

impossible to do with mtb . road bike tyre are smooth

[@blackpathan4792]

Hi friend

[@HouseClubTube]

Prefer first to setup the derailleurs, so you are sure everything is connected. The alignment of will be indeed after you placed your bottom bracket and cranks.

[@mephitis2576]

Just in time for the wireless version....

[@Dabelgi]

Can you do that for a tt bike ?

[@BetterShifting]

What questions do you have regarding TT bikes? You'll probably use SM-EW90-B (5 ports) or extra Junctions B (SM-JC41) near the cockpit to allow you to connect 4 TT shifting switches, but other than that it should be similar ;-)

[@donball370]

I may not have Di2 but my wife does: you're explaining this very well Alex and I look like I know what I'm doing when assistance required .... and I haven't read the Shimano manual (who does?)

[@BetterShifting]

I do ;-) ;-) ;-)

[@SyafulMohamad]

The charging port?

[@ldavid2]

it's on the junction, which is under the stem on that canyon. newer bikes have it on the down tube, or you can put it in the end of the handlebar.

[@SyafulMohamad]

Thanks @@ldavid2

[@ScuuBdoo]

09:32 Those Vision wheels are sweeeeeettttttt

[@raulmartin6901]

So I am upgrading from a tiagra wilier izoard xp from 2014 to a pinarello dogma f12 ultegra Di2 2022 in March. I wonder how that is going to feel? xD

[@msing400]

Why didn’t you use the insertion tool or mention the wireless module?

[@bluesthemoose]

How to install your Di2 groupset that you can’t buy because every vendor is down to zero inventory and manufacturers delivery times are counted in weeks or months. 🤣

[@marty197666]

You didn’t use the tags that stop rattling! Or the big big to adjust trim. The official shimano way is to put rear mech on 4th sprocket, adjust down until you make contact, then go 4 micro clicks the other way.

[@PHBlair84]

Coming next, wireless Di2?

[@gcntech]

Possibly, it definitely makes for easier set up, but comes with other challenges to - would be great to see Shimano enter the wireless game!

[@AndrewGrease]

@@gcntech What other challenges? :)

[@ldavid2]

@@gcntech Easier set up doesn't matter much as you usually only do it once for every bike. I rather have cables inside the frame than ugly derailleurs with bulky batteries on them.

[@raphaeltiziani7476]

@@AndrewGrease slower shifting

[@AndrewGrease]

@@raphaeltiziani7476 sram wireless is faster than cable actuation, and the physical speed of an electric signal is the same as an electromagnetic wave, so no difference between wireless and cable.