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Shimano showcases the Ultegra Di2 electronic bike gears, we go for a ride
How much would you spend for an upgrade to smooth shifting on your next road bike? If $4,000 to $8,000 is in the ballpark, then a Shimano-powered electronic bike may be in your future. We took the cycling giant's latest gear for a spin in Central Park, drawing envious glances from various spandex-clad bikers during the ride. Outfitted with the company's newest Ultegra 6770 Di2 series of gears, the shifters gave us a taste of technology normally reserved for Tour de Francers -- at new, more affordable pricing. So what was it like to be the envy of cyclists everywhere? Jump past the break to find out. %Gallery-139351%
Video: The Shimano Di2 electric bike shifter for the paradoxically lazy
If the idea of wrist-twist is too taxing, perhaps an electronic shifter is the best option to get your meat-bag mobile. With the press of a button, the Shimano Di2 derailleur on this $10,000 Merida Scultura 909 road-racer automatically eases you into that next gear. Now shipping on select bicycles, the Di2 system features a rechargeable Lithium Ion battery (lasting 1,000 kilometers or 621 miles) powering an integrated CPU that monitors and adjusts the front and rear derailleurs to keep them perfectly trimmed. The system allows you to shift 30% faster (as fast as you can move your finger) than with mechanical derailleurs -- even under load while cycling out of the saddle. Great for pros (we guess). For everyone else there's Vespa. Check the action after the break.[Via Engadget Chinese]
Dekra D-Drive bike trades the chain for direct-drive
Anyone who's ever gotten clothing caught in their bicycle gears and been sent tumbling to the ground with a shredded pant leg will surely appreciate a new bike that ditches the derailleur in favor of a safer, cleaner, lower-maintenance direct-drive system. Just introduced Stateside by importer Dynacraft, the Dekra D-Drive bike uses a drive shaft to transfer power from your pedal-pumping legs to the back wheel, and includes a fully enclosed bevel gear system from Shimano to ease your load on those uphill climbs. Of course, with only three gears (changeable through a twist of the handlebar), this model will never be seen cruising victoriously down the cobbled surface of the Champs-Elysées at the end of a Tour de France, but at $300 it seems like a reasonably-priced way to roll around town hassle-free.[Via Gizmag]
