Shimano XT Di2 12 speed

[HandsomeDanNZ]

I can get the shifter and derailleur for $459 (NZD) on special and am quite tempted as I have a $500 credit to spend that's burning a hole in my pocket.
Am I just throwing money away, considering that I already run XT mechanical?
Will I get any real-world benefit from coast-shift (Freeshift) and/or easy indexing?
For reference, it's the XT RD-M8150 Di2 derailleur and SW-M8150 Di2 shifter.

Normal cost would be over $900 (NZD)

 

[Albertocsoares]

I changed my SLX to Di2 about a 1000km, a huge upgrade, will never go back to manual shiffing.

 

[VWsurfbum]

I can get the shifter and derailleur for $459 (NZD) on special and am quite tempted as I have a $500 credit to spend that's burning a hole in my pocket.
Am I just throwing money away, considering that I already run XT mechanical?
Will I get any real-world benefit from coast-shift (Freeshift) and/or easy indexing?
For reference, it's the XT RD-M8150 Di2 derailleur and SW-M8150 Di2 shifter.

Normal cost would be over $900 (NZD)

I have no experience with the Shimano setup of electric shifting, but an upgrade is an upgrade, and my AXS stuff is pretty good.

 

[Joecrow]

For reference, it's the XT RD-M8150 Di2 derailleur and SW-M8150 Di2 shifter.

Beware that is not the latest and greatest, it has been recently superceded by the XT RD-M8260 XT Di2 Derailleur and the M250 XT Di2 shifter which is most likely why the M8150 is on offer at such a good price!

​

 

[HandsomeDanNZ]

Beware that is not the latest and greatest, it has been recently superseeded by the XT RD-M8260 XT Di2 Derailleur and the M250 XT Di2 shifter which is most likely why the M8150 is on offer at such a good price!

​

Yeah was very much aware this is the older wired version that was released about the same time as my motor.
One of the things that appeals (apart from the price) is that it was designed around the EP6 and EP801, so perfectly suits the standards on my bike.

 

[Joecrow]

One of the things that appeals (apart from the price) is that it was designed around the EP6 and EP801, so perfectly suits the standards on my bike

Go for it, I've got a Wheeltop with battery on my older bike, only manual but that sold me on wireless shifting, so much better than cable. I'm waiting on the Bosch support of Shimano Di2 this autumn so I can get the full set of auto options with the latest XT, on my newer bike. Will cost an arm and a leg but have been saving the pennies this summer.

 

[Astro66]

As you know, I made this upgrade to both my EP6 and EP801 Merida E160's. I also would never use mechanical shifting again.

The 12S Hyperglide+ Electronic shifting, is just the fastest and smoothest shifting there is. Coastshift is a feature I couldn't live without anymore. Just get it.

 

[António13_PT]

I have Sram X0 Eagle AXS electronic gears with the AXS Pod Controller on my new bike, and XTR M9100 on my old one, and overall I prefer the mechanical XTR

Not only do I much prefer the feel of the mechanical gear lever, but it is far superior of the AXS Pod

The AXS is much slower to shift gears, only shifting one gear at a time, which feels a bit strange at first, although this is intentional because it is an EMTB. Sram says not to change this setting.

From what I've read, one of the things Shimano paid particular attention to was precisely the ‘feel’ of the new shifter.

So, in my humble opinion, it doesn't justify the investment.
If it were me, and since you've already decided to change, I would wait a few more months until the price of the current group drops.

 

[Highland Wheels]

I have Sram X0 Eagle AXS electronic gears with the AXS Pod Controller on my new bike, and XTR M9100 on my old one, and overall I prefer the mechanical XTR

Not only do I much prefer the feel of the mechanical gear lever, but it is far superior of the AXS Pod

The AXS is much slower to shift gears, only shifting one gear at a time, which feels a bit strange at first, although this is intentional because it is an EMTB. Sram says not to change this setting.

From what I've read, one of the things Shimano paid particular attention to was precisely the ‘feel’ of the new shifter.

So, in my humble opinion, it doesn't justify the investment.
If it were me, and since you've already decided to change, I would wait a few more months until the price of the current group drops.

I went for Eagle AXS to XTR on my current bike and miss the AXS big time. I'll probably change the Eagle 90 mech on my new Ebike when it arrives to AXS. It's just better and never goes out of alignment

 

[António13_PT]

It's just better and never goes out of alignment

You prefer the electronic Sram, I prefer the mechanical XTR, both opinions are correct and valid.

My mechanical XTR has never misaligned in 5 years and 12,000 km.

 

[HandsomeDanNZ]

Right. Parts ordered and being delivered this week.
Shimano XT Di2 M8150-12 derailleur, cable and shifter.
Next step will be to book in at the LBS to have it fitted and programmed.

Looking forward to a summer of coast-shifting!
Bzzt Bzzt Bzzt

 

[Astro66]

Dan, I reprogrammed mine myself, because my LBS struggled to do it, because you need a special Factory edition of the Shimano software. You do need a programming cable as well, but I borrowed the LBS's cable and I used a 3rd Party software, which is a free download from the internet. I just took my laptop to the LBS and did it.

If the LBS have problems, let us know. We can walk you through doing it yourself. I actually did a thread on it, and can point you to it.

 

[ypark]

Go for it, I've got a Wheeltop with battery on my older bike, only manual but that sold me on wireless shifting, so much better than cable. I'm waiting on the Bosch support of Shimano Di2 this autumn so I can get the full set of auto options with the latest XT, on my newer bike. Will cost an arm and a leg but have been saving the pennies this summer.

I thought Bosch collaborated with TRP for full auto drivetrain. Did Bosch say that they are going to support Shimano system?

 

[HandsomeDanNZ]

Dan, I reprogrammed mine myself, because my LBS struggled to do it, because you need a special Factory edition of the Shimano software. You do need a programming cable as well, but I borrowed the LBS's cable and I used a 3rd Party software, which is a free download from the internet. I just took my laptop to the LBS and did it.

If the LBS have problems, let us know. We can walk you through doing it yourself. I actually did a thread on it, and can point you to it.

My LBS is pretty good. They’re the ones that were getting Shimano training and unlocked my bike when I bought it (I’ll be taking it to where I bought it so it’s covered by Warranty).
I’d say they’ll be able to programme the Di2 stuff pretty easily - it’s in their price list for service costs.

 

[Joecrow]

I thought Bosch collaborated with TRP for full auto drivetrain. Did Bosch say that they are going to support Shimano system?

Yes, see the announcement on the link below.
https://www.bosch-ebike.com/us/products/eshift/

 

[ypark]

Yes, see the announcement on the link below.
https://www.bosch-ebike.com/us/products/eshift/

I didn't know that. That's great to know. Thanks!

 

[hilbil-E-bikr]

Switched to wired XT 8150 on my Orbea Rise. It’s way better than I imagined it could be.

 

[Bogdan_CH]

You prefer the electronic Sram, I prefer the mechanical XTR, both opinions are correct and valid.

My mechanical XTR has never misaligned in 5 years and 12,000 km.

Depends on where you ride. On a proper alpine terrain it would not survive long. For me the switch from XT to sram XO was just groundbreaking. No more alignments, clutch issues just crisp single fast shift.

Any mechanical Shimano on a medium uphill with a full power bike ( 100 Nm +) if you do a triple shift, by mistake especially, something will break 100%.

 

[luna87824]

Depends on where you ride. On a proper alpine terrain it would not survive long. For me the switch from XT to sram XO was just groundbreaking. No more alignments, clutch issues just crisp single fast shift.

Any mechanical Shimano on a medium uphill with a full power bike ( 100 Nm +) if you do a triple shift, by mistake especially, something will break 100%.

When I do a triple shift by mistake, I stop pedaling to save the drivetrain......

 

[Ndanger]

When I do a triple shift by mistake, I stop pedaling to save the drivetrain......

Correctamundo... I really like the mechanical XT and back off when shifting under a big load, but I do have to be open minded and try to warm up to electric shifting.

 

[Bikeflog]

I can get the shifter and derailleur for $459 (NZD) on special and am quite tempted as I have a $500 credit to spend that's burning a hole in my pocket.
Am I just throwing money away, considering that I already run XT mechanical?
Will I get any real-world benefit from coast-shift (Freeshift) and/or easy indexing?
For reference, it's the XT RD-M8150 Di2 derailleur and SW-M8150 Di2 shifter.

Normal cost would be over $900 (NZD)

I just tore off my rear derailleur and bent my brand new chain. It cost me $AUD200 to replace.

Just stick to mechanical in my opinion
Good luck

 

[Bogdan_CH]

When I do a triple shift by mistake, I stop pedaling to save the drivetrain......

Of course, after 1000 km mine it's still in perfect shape just good for sale.

But the fact that you have to be careful to not make any mistakes is on the back of my head all the tine.

For me when I'm ridding, I like to keep my mind and focus on the trails what's happening ahead and not be stressed with what can happen with the derailleur.

Besides Sram T Type or bikes with Pinion gearboxes, it's always a stress that you can tear it down in second with one misshift by accident / distraction etc.. You get my point

 

[HandsomeDanNZ]

I just tore off my rear derailleur and bent my brand new chain. It cost me $AUD200 to replace.

Just stick to mechanical in my opinion
Good luck

When the Di2 8150 RD is cheaper than the cable actuated one to replace, I am more inclined to be all-in on eletronic shifting, to be honest.

vs

Seems mad, but there it is...

 

[Bikeflog]

When the Di2 8150 RD is cheaper than the cable actuated one to replace, I am more inclined to be all-in on eletronic shifting, to be honest.

View attachment 168414 vs View attachment 168415

Seems mad, but there it is...

I've been a bike mechanic on and off in my life and most customers don't replace their chains with enough frequency (I try change just over 50-ish percent worn) therefore needed to replace cassettes also.

That is why I removed the OEM Sram GX and fitted Shimano XT 11s LINKGLIDE

 

[HandsomeDanNZ]

Kit has arrived.
Just awaiting delivery of my new longer air shaft for my fork and it’ll be off to the LBS for installation.

 

[Eifice]

Hi everyone. I have a Cube Stereo Hybrid One77 with a Bosch Gen 5 motor. I recently bought a Shimano XT Di2 M8260 drivetrain. The version that is powered via a cable. I installed this drivetrain today, connected the cable to the derailleur and motor, but the derailleur won't engage. The indicator light on the derailleur won't turn on. I took it to the Bosch dealer, but they couldn't help me. Can anyone tell me what the problem is?

 

[Joecrow]

Can anyone tell me what the problem is?

I suspect the High Power Port (HPP), where the derailleur cable plugs into, needs to be turned on. From what I have heard it is disabled by default but can be enabled using a Bosch dealers diagnostic software. No surprise your Bosch dealer was no help they typically do not seem to be at all well trained on the capabilities of the dealer app. you could try going back to them and specifically ask them to enable the HPP or maybe try another Bosch dealer.

 

[Eifice]

I suspect the High Power Port (HPP), where the derailleur cable plugs into, needs to be turned on. From what I have heard it is disabled by default but can be enabled using a Bosch dealers diagnostic software. No surprise your Bosch dealer was no help they typically do not seem to be at all well trained on the capabilities of the dealer app. you could try going back to them and specifically ask them to enable the HPP or maybe try another Bosch dealer.

Great, thanks for the info. I'll contact him tomorrow and pitch your idea.

 

[Joecrow]

Great, thanks for the info. I'll contact him tomorrow and pitch your idea.

Please let us know how it goes there may well be others here, including me, that run into the same problem and it will be good to know if the HPP is the issue.

 

[Bogdan_CH]

99% is the HPP . I wanted to put the T Type AXS on my Bosch gen 5 , had to activate the HPP. Went to the dealer, charged 30 euro for it (it's a 30 seconds job) then sadly the T Type groupset that I've ordered had a fault and returned it .

But the deraileur , XO , was behaving as you've mentioned. Before activating the port was doing nothing. Afterwards it worked.