Test / E-MTB: We were able to test the Shimano XT Di2 group that was introduced a few months ago. We take a close look at features like the automatic and pedalless shifting and see what has changed in terms of ergonomics and shift quality.
This summer, Shimano introduced the latest version of its electronic XT Di2 groupset. Actually long overdue, the predecessor was getting a bit old and had lost some ground compared to the competition from the USA. So the announcement was really surprising even for the fewest, but the courageous change of course that the component giant is taking with the Di2 group is all the more so - it is the first switching group from the Japanese that is only available for e-bikes.
Exclusively on Shimano e-bikes and e-MTBs
A look at the features reveals why you decided to take this daring step. The main focus here is on auto-shift and free-shift. While in Auto-Shift mode - as the name suggests - an automatic system takes over the changing of gears, thanks to Free-Shift you can even change gears when "idling", i.e. without pedalling. To do this, the motor drives the chainring for a short moment until the rear derailleur has heaved the chain onto the corresponding sprocket. In view of this, it is not surprising that the new Shimano XT Di2 is only available for e-bikes or e-MTBs and is only compatible with the two latest drives from the company, the EP801 and the EP6. This also means that the new XT Di2 components - as of today - are not available in the aftermarket and cannot simply be retrofitted, but are initially only reserved for complete wheels.
Linkglide and Hyperglide+
The new Shimano XT Di2 will be available in two different versions. The Linkglide variant comes with eleven gears and a new 11-50 cassette. Cassette and chain are designed for robustness and longevity and therefore weigh a few grams more. The XT Di2 Hyperglide+, which comes with 12 gears and will be compatible with the well-known 12-speed cassettes from Shimano, is more optimized for performance. That means: lower weight, more bandwidth, but the cassette should be less durable than its Linkglide counterpart.
All technical data and more information about the group can be found in the corresponding article from the summer
[blog specific=“163736″]The Shimano XT Di2 in practice
With the Bulls Sonic Evo EN SL 1 for the 2023 model year, we now had the first test bike with the Shimano XT Di2 in the editors a few months after the presentation. The Linkglide variant is installed here, which made us very happy: It is reserved for automatic shifting while pedaling. On the Hyperglide+ variant, the automatic only takes over when idling - probably to protect the chain and cassette. Accordingly, we were able to test all features in practice.
New wired shifter
However, before you turn the crank for the first time, two things immediately catch your eye: On the one hand, the completely reworked shift lever, which has very little in common with its predecessor. Compared to the Sram AXS controller, the Shimano counterpart is based even more on the classic trigger - with two levers for shifting up and down and an additional button that can be freely assigned. What also stands out: the cable that leads from the shifter to the display. Yes, a cable! Anyone hoping for wireless control will be disappointed; On the other hand: Since all components are also supplied with power, there are no battery worries (at least for the circuit...).
First things first: Auto-Shift mode is optional. Nobody is forced to let “the system” change gears. Even with the automatic activated, you can always intervene manually. How the automatic system behaves can be set individually using the Shimano E-Tube Project app. Two profiles can be saved directly on the bike and can be changed while riding (e.g. using the third button on the shifter). Depending on parameters such as cadence, the gears then change gears automatically, either quickly or somewhat more slowly.
Settings via E-Tube Project App
For a derailleur, this is initially quite unusual. On the in-house Di2 hub gears, the Japanese have been offering such an automatic for a while - but if you like to be a bit more sporty on the road, you have to be prepared for the automatic change. We adapted the parameters in the app directly to our riding style, for example increasing the "target cadence" from 60 to 75, and also slowed down the shifting behavior a little to prevent the gears jumping back and forth too often on changing inclines. In any case, we would warmly recommend the E-Tube Project App to every user of the new XT Di2!
Excellent switching behavior and great Free Shift mode
After a few test laps and the aforementioned detour to the app, however, the automatic shifting worked almost alarmingly well. Even under load, the changes were mostly very gentle and we could only rarely hear the unpleasant cracking when the chain jumps from one sprocket to the other. With regard to the shifting quality on the e-bike or e-MTB, Shimano sets an extremely high standard here, which also fully lives up to the name "XT". If you intervene in the automatic system by operating the shift lever, it is paused for a few seconds. This makes adjustments very easy to make.
In moderate terrain, on tours or when approaching the trail, we can very well imagine using this automatic system. However, if things get really fast on the trail, we would still prefer the manual mode, since parameters such as line selection, surface or the condition of the day also decide on the right or wrong gear. Things are a bit different with the Free Shift: We got used to shifting gears while going downhill extremely quickly and this feature can also be a real advantage during full-throttle action on the trail.
We also particularly liked the redesigned shift lever. Ergonomically successful with two easily accessible, clearly separated levers with a crisp pressure point, it is a clear improvement over its predecessor.
