With the new Ultegra Di2, Shimano is sticking to a tradition: the groupset benefits from the innovations of the Dura Ace components and makes them available to a wider target group, as the prices are more moderate than for the top models.

Same DNA
Both the mechanical Ultegra - which the Japanese company presented in April - and the electronic version share the same genetic material. Both are driven by the same crankset with the typical 4-arm design, both shift on 11-speed cassettes, have the so-called dual-pivot braking system and transfer power to the road via the new 11-speed wheels.

The difference is of course made by the shifting interface, i.e. the shift/brake levers, the front derailleur and the rear derailleur. In contrast to the mechanical 6800 groupset, the 6870 Di2 version relies entirely on electronic components.

Everything under control
Compared to the previous Ultegra Di2, which had the product code 6770, Shimano has significantly revised the ergonomics of the shift/brake levers in the new groupset. The lever combos with their significantly slimmer diameter promise even better control and easier operation, especially when gripping from above. Shimano has focused on adapting the shift buttons and has increased the haptic contrast of the surfaces to make shifting even easier and more intuitive.

New shifters for the triathlete
New at Ultegra level are the so-called time trial and triathlon shift/brake levers (ST-6871). Mounted on aero handlebars, they offer the same braking control as their Dura Ace counterparts ST-9071 and allow the rider to shift and brake at the same time without having to change grip position.

Sleek appearance, fast shifting, wide range
The Japanese company has slimmed down the rear derailleur and front derailleur of the new Ultegra Di2. The parts have a slimmer look than their predecessors and are also more restrained on the scales. In addition to the so-called anti-damage mechanism, which temporarily decouples the rear derailleur cage from the servomotor in the event of a fall and thus protects it from damage, the rear derailleur now also features multi-shift functionality. When the switch is held down, the rear derailleur moves up or down by one, two, three or all 11 gears, depending on the setting. To provide a wide range of gear ratios, the rear derailleur is available in two versions - as a short rear derailleur for cassettes with up to 28 teeth and as a version with a longer shift arm for cassettes with up to 32 teeth.

Individualization through electronics
As with the previous version and the new Dura Ace 9070, the nervous system, i.e. the communication and power cables between the battery, grips, rear derailleur and front derailleur of the Ultegra 6870 forms the so-called E-Tube platform. All functions can be programmed and adjusted using the E-Tube software. For example, all shift buttons can be individually assigned and programmed, both in terms of the shifting direction and the components controlled. In addition to this customization option, the E-Tube system means that all components can always be kept up to date with corresponding firmware updates.

In principle, all components in the E-Tube system are compatible, meaning that the Ultegra 6870 can also be supplemented and expanded, for example, with the optional sprinter or upper handlebar shifters that are actually assigned to the Dura Ace 9070. In contrast to mechanical systems, the rider can thus equip their bike with a whole range of shifting options.

Weights:
Shift/brake lever ST-6870 (set): 295 grams
Rear derailleur RD-6870 (SS): 250 grams
Rear derailleur RD-6870 (GS): 260 grams
Front derailleur FD-6870 (braze-on type): 155 grams
Shift/brake lever ST-6871 (Triathlon/TT, set): 142 grams

www.shimano.co