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OSAKA, Japan - It has been buzzing around for a long time. In the past two years pros were frequently spotted using a mysterious Shimano drive train. A new Dura-Ace groupset or was it electronic shifting? Officially the Japanese neither denied nor confirmed the launch of electronic shifting. Today is the official publication date of what is said to be the next revolution in cycling: the introduction of Dura-Ace with Di2 technology.

The electronic road components will be put on the market as an addition to the new mechanical Dura-Ace 7900 series. The electronic Dura-Ace 7970 series will give its users an all-new riding experience. The innovative shift technology is based on the Shimano Index System (SIS), a gear changing system that has proven itself over the years.

Compatible the new mechanical Dura-Ace

The big difference is that in this case, the shifting action is provided by electronics instead of mechanics. Dura-Ace 7970 consists of Dual Control Levers, an electronically operated front and rear derailleur and a battery kit. For the other components, like the crank set and brakes, the system is fully compatible with the new mechanical Dura-Ace 7900 group.

The mounting of the front and rear derailleur is similar to a mechanical set. The main difference for OEM’s will be the cable routing, which should preferably have an internal cable routing. Production models of Dura-Ace 7970 Di2 will be available by January 2009.

You can reed a complete introduction of Shimano's electronic shifting in the next issue of Bike Europe which will be published on August 15th.

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