Shimano have announced Di2 integration into the recently announced Ultegra 6800 groupset. The new electronic group, branded Ultegra 6870, replaces the previous generation Ultegra 6770 Di2 and will share the same 11-speed componentry as 6800 bar new shifters and derailleurs.
Component pricing is to be announced; weights are listed at the bottom of this article.
ST-6870 shifters
The ST-6870 shifters benefit from trickle-down technology from Shimano's top-end Dura-Ace Di2 line, sharing the same ergonomics and feel as the current Dura-Ace. The hoods are slimmer than on the previous generation Ultegra 6770 Di2, and shift buttons have been revised, with a new shape and more contrasting texture.
They've gone on a diet too, losing 20g from the previous generation levers. New to Ultegra are TT shifters – the ST-6871 are said to offer the same braking control as their Dura-Ace equivalents, which allow riders to shift and brake simultaneously.
Shimano ST-6870 shifter
RD-6870 rear derailleur
The Ultegra rear derailleurs have been worked down to the same dimensions as current Dura-Ace. Available in GS (mid) and SS (short) variants, the former now supports shifting across a 32T cassette, while the latter can stretch to a 28T cog.
Both rear derailleurs feature customisable shifting via Shimano's E-tube software. Take, for example, the multi-shift function – by default, a single press and hold of the shift button causes the rear derailleur to go all the way up or down the cassette. Instead, a rider can use the E-tube platform to allow for just two or three gear changes. Five shifting speeds are also available to chose from, ranging from slow to very fast. Besides customisation, E-tube also offers the possibility to upgrade components with firmware upgrades after purchase.
Wiring is also cleaner on the RD-6870 units. The short model represents a 21g reduction over last year's equivalent, while the mid cage offering still saves 11g over 6770. The derailleur also gets smarter, automatically tucking itself out of the way in the event of a crash.
Shimano RD-6870 rear derailleur
FD-6870 front derailleur
The front derailleur has got significantly less bulky – despite retaining the same auto-trimming technology, it's 12g lighter.
Shimano FD-6870 front derailleur
