rotator-upgrade-bike

upgrade-smew67a

Upgrade your old 6770 series 10 speed Di2 bike to 11 speed Di2. This guide tells you how to do that and also upgrade to di2 synchronized shifting and improve your bike's looks.

In-depth guide on upgrading your old Di2 bike

10 speed Di2 to 11 speed | Di2 Upgrade  Guide

firmware-prod-roundup-EWS-1_010

Installing new bike components can be challenging. On this page I'll list all the installation guides I've written so that you can install new components with confidence. Still, if you have any questions, don't hesitate to [send me a message](/contact/).

Installation steps and images are taken from Shimano's official documentation that can be found at [https://si.shimano.com](https://si.shimano.com).

## Battery and accessories
- [Internal battery seatpost installation guide](/internal-seatpost-di2-battery-installation-guide/)
- [D-Fly / Wireless Unit WU111 Installation guide](/wireless-unit-d-fly-installation-guide-ew-wu111/)
- [SC-MT800 System Information Display installation guide](/sc-mt800-sc-m9051-system-information-display-installation-guide/)
- [SC-M9051 System Information Display installation guide](/sc-mt800-sc-m9051-system-information-display-installation-guide/)

##  Front Derailleurs
- [GRX FD-RX815 Di2 front derailleur installation guide](/grx-fd-rx815-ultegra-fd-r8050-dura-ace-fd-r9150-di2-front-derailleur-installation-guide/)
- [Ultegra FD-R8050 Di2 front derailleur installation guide](/grx-fd-rx815-ultegra-fd-r8050-dura-ace-fd-r9150-di2-front-derailleur-installation-guide/)
- [Ultegra FD-6870 Di2 front derailleur installation guide](/ultegra-fd-6870-dura-ace-fd-9070-di2-front-derailleur-installation-guide/)
- [DURA-ACE FD-R9150 Di2 front derailleur installation guide](/grx-fd-rx815-ultegra-fd-r8050-dura-ace-fd-r9150-di2-front-derailleur-installation-guide/)
- [DURA-ACE FD-9070 Di2 front derailleur installation guide](/ultegra-fd-6870-dura-ace-fd-9070-di2-front-derailleur-installation-guide/)

### Front Derailleur high / low adjustment guides
- [FD-RX815, Ultegra FD-R8050, DURA-ACE FD-R9150 high/low adjustment bolt guide](/set-up-front-derailleur-limit-screw-adjustment-bolt-one-bolt-derailleurs/)
- [Ultegra FD-6870, DURA-ACE FD-9070 high/low adjustment bolt guide](/set-up-front-derailleur-limit-screws-adjustment-bolts-two-bolt-derailleurs/)

## Rear Derailleurs
- [GRX RD-RX815 Di2 rear derailleur installation guide](/rd-rx805-rd-rx815-rd-rx817-di2-rear-derailleur-installation-guide/)
- [GRX RD-RX817 Di2 rear derailleur installation guide](/rd-rx805-rd-rx815-rd-rx817-di2-rear-derailleur-installation-guide/)
- [Ultegra RD-RX805 Di2 rear derailleur installation guide](/rd-rx805-rd-rx815-rd-rx817-di2-rear-derailleur-installation-guide/)
- [Micro adjust rear derailleurs using e-Tube project](/micro-adjust-di2-derailleurs-using-computer-no-levers-required/)
- [Micro adjust road rear derailleurs](/micro-adjust-your-road-bike-di2-rear-derailleur/)
- [Micro adjust MTB rear derailleurs](/how-to-adjust-your-mountain-bike-di2-rear-derailleur/)

featured-installation-guides

Learn how to install Di2 components and accessories using these simple installation guides. Install derailleurs, junctions, bike wiring, D-fly / Wireless modules and more. 

Di2 Installation Guides

Di2 installation guides

featured-di2-etube-presets

Do you know how to update Di2 firmware? Have you ever updated your bike’s firmware or software before? In this post I’ll explain how you can check for firmware updates and install them.

## Requirements
Before you get all excited, make sure you are actually able to update the firmware yourself. The items you need are:

- Windows computer / laptop
- PC interface device. Either the [charger(SM-BCR2)](/component/internal-battery-charger-sm-bcr2/) or the more expensive [SM-PCE1](/component/pc-linkage-diagnostics-tool-sm-pce1/) / [SM-PCE02](/component/pc-linkage-diagnostics-tool-sm-pce02/)

If your bike is equipped with a recent Information Display or Junction A that lets you plug in the [SM-BCR2 charger](/component/internal-battery-charger-sm-bcr2) then this is by far the easiest way. 
For those of you using an external battery mount combined with the older SM-EW67 junction, I'm sorry - you can only update the firmware using the [SM-PCE1](/component/pc-linkage-diagnostics-tool-sm-pce1) / [SM-PCE02](/component/pc-linkage-diagnostics-tool-sm-pce02). These are expensive and you will probably need to ask your local bike shop to perform any updates for you.

And yeah, Windows. Unfortunately the [Shimano E-Tube Project software](https://e-tubeproject.shimano.com) is not available for OS X or Linux. The alternative would be Wireless updates, but you can only do this with a [Wireless Unit / Display installed](/component/d-fly-inline-wireless-unit-ew-wu111/) and [it tends to fail a lot](/how-to-recover-failed-di2-wireless-firmware-update/). I strongly recommend you use a Windows computer.

## But why update? What does it do?
Let’s talk about why you would want to update your firmware. While up-to-date drivers for your Windows PC are likely to increase performance slightly, updating your di2 firmware will not make you ride faster. Also, if things go wrong you could end up with an unresponsive bike!

So, **a word of caution**: if you are not sure about the process and are not having any problems with the bike, leave it the way it is – or find a local bike shop to do the updates for you when your bike is in for maintenance.

Also, updating firmware using the [SM-BCR2 charger](/component/internal-battery-charger-sm-bcr2/) is **not 100% guaranteed to work**. It works fine 95% of the time, **but sometimes it fails**. See the section at the bottom of this page for more information.

That said, there are a couple of cases when updating firmware makes perfect sense or is even required:

- Update (older) components to enable compatibility with new components
- Apply bug fixes or improve usability
- Sometimes firmware will add new features – [synchronized shifting for example](/di2-synchro-shift-how-does-it-work/)

![update synchro shift firmware](https://assets.bettershifting.com/update_firmware_synchro_a6089c1b2d.png)

### Updating external battery mounts
About those external battery mounts... you are supposed to **remove the battery** when updating them. Leaving the battery in can cause the update process to fail, even though things seem OK at first. 

Also some readers have reported that their battery mounts can only be updated and restored using the [SM-PCE1](/component/pc-linkage-diagnostics-tool-sm-pce1/) (**not** the [SM-PCE02](/component/pc-linkage-diagnostics-tool-sm-pce02/)). I haven't been able to test this yet as I only own the [SM-PCE02](/component/pc-linkage-diagnostics-tool-sm-pce02/), but it's something to keep in mind. If your external battery mount is working fine and there is no new functionality I recommend you do not update it.

## How do you know there is an update?
There are two ways to check for updates. The easiest is to visit Shimano’s E-Tube Project website: [e-tubeproject.shimano.com](https://e-tubeproject.shimano.com). You simply click ‘**Firmware Update Information**‘ at the top and you’ll be presented with a list of recent updates.

If you prefer to search by model number you can click the ‘**Sort by Model No.**‘ button and then find the model number you are interested in.

![find etube updates on site](https://assets.bettershifting.com/update_firmware_find_updates_d4ae683c84.png)

## Or connect the bike to a computer
The other method to check for updates is to [connect your bike to a computer](/how-to-connect-your-di2-system-to-your-windows-computer/).

Plug in [the charger](/component/internal-battery-charger-sm-bcr2/), run E-Tube Project, select your bike type and click ‘**Connection Check**‘. After the connection check is complete the application will let you know about any components that have outdated firmware.

![an update is available](https://assets.bettershifting.com/update_firmware_update_available_8bd86b91c8.png)

## The update process
So it’s time to run the update. You may have noticed the yellow ‘**Update Firmware**‘ button, begging you to click it. Before you press that button, make sure your laptop charger is plugged in so it doesn’t switch off or go into standby during the firmware update.

Also, while the update is in progress:

- Do not unplug the USB cable, charger or electric wires
- Make sure your bike’s battery is sufficiently charged – I’d say 50% or more
- You cannot shut down the E-Tube Project while the firmware update is in progress

After you click the ‘**Update Firmware**‘ button you will be asked to select the units you want to update. On screen you’ll see each installed component and its firmware version – and the version you would be updating to.

![etube available updates](https://assets.bettershifting.com/update_firmware_select_updates_4d63e6788b.png)

Click ‘**Update**‘ to begin the firmware update, or ‘**Cancel**‘ or ‘**Back**‘ to abort the process. Once you click the button a new screen will appear, displaying the firmware update progress.

Note that if you press ‘**Cancel**‘ or ‘**Back**‘ the update process will stop, but only after it has completed updating the current unit.

![update firmware](https://assets.bettershifting.com/featured_update_firmware_a3981da0f7.png)

When the update has completed successfully the application will show each updated component name and new firmware version. Click ‘**Complete**‘ and the application home screen will be shown. You can now click ‘**Complete Setup**‘ and close the application.

## Problems..? Failed update?
While these cases are rare, firmware updates can fail. If the update process is interrupted or unsuccessful an error message will be displayed on the screen. It will also display the steps you can take to restore the affected unit.

You may need an [SM-PCE1](/component/pc-linkage-diagnostics-tool-sm-pce1/) or [SM-PCE02](/component/pc-linkage-diagnostics-tool-sm-pce02/) to restore the unit’s firmware and functionality. If this is the case I recommend you visit a friendly local bike shop and ask them to restore it for you.

If you are experiencing problems or have a feedback regarding this post, don’t hesitate to [get in touch and let me know](/contact/).

update-firmware-update_available

Update your Di2 component firmware to get fixes for bugs or issues, resolve battery drain, improve compatibility  or add new features to your components. Everyone can update firmware, but it isn't without risk.

Learn how to update your Di2 component firmware

Update your Di2 Component firmware

featured-restore-firmware

Updating Di2 firmware is a relatively easy process. It usually can be done at home using the [SM-BCR2 charger](/component/internal-battery-charger-sm-bcr2/). However, this process can fail and when it does, your component is “bricked” and it stops functioning.

While it can usually be recovered by disconnecting it for a minute or so, sometimes the firmware needs to be re-written to the component. The [SM-PCE1](/component/pc-linkage-diagnostics-tool-sm-pce1/) and [SM-PCE02](/component/pc-linkage-diagnostics-tool-sm-pce02/) can do just that.

## The SM-PCE02 / SM-PCE1 and tools
So what is the [SM-PCE02](/component/pc-linkage-diagnostics-tool-sm-pce02/)? It’s a PC Linkage Device, but unlike the [SM-BCR2 charger](/component/internal-battery-charger-sm-bcr2/) it will not charge your bikes. Most consumers will therefore not own an [SM-PCE02](/component/pc-linkage-diagnostics-tool-sm-pce02/), but your local bike shop most likely has one.

![Shimano SM-PCE02 Di2](https://assets.bettershifting.com/restore_firmware_sm_pce02_f2051f9299.jpeg)

It doesn’t charge the bike, but it can do a lot more in terms of diagnostics and recovery. These units can:

- Run battery drain diagnostics ([SM-PCE02](/component/pc-linkage-diagnostics-tool-sm-pce02/) only)
- Check each component for errors
- Connect to a single component or the entire bike
- Recover and re-write component firmware

That last part is what we’re interested in here, so let’s get to work.

## There’s a video too!
Don’t feel like reading this page? That’s OK – there is a video too. It shows the entire process, from bricking the component to eventually fixing it. The video is just over 10 minutes long.

[![firmware update youtube video](https://assets.bettershifting.com/restore_firmware_youtube_link_2b87cf171d.jpeg)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cwVdVkQanBs)

## First – corrupt some firmware
There wouldn’t be much to restore without a component that is severely confused. Unfortunately I don’t have a box of Di2 components that need fixing in the garage (I wish), so let’s try to “break” a component first.

I happened to have this set of [ST-R8070 shift levers](/component/ultegra-hydraulic-disc-brake-lever-st-r8070/) that I bought recently – they’re meant to go on my Bowman Palace 3. One of these levers I updated a while ago, but the other was still as outdated as they get. My plan was to update this shift lever and disconnect the cable halfway through the update process…. so that’s what I did!

![Do not unplug etube wires](https://assets.bettershifting.com/restore_firmware_etube_naughty_do_not_unplug_6e2d95b016.png)

Unfortunately the E-Tube firmware update progress indicator is just that – an indicator. I unplugged the component with 15 seconds left to update and E-Tube Project told me I should plug the [SM-BCR2](/component/internal-battery-charger-sm-bcr2/) back in and let it finish. I didn’t and closed E-Tube Project instead.

When I restarted the application and connected to the bike it told me nothing was wrong. Not only was the shift lever firmware not corrupt at all, it had also updated it to the latest version.

![restore a shift lever](https://assets.bettershifting.com/restore_firmware_etube_shift_lever_fine_1348edb9a9.png)

I now only had one component left that I could update and break – the [FD-R8050](/component/ultegra-front-derailleur-fd-r8050-f/) front derailleur. I decided to update this and disconnect the component as soon as the progress bar appeared.

![Front derailleur not found](https://assets.bettershifting.com/restore_firmware_FDR_8050_not_found_0254d869e8.png)

E-Tube Project offered to restore the unit, but I would not let it – the goal here is to restore firmware using the [SM-PCE02](/component/pc-linkage-diagnostics-tool-sm-pce02/), not using the [SM-BCR2 charger](/component/internal-battery-charger-sm-bcr2/). It then displayed a red box next to the front derailleur and when I disconnected / reconnected the bike the component disappeared completely.

![front derailleur not found at all](https://assets.bettershifting.com/restore_firmware_fdr8050_not_found2_1aee352ded.png)

## Restore the component firmware
Now that we have a component that is so confused that it does not show up in the list of installed components, let’s try to fix that.

I will follow the same steps your local bike shops do when restoring Di2 firmware. If you want to try this at home you need:

- An [SM-PCE02](/component/pc-linkage-diagnostics-tool-sm-pce02/) or the older [SM-PCE1](/component/pc-linkage-diagnostics-tool-sm-pce1/)
- The [TL-EW02 tool](/component/di2-cable-plug-tool-tl-ew02/) to make your life easier
- A component with its firmware corrupted 
- [Single-unit connection manual](https://e-tubeproject.shimano.com/guide/#guide_help) (not required, but useful)

Restoring component firmware happens in “single unit connection mode”. Basically you connect only one component to the [SM-PCE02](/component/pc-linkage-diagnostics-tool-sm-pce02/), instead of plugging in the entire bike. This way you can be 100% sure you’re not writing front derailleur firmware to a rear derailleur (or any other component).

Using single unit connection mode is simple: you just use the button on the top right – the one with the E-Tube wire on it.

![single unit connection mode](https://assets.bettershifting.com/restore_firmware_pce02_restore_single_unit_mode_d1326a5967.png)


It will then immediately display the ‘**Connection check**‘ screen. This makes sense, because there isn’t much else you’d want to use single unit connection mode for.


![restore firmware connection check](https://assets.bettershifting.com/restore_firmware_pce02_restore_connection_check_77c5693e1e.png)

Those ‘**Back**‘ and ‘**Cancel**‘ buttons both take you back to the previous screen, so I clicked ‘**Next**‘. E-Tube Project will now attempt to recognize the connected unit:

![restore firmware detecting pce02](https://assets.bettershifting.com/restore_firmware_pce02_restore_pce02_preparation_detecting_2fb44181e4.png)

The [FD-R8050 front derailleur](/component/ultegra-front-derailleur-fd-r8050-f/)‘s firmware was definitely destroyed beyond repair. It could not even tell E-Tube what kind of device it was.. E-Tube just says “*Unit is not recognized*“.

![restore firmware unit not detected](https://assets.bettershifting.com/restore_firmware_pce02_restore_unit_not_detected_be3aa8be25.png)

You then click ‘**Next**‘ and E-Tube will once again try to identify the component.

![restore firmware recognizing unit](https://assets.bettershifting.com/restore_firmware_pce02_restore_recognizing_unit_90bb32290a.png)

In this case it failed again. This is normal when the firmware is no longer in any recognizable state, there is nothing to worry about.

![restore firmware not detected](https://assets.bettershifting.com/restore_firmware_pce02_restore_unit_is_not_detected_again_fbabfb13b6.png)

Now.. if you click ‘**Next**‘ it will overwrite the current firmware with the correct one – even though the component was not recognized it can still be restored.

How you ask? Each piece of Di2 hardware has a bit of code that identifies what it is. This information is not part of the firmware and should always be intact.

E-Tube uses this information to identify the component and restore its firmware.

![restore firmware overwrite firmware](https://assets.bettershifting.com/restore_firmware_pce02_restore_firmware_overwriting_9050f53f7c.png)

E-Tube has just written new firmware to the component. Note that it still says “**unknown unit**” on the right, but the box has turned green and the message on the left shows us it has been successful.

![restore firmware restored](https://assets.bettershifting.com/restore_firmware_pce02_restore_firmware_restored_edfc304c1d.png)

Click ‘**Next**‘ and it will once again try to identify the component, this time using the information from the newly written firmware.

![restore firmware recognized it works](https://assets.bettershifting.com/restore_firmware_pce02_restore_recognizing_unit_now_it_works_9278940cc1.png)

Great news – the [FD-R8050](/component/ultegra-front-derailleur-fd-r8050-f/) has been recognized as the [FD-R8050](/component/ultegra-front-derailleur-fd-r8050-f/)! E-Tube now asks you to confirm that this is indeed the connected component.

I have to admit I did not click ‘**No**‘ to see what would happen, but I imagine it’d go back to the previous page and try rewriting the firmware again.

![restore firmware unit is recognized](https://assets.bettershifting.com/restore_firmware_pce02_restore_unit_is_recognized_d7cc925036.png)

Now at this point you could probably quit E-Tube Project if you wanted to, but you really should stick around for these last steps.

E-Tube Project will guide you through the error check for this component, making sure it is indeed fully functional.

![restore firmware error check](https://assets.bettershifting.com/restore_firmware_pce02_restore_lets_run_error_check_05656636b6.png)

The error checking procedure involves it shifting the derailleur a couple of times, so E-Tube Project asks you to turn the cranks while it performs the diagnostics.

Also, don’t put your fingers between the chain and chain ring…

![restore firmware turn crank error check](https://assets.bettershifting.com/restore_firmware_pce02_restore_error_check_turn_crank_7a6980919d.png)

After the check has completed E-Tube reports “*a fault could not be found*“. Click ‘**Ok**‘.

![restore firmware operating normally](https://assets.bettershifting.com/restore_firmware_pce02_restore_fd_operation_norma_76caa3425d.png)

E-Tube once again confirms that the front derailleur functions normally.

![restore firmware functions normally](https://assets.bettershifting.com/restore_firmware_pce02_restore_fd_functions_normally_7fd9c46014.png)

The ‘**Cancel**‘ and ‘**Next**‘ buttons both lead eventually lead to the ‘**Connection Check**‘ screen:

![restore firmware final connection check](https://assets.bettershifting.com/restore_firmware_pce02_restore_perform_final_connection_check_f77735e196.png)
![restore firmware connection check](https://assets.bettershifting.com/restore_firmware_pce02_restore_final_connection_check_screen_e93a69df91.png)

At this point I could have quit E-Tube Project using either ‘**Back**‘ or ‘**Next**‘, but I made it run the ‘**Connection check**‘ again. It now correctly identifies the front derailleur:

![restore firmware all done](https://assets.bettershifting.com/restore_firmware_pce02_restore_fd_recognized_all_done_b924aaff51.png)

Clicking the ‘**Update firmware**‘ button displays this windows, indicating that it has written the latest firmware to the front derailleur.

![restore firmware updated to latest firmware](https://assets.bettershifting.com/restore_firmware_pce02_restore_fd_even_updated_to_latest_firmware_c8951d7c33.png)

That’s it, you can now run the ‘**Error check**‘ again, or ‘**Rewrite firmware**‘ if you really want to. There isn’t any reason to do that, so let’s exit the application.

![restore firmware complete to home screen](https://assets.bettershifting.com/restore_firmware_pce02_restore_you_will_end_up_at_home_screen_562918c6c7.png)

Click ‘**Complete Setup**‘ to return to the Connection check screen. You can now close E-Tube Project.

![restore firmware connection check again](https://assets.bettershifting.com/restore_firmware_pce02_restore_disconnect_gives_connection_check_ab32f7c1fb.png)

## All done! Want your own SM-PCE02?
Now that’s all – the front derailleur is fully functional again. In case you’re interested in buying an [SM-PCE02](/component/pc-linkage-diagnostics-tool-sm-pce02/), keep these things in mind:

### It will not charge your bike
No matter what battery or what generation Di2 you have – the [SM-PCE02](/component/pc-linkage-diagnostics-tool-sm-pce02/) / [SM-PCE1](/component/pc-linkage-diagnostics-tool-sm-pce1/) will not charge your bike. These units are for diagnostics only.

### Get a spare Junction B / E-Tube wire
If your PCE does not come with a [Junction B](/component/internal-junction-b-sm-jc41/) and extra [E-Tube wire](/component/di2-electric-wire-ew-sd50/), consider getting one. These units plug into an E-Tube port, meaning that you’ll probably have to disconnect something from your Junction A in order to connect the [SM-PCE02](/component/pc-linkage-diagnostics-tool-sm-pce02/).

If you have a [spare Junction B](/component/internal-junction-b-sm-jc41/) you can then plug that into your Junction A and any unplugged components into the [Junction B](/component/internal-junction-b-sm-jc41/), allowing you to still connect the entire bike to the [SM-PCE02](/component/pc-linkage-diagnostics-tool-sm-pce02/).

Also, a 600-1000mm [Electric Wire](/component/di2-electric-wire-ew-sd50/) will allow you to bypass any ‘suspect’ wires, helping you to troubleshoot battery drain issues.

### Use these links to support the site
If you’re shopping at Amazon or Ebay, consider using the links below to support the site. If you make any purchase you’ll earn the site a small commission, at no cost to you:

- SM-PCE02: [eBay](http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?ff3=4&pub=5575525181&toolid=10001&campid=5338714358&customid=recover-firmware&mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fsch%2Fi.html%3F_nkw%3DSM-PCE02)
- TL-EW02 Plug tool: [Amazon](https://amzn.to/2OnPNgr) | [eBay](http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?ff3=4&pub=5575525181&toolid=10001&campid=5338714358&customid=recover-firmware&mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fsch%2Fi.html%3F_nkw%3DTL-EW02)
- SM-JC41 Junction B: [Amazon](https://amzn.to/32iCbeC) | [eBay](http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?ff3=4&pub=5575525181&toolid=10001&campid=5338714358&customid=recover-firmware&mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fsch%2Fi.html%3F_nkw%3DSM-JC41) | [Wiggle](https://tidd.ly/3gXlRUB)
- EW-SD50 Electric Wire: [Amazon](https://amzn.to/3es3Mwg) | [eBay](http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?ff3=4&pub=5575525181&toolid=10001&campid=5338714358&customid=recover-firmware&mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fsch%2Fi.html%3F_nkw%3DEW-SD50) | [Wiggle](https://tidd.ly/2WkzKEv)

## Get in touch
Missing something? Or are things unclear? Just [get in touch](/contact/) and I’ll do my best to help you.

























Sometimes a Di2 firmware update fails and the component stop responding or is no longer recognized. These components can be restored using the SM-PCE02 or older SM-PCE1. This page explains that process.

Recover Di2 Component Firmware using the SM-PCE1 / SM-PCE02

Corrupt and Restore Firmware

featured-di2-for-dummies

When you buy a Di2 bike it generally does not come with a Di2 manual. And even when it does it is usually horribly outdated or full of information you just don’t need right now. On this page I’ll explain Di2 basics – everything you need to know to use your Di2 bike to its fullest potential.

## Di2 basics
There is a lof of Di2 information out there, but it’s all very fragmented. This guide is meant to help you get started. Some things I think every Di2 owner should know are:

- [What does Di2 mean?](#whatdoesdi2mean)
- [How do I shift a Di2 bike?](#howdoishiftadi2bike)
- [How often do I charge my bike?](#howoftendoichargemybikeandhow)
- [How do I charge my bike?](#howdoichargethebattery)
- [What does that Junction box button do?](#whatdoesthebuttononthejunctionboxdo)
- [What do those lights mean?](#whatdothoselightsmean)
- [Shift modes / Synchroshift](#shiftmodessynchronizedshifting)
- [How do I update component firmware?](#howdoiupdatefirmwareonmybike)
- [There are buttons on top of the shifters!](#therearebuttonsontopoftheshifterhoods)
- [Should I take special care washing my bike?](#shoulditakespecialcarewashingmybike)
- [How do I safely transport my bike?](#howdoisafelytransportmybike)
- [Manual and other resources](#shimanomanualsandotherresources)

## What does Di2 mean?
Di2 stands for “Digital Integrated Intelligence” – Shimano’s version of electronic shifting. DI2 gives you instant, accurate, lighting-fast shifts the first and every time, at the push of a button. Even in the most extreme conditions, shifting is precise and controlled. You can change gear even under heavy load while climbing or accelerating. With DI2, you are in complete control.

Di2 is available on [road bikes, mountain bikes, e-bikes and since 2019, gravel bikes](/components-and-accessoires).

## How do I shift a Di2 bike?
So you may or may not have found the [buttons on top of your shifter hoods](#therearebuttonsontopoftheshifterhoods), but those don't actually change the gears. So how do you shift a Di2 bike? How do you change gears with Di2? Simple! Just press the buttons on the side of each brake lever as shown in this image:

![How to shift your Di2 bike](https://assets.bettershifting.com/di2_for_dummies_how_to_shift_9e4ccdaea5.png)

### Shift the Di2 Front derailleur
In order to shift the front deraileur you use the **left** lever and press either switch X (the bigger button) or switch Y (smaller). If you find it hard to remember which button shifts up or down, think of it this way: pressing the larger button will shift to a larger chainring. Pressing the smaller of the two buttons will shift to the smal ring - an *easier* gear.

### Shift the Di2 Rear derailleur
Shifting the rear derailleur works just like shifting the front derailleur - you press either switch on the side of the **right** shift lever. Pressing switch X (larger button) will shift to an *easier *gear - a larger cog or sprocket. Pressing the Y button will shift to a smaller cog or sprocket - a *harder* gear.


## How often do I charge my bike? And how?
A [modern Di2 battery](/component/internal-battery-bt-dn110) is said to last between 2000 and 5000 kilometers per charge. This depends a bit on how often you shift and also your shifting style. The front derailleur has to work harder than the rear derailleur and thus also consumes more energy. This means that if you use the front derailleur a lot your battery will run out a bit quicker – don’t let this stop you from using the front derailleur though. It takes most people months to ride 2000-5000km and most Di2 users don’t charge their bikes more than three times a year.

Once the battery level reaches 10% the front derailleur will stop working. This way the most battery-hungry operations are disabled and you should be able to finish your ride using just the rear derailleur.

So how can you tell the battery level? If you’ve got the [EW-WU111/101 Wireless Unit](/wireless-unit-di2-display-why-get-a-d-fly) or a mountain bike with a [System Information Display](/wireless-unit-di2-display-why-get-a-d-fly) – just look at your Wahoo/Garmin or the display.

Don’t have either of those? Press and hold any of your shifter buttons for half a second. The left LED on your junction box will illuminate to indicate the charge left in the battery. Shimano recommend charging the battery when the level gets below 25%.

![Di2 battery charge status leds](https://assets.bettershifting.com/di2_for_dummies_di2_battery_indicator_light_f3da27070e.png)

## How do I charge the battery?
First, unpack that [SM-BCR2 charger](/component/internal-battery-charger-sm-bcr2)! One end of it plugs into your bike, the other (USB) end goes into either a laptop or an AC adapter with USB port (mobile phone charger adapter for example). The order in which you plug your devices in does not matter. Just connect the bike to the charger and leave it in until the orange charging indicator switches off – this can take up to 1.5 – 3 hours.

Can’t find the charging port? Its location depends on your bike configuration. If your bike has an internal battery you’ll have to plug the charger into the junction box – either below the stem/handlebar or integrated into the frame. It has a little cover that you can open using a screwdriver or knife.

Does your bike use an external battery? Then your charger will most likely plug directly into the battery. Have a look at the image below for some example charging port locations.

![Di2 how to charge the bike](https://assets.bettershifting.com/di2_for_dummies_di_charging_ports_cce00857e1.png)

**Important**: Shimano recommend you use an AC adapter with a voltage of 5.0 Vdc and with a current equal to or **higher than 1.0 Adc**. If you use an adapter with a current lower than 1.0A it may “*heat up, potentially causing a fire, smoke, overheating, destruction, electric shock, or burns*“. Also, it could result in a poorly charged battery.

If you have to use a computer or laptop to charge your bike, use a USB 3 port (usually blue) if you’ve got one – the (maximum) current on USB 3 ports is higher and it’ll charge quicker.

## What does the button on the Junction box do?

![Di2 road junction buttons](https://assets.bettershifting.com/di2_for_dummies_di2_junction_post_buttons_cd5aa37763.png)

Both the current and the previous generation Di2 have a button on the Junction box. Depending on what battery you use, the button does different things. If you use it combined with one of the old batteries ([external SM-BMR1, SM-BMR2](/component/external-battery-mount-sm-bmr1-sm-bmr2), or [internal SM-BTR2](/component/deprecated-internal-battery-sm-btr2)) it:

- Enters **adjustment mode** if you press-and-hold the button for **0.5 seconds**
- Enter **rear derailleur crash protection reset mode** if you press-and-hold the button for **3 seconds**

The modern Di2 batteries allow you to enter Bluetooth LE connection mode. Note that this Bluetooth connection only works if you have a [Wireless Unit](/wireless-unit-di2-display-why-get-a-d-fly) on your bike. With a [BT-DN110](/component/internal-battery-bt-dn110) or [BM-DN100](/component/external-battery-mount-bm-dn100) battery installed:

- Press-and-hold the button for **0.5 seconds** to enter **Bluetooth LE connection mode**
- Press-and-hold the button for **2 seconds or more** to enter **adjustment mode**
- Press-and-hold the button for **5 seconds or more** to trigger **rear derailleur crash protection reset**

Also, if you have a synchro-shift enabled bike, pressing the button twice will let you switch shift modes.

Depending on what mode you’re in different lights come on. Confused? Read on..

## What do those lights mean?

![Below the Stem junction A EW-SM90](https://assets.bettershifting.com/di2_for_dummies_below_stem_handlebar_junction_a_11b0bcdce1.jpeg)

When you check your battery level different lights come on depending on the charge levels:

- **Green** for **two seconds**: 100% battery
- **Blinking green five times**: 75% – 50% battery
- **Red** for **two seconds**: 50% – 25% battery
- **Blinking red five times**: 25% – 0% charge left

Modern Di2 builds will switch on additional lights right after displaying the battery status. These show you the currently selected **shift mode**:

- Green and red **lit for two seconds**: manual shift mode
- Green and red **blinking two times**: shift mode 1 semi synchro shift
- Green and red **blinking three times**: shift mode 2 (full) synchro shift

Pressing the button can trigger other modes, as described above. The corresponding lights are:

- **Adjustment mode**: red led illuminated while in this mode
- **Bluetooth LE connection mode**: green and red flashing in alternating order (15 seconds)
- **Rear derailleur crash protection reset**: red fully lit and then blinking red (after 5 seconds)

## Shift modes / Synchronized shifting
All road Di2 builds that use the modern [BT-DN110 battery](/component/internal-battery-bt-dn110) support different shift modes and synchro-shifting. Mountain bikes also need an Information Display ([SC-M9050](/component/xtr-display-junction-sc-m9050), [SC-M9051](/component/xtr-display-junction-sc-m9051), [SC-MT800](/component/xt-display-junction-sc-mt800)).

This means the system will switch the rear derailleur when you change chainring, or shifts the front derailleur automatically when you shift the cassette to a certain sprocket.

I've written posts on synchronized shifting before: [Synchroshift: how does it work](/di2-synchro-shift-how-does-it-work) and [How to customize Synchroshift settings](/how-to-customise-di2-synchronized-shift-settings), so feel free to read those if you want to know more about synchronized shifting. You can also [set up synchronized shifting using the mobile app](/set-up-di2-synchronized-shifting-using-e-tube-mobile), if you have a [wireless unit](/wireless-unit-di2-display-why-get-a-d-fly) installed.

## How do I update firmware on my bike?
Sometimes a firmware update is required in order for features to work, or to fix issues. One example is synchronized shifting. Synchro shifting is enabled on older generation Di2 if the firmware is up-to-date and the other requirements (see above) are met. You can read [how to update your Di2 firmware on this page](/learn-how-to-update-your-di2-component-firmware).

## There are buttons on top of the shifter hoods?
If you have a current generation road or gravel Di2 system press the top of your shifters and you’ll see there’s a button on top of each shifter. The series that have these buttons are: [Ultegra R8050](/component/ultegra-dual-control-lever-st-r8050)/[R8070](/component/ultegra-hydraulic-disc-brake-lever-st-r8070), [DURA-ACE R9150](/component/dura-ace-dual-control-lever-st-r9150)/[R9170](/component/dura-ace-hydraulic-disc-brake-dual-control-lever-st-r9170) and [GRX](/component/grx-hydraulic-disc-brake-lever-st-rx815). Do you have and older generation bike but want to have buttons on the shifters? You probably can – have a look at [the compatibility charts](/di2-compatibility-mix-ultegra-dura-ace-xtr-xt-and-grx-components) and see whether your system is compatible.

![Di2 buttons on top of shifter hoods](https://assets.bettershifting.com/di2_for_dummies_di2_buttons_on_hoods_6ba613a487.png)

Even if you do have the buttons, they probably don’t do anything. They are set up to control your Wahoo/Garmin by default, even if you don’t have an [EW-WU111 Wireless Unit](/component/d-fly-inline-wireless-unit-ew-wu111). You can [use the e-Tube project software to change the button functionality](/enable-the-buttons-on-your-di2-shifter-hoods).

## Should I take special care washing my bike?
When it comes to washing your bike don’t worry about the Di2 components. Your bike won’t electrocute you when riding in torrential rains and it also won’t explode if you get it wet washing your bike.

Just like you would with a mechanically shifted bike, use water and soap or any other cleaner. Using a garden hose is fine, but high-pressure washing your hubs or bearings is not encouraged.

## How do I safely transport my bike?
Not much can go wrong transporting your bike. The only thing you should keep in mind is that a Di2 derailleur will try to shift and keep trying when a shifter button is pressed. This means that if you puts your bike in the back of your car you should take care that your bike is not trying to shift all the way to your destination – that would mean getting there with an empty battery. Speaking of empty batteries – it’s a good idea to bring your charger with you, even if you just charged your battery.

## Shimano manuals and other resources
There is a lot of other information on Di2 out there, you just have to know where to look. Carlton Bale has an excellent [page with in-depth Di2 information](https://carltonbale.com/shimano-di2-everything-you-need-to-know/), GPLama / Shane Miller has a bunch of videos up on [Youtube](https://www.youtube.com/user/gplama/) and of course there’s [GCN](https://www.youtube.com/user/globalcyclingnetwork) and [GCN Tech](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC710HJmp-YgNbE5BnFBRoeg) as well.

If you’re looking for more information you could of course visit the Shimano Tech website – [si.shimano.com](https://si.shimano.com/) hosts all of Shimano’s manuals and even exploded views of most components they make. Simply [search by keyword or series](/learn-how-to-use-the-shimano-documentation) and then look for the ‘Dealer manual’ – those contain the most information on how to adjust or configure your bike. I’ve also uploaded them to BetterShifting.com:

- [Ultegra Di2 6770 manual](https://assets.bettershifting.com/di2_dealer_manual_ultegra_6770_0f5b13f449.pdf)
- [Ultegra Di2 6870 manual](https://assets.bettershifting.com/di2_dealer_manual_ultegra_6870_8e8227ec85.pdf)
- [Ultegra Di2 R8050 manual](https://assets.bettershifting.com/di2_dealer_manual_ultegra_r8050_8326f09cc9.pdf)
- [GRX RX815 Di2 manual](https://assets.bettershifting.com/di2_dealer_manual_grx_rx815_3397a425fd.pdf)
- [DURA-ACE 7970 service instructions](https://assets.bettershifting.com/di2_service_instructions_dura_ace_7970_6e45cdf7c5.pdf)
- [DURA-ACE 9070 manual](https://assets.bettershifting.com/di2_dealer_manual_dura_ace_9070_b82c108c3e.pdf)
- [DURA-ACE R9150 manual](https://assets.bettershifting.com/di2_dealer_manual_dura_ace_r9150_d74780d7ab.pdf)
- [XT M8050 manual](https://assets.bettershifting.com/di2_dealer_manual_xt_m8050_e1ff7625d7.pdf)
- [XTR M9050 manual](https://assets.bettershifting.com/di2_dealer_manual_xtr_m9050_e7fae65436.pdf)

## Yes, but how do I…
Looking for something I forgot to mention? And it’s not in the [Frequently Asked Questions](/frequently-asked-questions/)? Don’t hesitate to [contact me](/contact/) – I’ll try my best to help you with any issues you have!




cover-di2-for-dummies

Just bought a new Di2 bike? This page explains what the buttons do, how to charge (and how often) and what synchronized shift is. Rear my Di2 beginner manual.

Di2 for Dummies - beginner's guide to Di2

Di2 for Beginner's Guide

If you have an eMTB or STEPS bike and ever played with either [E-Tube Project](https://e-tubeproject.shimano.com),  [E-Tube ride](https://e-tuberide.shimano.com) or connected your Shimano DU-E5000, DU-E6100, DU-E7000 or DU-E8000 powered STEPS bike [to a windows computer](/how-to-connect-your-di2-system-to-your-windows-computer/) you may have seen the **Riding Characteristic** setting. 

This setting allows you to fine-tune how your bike responds to the pedaling torque you provide, effectively tweaking the assist torque and the handling - the riding characteristics of the bike.

Locating this setting in the mobile app is easy, just go to '**Customize**' and then '**Drive unit**'. The desktop app is a bit harder to use, but you're looking for the screen below,  the '**Drive unit settings**' window.

![STEPS DU-E7000 riding characteristic](https://assets.bettershifting.com/steps_assist_levels_du_e7000_d52ab99c34.png)

It's relatively simple on the E5000 and E6000 units, allowing you to choose between **Sportive** and **Comfort**, but if you're using the DU-E7000 or DU-E8000 you can choose between:

- **Dynamic** - maximum boost and low trail. Tackle steep climbs and keep control on technical sections
- **Explorer** - Perfect balance for solid control overall
- **Custom** - Change how each of the **BOOST**, **TRAIL** and **ECO** modes behave.

![STEPS dynamic assist mode](https://assets.bettershifting.com/steps_assist_dynamic_mode_c8d2e66adc.jpeg)

Using [E-Tube Ride](https://e-tuberide.shimano.com/) or the [E-Tube desktop app](https://e-tubeproject.shimano.com) you can change and fully customise these modes - each of them can be set to **high**, **medium** or **low**. You can then switch modes as you ride and make sure you tackle the trails in whatever way you see fit.  

But what does this customisation mean, really? What does setting each of these modes to a different value do?

There isn't any explaination in the desktop E-Tube app on what these settings do and how they influence the assist levels and battery life. Even all the [E-Tube Project manual](https://e-tubeproject.shimano.com/guide/#guide_help) states about this is:

> Changing between BOOST, TRAIL, and ECO is only possible when Customize has been selected. 

## How the characteristic setting affects riding
The **Riding Characteristic** setting can be changed to different values, depending on what drive unit you have installed. For E7000/E8000 you can select **Dynamic**, **Explorer** and **Customize**. On the  E6100 it can be set to **Sportive** and **Comfort** and the E5000 just uses the **Comfort** setting.

Depending on how you set these, the maximum assist ratio and maximum assist torque change for all three assist modes. Have a look at the graphs and the table below to get an idea of the different modes.

### DU-E6100
![STEPS assist levels E6100](https://assets.bettershifting.com/steps_assist_levels_DU_E6100_output_sportive_comfort_c928698886.png)

### DU-E5000
![STEPS assist levels E5000](https://assets.bettershifting.com/steps_assist_levels_DU_E5000_output_comfort_f52e672300.png)

![STEPS Assist variation table](https://assets.bettershifting.com/steps_assist_variation_table_E5000_E6100_0ea8731d4c.png)

## DU-E8000 and DU-E7000
The **DU-E8000** and **DU-E7000** assist settings are a bit more customisable, but before we dive into that let's first take a look at those same graphs, but now with the **E8000** and **E7000** data. If you look carefully you'll see that **Dynamic**'s BOOST mode is a bit more aggressive - it gives more assist at lower pedaling torque than when using the **Explorer** setting. Also, the TRAIL mode is a bit more linear, allowing you to keep control on those technical bits.

### DU-E8000
![DU-E8000 output levels](https://assets.bettershifting.com/steps_assist_levels_DU_E8000_output_dynamic_explorer_ff48712db4.png)

### DU-E7000
![DU-E7000 output levels](https://assets.bettershifting.com/steps_assist_levels_DU_E7000_output_dynamic_explorer_719d2dddf4.png)

As you can see in those images the main difference between **Dynamic** and **Explorer** is in the assist level the TRAIL mode offers. Under the hood selecting the **Explorer** default sets both BOOST and TRAIL  to *medium*. This allows for a nice amount of assist while also providing room for more technical riding.
The **Dynamic** default on the other hand sets BOOST to *high*, TRAIL to *low* and ECO to *high*.

![STEPS custom assist mode](https://assets.bettershifting.com/steps_assist_custom_mode_cecb9d5ae6.jpeg)

## Customising DU-E8000 and DU-E7000 modes
Things become a lot more interesting when you select the **Custom** mode. You can do this in both the mobile app and the desktop E-Tube Project application. Once you select **Custom** you can set the behaviour of each of the assist modes to *high*, *medium* or *low*... but what does this mean, exactly? 

The answer is: it depends. The maximum amount of assist torque (Nm) doesn't change for each of the modes, but the assist ratio does. This actually makes sense when you think about it. BOOST will always provide you with plenty of power, and TRAIL will always be a bit more relaxed at low speeds - providing more assist as you pedal harder.

![DU-E8000 and DU-E7000 characteristic mode settings](https://assets.bettershifting.com/steps_assist_DU_E8000_DU_E7000_characteristics_ebb1fb2488.png)

The graph above shows what happens when you set each of the modes to a specific level. If you find that you spend most of your time in TRAIL mode you could consider setting BOOST to *medium* or *low*, while keeping TRAIL set to *high*. This way BOOST provides only 150% assist while TRAIL is set to 110%. Of course you can also set TRAIL to *medium* and BOOST to *high*, if that's what you prefer. 

Generally the Shimano default **Dynamic** and **Explorer** are pretty good for most riders, but everyone has their own little preferences. Just play with it and see what works for you.

The guys over at the [Electric Mountain Bike Network](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7Txz5nUDD14vCdNSU_JydQ) posted a video on E-Tube Project last year, also showing the different assist levels and customisation. Click the image below to watch the video.

[![EMBN Video on E-Tube Project and customisation](https://assets.bettershifting.com/steps_assist_custom_mode_youtube_link_4de18b2df4.jpeg)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OBLXNYPhocA)

## Questions and feedback
Spotted anything wrong on this page? Missing something? Please [let me know](/contact/) and I'll do my best to fix things as soon as possible. 

Also, if you're on this page then you may also be interested in the [Di2 Frequently Asked Questions](/frequently-asked-questions/), [Beginner's guide to Di2](/di2-for-dummies-beginners-guide-to-di2-manual/) and [Component overview](/components-and-accessoires/).





featured-steps-assist-levels

E-MTB and STEPS riding characteristics - Photo by Flo Maderebner

header-steps-assist

Shimano e-MTB and  STEPS systems like the E7000 and E8000 let you customise its riding characteristics. Each of the ECO, Trail and Boost modes can be set to high,  medium and low.. but what does this do? Find out how it affects your riding and battery life.

e-MTB and STEPS Riding Characteristic assist levels explained

*Note 1: this is NOT a sponsored post - I just figured site visitors might appreciate the chance to win more Di2 equipment :-)*.    
**Note 2: Limited to participants aged 18 and over from The Netherlands, Belgium, Italy, France, Spain, Germany, Poland and the UK**

You may have seen this already, but in case you haven't.. Shimano have posted a challenge on Strava letting you compete for their top of the range [DURA-ACE R9100 Di2 groupset](/components-and-accessoires). If you win you'll also get their [R9100-P power meter](https://bike.shimano.com/en-EU/product/component/duraace-r9100/FC-R9100-P.html)! 

You can choose either the disc or rim brake version, that's completely up to you.

## How does it work?
Simple! You sign up for the **Shimano Grand Tour** on the [Strava Challenge page](https://www.strava.com/challenges/SHIMANO-grand-tour). You then have three weeks to ride a total of 333km - **between July 21 - August 10 2020**. 
Once you complete the challenge you will be asked to sign up for Shimano community / newsletter. This is required in order to compete.

Qualifying activities are both regular bike rides and virtual rides. Of course riding outside is more fun, but not everyone has the luxury of riding outside right now. 

Apparently you can compete for special prizes by riding 21 days in a row, just like the pro's.

Want to compete? Head over to the [Strava page and sign up](https://www.strava.com/challenges/SHIMANO-grand-tour)! Also, there is a [BetterShifting.com Strava club](https://www.strava.com/clubs/bettershifting) too! 

**Limited to participants aged 18 and over from The Netherlands, Belgium, Italy, France, Spain, Germany, Poland and the UK**

![DURA ACE R9100-P Power Meter](https://assets.bettershifting.com/grand_tour_power_meter_43120b558d.jpeg)

featured-grand-tour-challenge

grand-tour-challenge_header

Shimano has posted a challenge on Strava letting you compete for a DURA-ACE Di2 groupset AND Power Meter. All you have to do is sign up on Strava and ride 333 km in three weeks

Win DURA-ACE Di2 and Power Meter by riding 333km in three weeks

As you may have noticed when you ended up on this page - Di2Center has moved on to BetterShifting.com! After months (evenings) of setting up the new site and moving content over I have finally switched the site over to its new, more future-proof version.

## What's new?
While Di2Center was based on [WordPress](https://wordpress.org), the site you're on right now is 100% built by me, using [Next.js](https://nextjs.org/), [Tailwind](https://tailwindcss.com/), [Strapi](https://strapi.io/) and a bit of [Amazon Web Services](https://aws.amazon.com/) (AWS). All of the site is exported to static .html files, which is exactly what you're looking at now. Feel free to [send me a message](/contact) for more technical details.

The new site structure will allow me to be a bit more flexible and create more useful content and tools - a build-a-bike component picker or an interactive synchronized shifting gear ratio map  for example. All of this will happen over the next couple of months, the first priority was to move all the existing content over to this site. Now that this is done I can get to work on new content and features. I will also take the opportunity to slowly add more STEPS Di2 content to the site as more and more users are riding STEPS bikes nowadays.

Speaking of new content.. I recently took delivery of a [Bowman Palace 3](https://bowman-cycles.com/products/bowman-palace-3-frameset) frameset and I'll definitely write a page on how I built this bike up from scratch. Here's a picture (by Bowman):

![Bowman Palace 3](https://assets.bettershifting.com/new_domain_bowman_palace_3_7b67095883.jpeg)

## Browser compatibility and help!
I tried, but this new site won't be 100% compatible with older browsers. While Chrome, Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Android, iOS and Safari will render the site just fine, Internet Explorer definitely has issues on some pages. While I will make some changes for Internet Explorer, not everything will be fixed. It is time **to use a better, more up to date browser** - [Microsoft say so too](https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/lifecycle/faq/internet-explorer-microsoft-edge).

Still, if you spot any errors, mistakes or things that just don't work - feel free to [send me a message](/contact). Alternatively, send me an email at [my first name](/about) @bettershifting.com.

## Di2Center vs Shimano
Because I have received emails on this subject in the past I thought I'd mention this again. Di2Center.com has **not** been shut down or forced to close by Shimano. In fact, they have been very helpful and supportive. The site gets sent press releases and I have access to technical information and support. Really - we're all good friends!

Still, "Di2" *is* a Shimano trademark so they could decide to change their mind in the future. BetterShifting.com is therefore not only more future-proof technically, but also from a legal point of view.




di2c_old

Di2Center was the #1 source for Di2 interformation.. but the site moved to BetterShifting.com. This page explains why bettershifting.com is THE Di2 resource on the internet.

New domain, new site, same Di2 content!

I usually do not write news posts, but this week there is actually quite a lot of Di2 related news..

Not only have a couple of new products been released and announced, I’ve also intentionally broken the firmware on a front derailleur. While the post on that is not ready yet, the video is – it can be found at the bottom of this post.

## Aeroport Adapter for TT bikes
Last week Profile Design posted their new [Aeroport Adapter](https://profile-design.com/collections/aerobar-accesseries/products/aeroport-di2-rs910-adapter). This product allows you to use the [EW-RS910 bar-end Junction A](/component/frame-handlebar-junction-a-ew-rs910) in one aerobar extension and hide the internal Di2 battery (BT-DN110 / SM-BTR2) in the other.

![Profile design aero bar junction holder](https://assets.bettershifting.com/firmware_prod_roundup_profile_battery_417e7fe695.png)

Normally you’d hide the [EW-RS910](/component/frame-handlebar-junction-a-ew-rs910) in the bar-end (drops) but if your bike does not have any drops then this could be a challenge. That’s where this new product comes in. It’ll fit the Profile Design aluminium extensions and also the carbon 35c+ extension (35a, 45/25a, 50a, 35c+).

![Profile design aero bar junction holder](https://assets.bettershifting.com/firmware_prod_roundup_profile_junctiona_0caacaab02.png)

My commuter bike actually has a set of Profile Aerobar extensions – but no Di2. I will probably take a closer look at this product later this year, when I add Di2 to the commuter.

![Profile design aero bars](https://assets.bettershifting.com/firmware_prod_roundup_profile_aerobars_22e47a0e9c.jpeg)

It costs $38.99 and can be found in the [Profile Design shop](https://profile-design.com/collections/aerobar-accesseries/products/aeroport-di2-rs910-adapter) and Amazon (affiliate link).

## Shimano announce new STEPS Displays and MTB components
Three new releases by Shimano today. The first two consist of a bit of non-Di2 MTB news: new 12-speed cranksets, MICROSPLINE hubs and wheelsets, flat mount brakes and more.. read more on the MTB news here:

- [Holst of new Shimano MTB components bolster high-end and entry level line-ups](https://media.shimano-eu.com/en-CEU/188190-host-of-new-shimano-mtb-components-bolster-high-end-and-entry-level-line-ups)
- [MTB 12-speed lands and Shimano Deore level](https://media.shimano-eu.com/en-CEU/187847-mtb-12-speed-lands-at-shimano-deore-level)

The new SC-E5000 unified cycle computer display will be of interest to those of you that have been using this site to help build your STEPS E-Bike. It has integrated buttons that’ll let you adjust the STEPS assist level and its other buttons allow you to navigate menus or toggle lights on/off.

![New Shimano display](https://assets.bettershifting.com/firmware_prod_roundup_SC_E5000_C6_2s_38051618c4.jpeg)

At the time of writing the [E-Tube Compatibility Charts](https://e-tubeproject.shimano.com/guide/#guide_list) have not been updated yet, but the [productinfo page](https://productinfo.shimano.com/#/com?cid=C-431&acid=C-525) has. The display is said to work with existing systems, by the way:

> …compatible with existing SHIMANO STEPS systems, allowing consumers to upgrade their existing e-bikes.

That means you can upgrade your E5000 / E5080 / E6100 / E6180 / E7000 and E8000/E8080 displays to this new unit, as confirmed by the [productinfo.shimano.com page](https://productinfo.shimano.com/#/com?acid=C-525&cid=C-431). Also, this page states that the unit is available for 22.2 mm diameter handlebars only.

The unit is set to hit the market summer 2020 and I bet there will be some [firmware updates](https://e-tubeproject.shimano.com/firmware/) to make existing components compatible with the SC-E5000

![Shimano new battery and Deore](https://assets.bettershifting.com/firmware_prod_roundup_chainringbattery_6a6a9488dd.jpeg)

Shimano also announced a new 12-speed 157mm O.L.D. compatible chainring (34T/36T) and three new batteries, promising extremely long lifetime – they will still hold 60% of their capacity after 1000 full charge cycles.

More information on [this Shimano page](https://media.shimano-eu.com/en-CEU/188237-shimano-s-largest-e-bike-batteries-boost-riding-capacity).

## Park Tool’s EWS-1 Electronic Shift Tool

![Park Tool EWS-1 Electric Tool](https://assets.bettershifting.com/firmware_prod_roundup_EWS_1_001_4248019a6f.jpeg)

It may look like a late april fools joke, but this thing is real. I’ve tried to get my hands on an **EWS-1** over here in Europe, but so far no luck. This three way tool features two ends that’ll help installing and unplugging E-Tube wires. The third end is meant to open coin cell battery covers.

![Park Tool EWS-1 and a derailleur](https://assets.bettershifting.com/firmware_prod_roundup_EWS_1_010_ab84ddbed3.jpeg)

Whether or not the tool is actually easy to use remains to be seen, but I’ll let you know when I get one. Have a look at [Park Tool’s website](https://www.parktool.com/product/bicycle-electronic-shift-tool-ews-1) or the video below if you’re interested.

The US price is $11.95 – European prices are unknown at this point.

[![EWS-1 introduction video](https://assets.bettershifting.com/firmware_prod_roundup_youtube_image_138fab0691.jpeg)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O914sAi0LTg&feature=emb_title)

## Corrupting Di2 firmware and restoring a component
A while ago I bought an SM-PCE02 and I wanted to use that to restore component firmware – just to have experienced the process at least once. I had just one little problem.. I had no component that needed to be restored.

In order to fix that I decided to update a component using the SM-BCR2 charger, unplug it during the firmware update and make it fail. That way I should end up with a corrupt component.

![SM-PCE02 and a laptop](https://assets.bettershifting.com/firmware_prod_roundup_SM_PCE_02_40229349c9.jpeg)

This took me two tries.. when I unplugged an [ST-R8070 Shift lever](/component/ultegra-hydraulic-disc-brake-lever-st-r8070) at 50% it had actually already updated the shifter. On my second attempt I updated an [FD-R8050 Front Derailleur](/component/ultegra-front-derailleur-fd-r8050-f) and took out the [E-Tube wire](/component/di2-electric-wire-ew-sd50) a lot sooner.

There will eventually be a full post on this, but in the mean time you can watch me go through the entire process in this Youtube video

[![SM-PCE02 youtube video image](https://assets.bettershifting.com/firmware_prod_roundup_youtube_image_firmware_521c3a366b.jpeg)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cwVdVkQanBs&feature=emb_title)




featured-news_roundup.

New product roundup and breaking firmware

cover-firmware-prod-roundup

Park Tool released the EWS-1 tool, Profile Design announced their aero bar junction A holder and Shimano announced new Deore and STEPS hardware

Corrupting and restoring firmware and new product roundup

Shimano Di2 manuals, documentation and compatibility information can be a bit hard to find. While I’ve written about compatibility before, I haven’t actually explained where you can find this – and other – information.

Shimano documentation does exist and there is in fact quite a lot out there. On this page we’ll show you where you can find the documents and how you can use the different sites they have put online.

## Skip ahead
There is a lot of information on this page so I have included these links, allowing you to skip to the section that you’re interested in.

- [What information is in which type of document](#usermanualdealermanualserviceinstructionswhatfilecontainswhatinformation)
- [Documentation update information](#updateinformation)
- [Technical Product Information](#shimanotechnicalproductinformation)
- [Line-up charts](#lineupcharts)
- [Component Specification Handbook](#specificationhandbook)
- [Compatibility Information](#compatibilityinformation)
- [E-Tube manuals and documentation](#needmoredocumentation)

## Manuals and Technical Documents – si.shimano.com
The main resource for Shimano documentation is [si.shimano.com](https://si.shimano.com). This is where you’ll find manuals and documents, and it also serves as a portal leading to other sites containing technical information.

Documents that you will find on si.shimano.com are:

- User Manuals (**UM**)
- Dealer Manuals (**DM**)
- Service Instructions (**SI**)
- Exploded View / parts breakdown (**EV**)

I’ll discuss each type of document below, but first let’s have a look at how you can use the site to find the information you need.

### Search si.shimano.com by keyword
There are four ways to search the [si.shimano.com](https://si.shimano.com) database – you can search by **keyword**, **hardware series**, **component** or by **manual number**.

Searching by keyword is the default method and it is the first thing you see when you browse to [si.shimano.com](https://si.shimano.com).

![Shimano documentation - search by keyword](https://assets.bettershifting.com/learn_to_use_shimano_documentation_shimano_search_keyword_39ff20c19b.png)

Using the keyword search is simple – just enter whatever it is you’re looking for and the site will list all documents containing that keyword. For example, if you want information on external batteries and external battery mounts you would enter “external battery”.

![Shimano documentation - search external battery](https://assets.bettershifting.com/learn_to_use_shimano_documentation_search_external_battery_e49da388da.png)

You can use the checkboxes at the top of the page to filter the search results, but you can also use the search keyword field. If you want to see only the Dealer Manuals (**DM**) simply add ‘*dm*‘ to the end of your search query.

If you want to see only the Service Instructions just add ‘*si*‘ to the search query. You can also combine these filter keyword. To search all Dealer Manuals and Exploded Views you would add ‘dm ev‘ to the search query.

![Shimano documentation - filter search results](https://assets.bettershifting.com/learn_to_use_shimano_documentation_search_filter_results_2d72888a83.png)

One last thing that’s pretty nice about the search results is that you can change the way they are sorted. If you click the ‘*Select sort key*‘ box you can choose to sort by model, series or component. You can also group the search results by **Document** instead of by **Model** by using the buttons at the top right.

That’s also where you’ll find the ‘*Download*‘ button. If you check the boxes in the ‘*DL*‘ column and click the ‘*Download*‘ button the site will create a zip archive and trigger a download.

![Shimano documentation - sort](https://assets.bettershifting.com/learn_to_use_shimano_documentation_search_sort_document_download_edfd70f81b.png)

Finally, when you hover over a document name a window appears containing the first page of the document and all the components that are mentioned in that specific document.

![Shimano documentation - dealer manual hover](https://assets.bettershifting.com/learn_to_use_shimano_documentation_searh_results_hover_2df0651d5b.png)

### Search by Series
Another way to search the documents is by hardware series. While I personally prefer keyword search (it just works), the series search is actually pretty good. The way it works is you choose the category you want to search:

- All
- MTB
- Road
- Gravel
- E-Bike
- and more..

You then get to select your series – “*Ultegra Di2*” for example and finally choose the specific series/generation number. In case of “*Ultegra Di2*” you would be able to choose between R8050, 6870 and 6770. Once you’ve made your selection you will be presented with a list of all documents applicable to this specific hardware series.

![Shimano documentation - search by series](https://assets.bettershifting.com/learn_to_use_shimano_documentation_search_by_series_643b4ee54d.png)

### Search by Component
This third option is very much like the “*Search by Series*” option, except now you choose the component instead of hardware series. If you were looking for an MTB Di2 rear derailleur you would first choose “*MTB Di2*″ and then “*Rear Derailleur*”. The site will then list all documentation applicable to MTB Di2 rear derailleurs.

### Search by Manual Number
To be honest I am not sure when anyone would want to search by manual number, but the option is there if you need it. It is basically the keyword search function, but restricted to just the manual number.

## User Manual, Dealer Manual, Service instructions.. what file contains what information?
A **Dealer Manual** generally contains an overview of the tool you need, installation instructions, information on adjusting settings and maintenance guides. These files explain how to install an entire groupset, set it up and do final tweaks. The dealer manuals are the most extensive and most useful of the files by far.

The **User Manual** contains consumer safety information and an overview of the parts and part names involved. A hard copy of the User Manuals comes with all components. A user manual is only one or two pages big and will hardly ever contain detailed information.

An **Exploded View** or “**EV**” contains a detailed overview of the parts that make up a component, their part numbers and a short description. This is useful when you are trying to fix a component or need to replace a broken part.

If a part does not have a part number on the exploded view it is not officially available for ordering. 

**Service Instructions** tend to be available for older components only. They are a mix of a User Manual and technical information. You won’t see a lot of these.

## Update information
Shimano update their documentation continuously, not a month goes by without them uploading new or updated files. Looking at the updates can give some insight into what they are working on.

You can see the full list of Shimano documentation changes by clicking the “Update Information” button on the left.

![Shimano documentation - update information](https://assets.bettershifting.com/learn_to_use_shimano_documentation_search_update_information_74c45bd782.png)

## Portal to other sites
Remember when I wrote that [si.shimano.com](https://si.shimano.com) also serves as a portal to other documentation sites? If you scroll down you’ll see three green buttons:

- Line-up Chart
- Specification Handbook
- Compatibility

These buttons all link to [productinfo.shimano.com](https://productinfo.shimano.com) and you could therefore also use the “Technical Documents” button in the menu.

![Shimano documentation - home](https://assets.bettershifting.com/learn_to_use_shimano_documentation_documentation_technical_documents_7233ff8a57.png)

## Shimano Technical Product Information
On the [productinfo.shimano.com](https://productinfo.shimano.com) pages you will find Line-up charts, specifications and compatibility charts for all **current** components. You can look up the same information for older generation hardware using the [archive link](https://productinfo.shimano.com/#/archive) at the top of the page.

The archive goes all the way back to 2004, but the first (road) Di2 entry can be found in the [2009-2010 line up chart](https://productinfo.shimano.com/download/?path=pdfs/archive/2010_LINE-UP_CHART.pdf): Dura-Ace 7970 Di2.

## Line-up charts
The line-up charts and the compatibility charts are very similar, but there is a subtle difference. The line-up charts indicate the **recommended** products for each category. This means that if a combination of hardware is not in the line-up charts that does not necessarily mean it will not work.

You use the line-up charts by first choosing the type (“Road”, “MTB”, Gravel”) and then the series. For example, selecting **Road > SHIMANO ULTEGRA R8050** will show you the [following line-up](https://productinfo.shimano.com/#/lc/ultegra_r8050/2x11) chart.

![Shimano documentation - line up chart](https://assets.bettershifting.com/learn_to_use_shimano_documentation_line_up_chart_r8050_248a2a9f0e.png)

When you click a component model number, like **ST-R8050**, you’ll see a window with its specifications. From there you can also click to go to the compatibility pages related to the component.

## Specification Handbook
The Specification Handbook works just like the Line-up chart. You select the type of riding and then the component type: derailleur, shifting/brake lever, front chainwheel, hub, etc.

The site will then list all specifications for all components that match your selection.

![Shimano documentation - specifications](https://assets.bettershifting.com/learn_to_use_shimano_documentation_documentation_specifications_c5b78ca3f9.png)

Once again, if you click a component model number you’ll see a window with all its specifications, an image and links to the relevant compatibility and line-up pages.

## Compatibility Information
All Shimano information on compatibility is located on these pages. Not only do they contain the e-Tube compatibility charts, they also allow you to look up compatibility by system. 

For example, if you want to know more about disc brake compatibility just click one of the links under “Disc Brake”. Want to learn what crank set will work with your GRX front derailleur? Then click “Front drivetrain compatibility”. As you can see in the image below, if you use an FD-RX810 or [FD-RX815](/component/grx-front-derailleur-fd-rx815-f) you should use either the [FC-RX810-2](/component/grx-2x-crankset-fc-rx810-2) or the FC-RX600-11. However, on 1X system you would use the [FX-RX810-1](/component/grx-1x-crankset-fc-rx810-1) or the FC-RX600-1.

![Shimano documentation - compatibility](https://assets.bettershifting.com/learn_to_use_shimano_documentation_compatibility_grx_0c34653dbb.png)

Clicking a components model number will display a window with its specifications – in the case of FC-RX810-11 complete with chainline information – and a link to the line-up chart.

E-Tube project
The Shimano [E-Tube Project website](https://e-tubeproject.shimano.com/) contains a lot of information useful to Di2 users. Some of the most important pages are:

- [Firmware updates](https://e-tubeproject.shimano.com/firmware/) – read about new features or fixes
- [App updates](https://e-tubeproject.shimano.com/application/) – desktop and mobile app version information
- [E-Tube desktop and E-Tube mobile FAQ and Troubleshooting](https://e-tubeproject.shimano.com/faq/)
- [E-Tube manuals, Compatibility Charts and Advanced settings](https://e-tubeproject.shimano.com/guide/)

Unfortunately there is not that much information on the mobile app itself, so if you’re lost using the mobile app just [send me a message](/contact/) and we’ll help you the best I can.

## Need more documentation?
That’s it – now have access to all of Shimano’s public information. Need more information or help? Is there something you think this page is lacking? Just [send me a message](/contact/) and I’ll get right on it!


learn-to-use-shimano-documentation-line_up_chart_r8050

Shimano Di2 documentation, specifications, spare parts and compatibility information is all available for anyone to read

Learn how to use the Shimano documentation

I launched Di2Center.com in March 2019 as a pet project, allowing me to write down all the Di2 peculiarities I found as I worked on my Di2 projects. [Carlton Bale's page on Di2](https://carltonbale.com/shimano-di2-everything-you-need-to-know/) was the only other Di2 resource at the time. It has been a lot of fun and I have enjoyed helping out others and sending emails back and forth, learning about all your interesting a non-standard bike builds.

My own collection of Di2 hardware has grown a great amount over the years. Some of it thanks to Shimano, some thanks to the readers supporting the site.  I tend to purchase Di2 components for a couple of purposes:
- To write about on the site
- To help people in need 
- To add new components to my own bike 

Either way, most of the site support (affiliate links) goes right back into the site. It just seems right.

## Move to BetterShifting.com
At the end of 2019 it became clear to me that the site was growing faster than originally anticipated. The WordPress site wasn't as fast as I would've liked so I decided to build my own. At about the same time I had some good talks with [Shimano EU](https://www.shimano.com/en/).  The site got access to news / press releases and Shimano have been very supportive ever since. They also mentioned that Di2Center was not the *most ideal* name for the site. The term "Di2" is a Shimano trademark after all. 

Also, every few weeks I would get emails from site users contacting me as if I were Shimano. This is when the move to BetterShifting.com started. No one forced, threathened or coerced me into moving the site - it just made sense.

Even though the name changed, the content has not. BetterShifting.com is still the #1 *independent* Di2 resource on the internet.

## My bikes
### Bowman Palace 3 Disc
Perhaps contrary to most road bikes you'll see nowadays, mine is not Carbon or Titanium. Instead it is an aluminium [Bowman Cycles Palace 3 frame](https://bowman-cycles.com/products/bowman-palace-3-frameset) built up with a full [R8050 Di2 series groupset](https://bike.shimano.com/en-EU/product/component/ultegra-r8050-di2.html). The seatpost I'm using is the [Deda Elementi Superleggero RS](http://tidd.ly/980a59da) and the cockpit consists of a set of [Easton EC70 Aero handlebars](https://amzn.to/31NAuWu) combined with the [PRO Vibe stem](https://amzn.to/2NWbkNd)  (12mm). 
I think skinwall tyres go great with this bike so I'm running a set of [25mm Schwalbe One tyres](https://amzn.to/3ixJ8hC). The rims were laced up using Sapim CX Ray and CX Sprint spokes using [Hope RS4](https://amzn.to/301OKIo) J-bend hubs and [Duke Road Runner 30 rims](http://www.duke-racingwheels.com/duke-road-runner-2/?lang=en).


### Cube Peloton
My [Cube Peloton Pro 2014](https://www.bikeradar.com/reviews/bikes/road-bikes/cube-peloton-pro-review/) as seen in this page's header image was my very first Di2 bike. Originally the bike came with a mix of Shimano Tiagra / 105 triple components. Sometime around 2018 I got rid of the triple and converted the bike to Di2 using 6870 series components. I'm also using the [BT-DN110 battery](/component/internal-battery-bt-dn110) to enable [Synchronized Shift](/di2-synchro-shift-how-does-it-work) and an [EW-WU111 Wireless Unit](/component/d-fly-inline-wireless-unit-ew-wu111). It currently has an [SC-MT800 display](/component/xt-display-junction-sc-mt800) installed, which will be removed when I'm done with it.
![Cube Peloton Pro Di2 bicycle](https://assets.bettershifting.com/bike_cube_peloton_di2_4612c198fa.jpeg)


### Cube Attain SL
This was originally my commuter bike, built up with a 42T Narrow-wide AbsoluteBlack chainring and a [non-Di2 Ultegra RX800 rear derailleur](https://amzn.to/3e6FuIb). However, when COVID hit in March 2020 and we were all forced to work from home for a few months this bike got moved to the attic where it serves as my dedicated Zwift bike. While riding outside is great, nothing beats Zwift and my [Kickr Core](https://eu.wahoofitness.com/devices/bike-trainers/kickr-core-indoor-smart-trainer-single) for quick 30-45 minute workouts between meetings.
![Cube attain SL Bicyle](https://assets.bettershifting.com/bike_cube_attain_sl_fe27bf9392.jpeg)

## Tools & other equipment
I do most of my shopping at [Koers Cycling Company](https://koers.cc). My favourite tools are:

**PRO Internal routing tool**: This is great if you need to get E-tube wires through a frame or some curvy handlebars.  [Amazon](https://amzn.to/2BEChSV) | [Wiggle](http://tidd.ly/6475d344)

**Bike trainer**: Wahoo Fitness Kickr Core (2018). [eBay] (http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?ff3=4&pub=5575525181&toolid=10001&campid=5338714358&customid=about-the-site&mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fsch%2Fi.html%3F_nkw%3Dkickr%2Bcore) | [Wiggle](http://tidd.ly/4fad5975)

**Clothing**: [Templeproject.cc](https://templeproject.cc) socks, jerseys and bibs mainly. [Sidi shoes](https://amzn.to/31Ma0Vh).


featured-about

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What is BetterShifting about? Read how the site got started, why Di2 and more about the author. This page tells you more about all of these subjects.

10 speed Di2 to 11 speed | Di2 Upgrade Guide

Di2 installation guides

Update your Di2 Component firmware

Corrupt and Restore Firmware

Di2 for Beginner's Guide

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e-MTB and STEPS Riding Characteristic assist levels explained

Win DURA-ACE Di2 and Power Meter by riding 333km in three weeks

New domain, new site, same Di2 content!

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Learn how to use the Shimano documentation

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