Build a 12-speed Di2 Time Trial / Triathlon bike
Building a 12-speed Di2 Time Trial (TT) or Triathlon bike isn't as straightforward as you might think. What components can you use, and how do you connect them?
TT / Triathlon Disc Brake Dual Control Lever
DURA-ACE ST-R9180
These TT / Triathlon Hydraulic Disc Brake levers have only one E-tube port each and a set of them weighs about 200g, according to Shimano.
They can only be used with Synchronized Shift, since they only have one button each. You generally set one up to shift the RD to an easier gear and the other to shift to a harder gear.
Affiliate Links
Using the affiliate links to purchase anything earns the site a small commission, at no additional cost to you.
These TT/Triathlon levers are 12-speed compatible, if you update them to firmware version 3.3.0 or newer.
In order to update these shifters, either connect them to the SM-PCE02 or SM-PCE1 on their own, or connect them to an 11-speed Di2 bike and use the SM-BCR2 charger to run the firmware update.
No wireless
These shifters have to be connected to the BT-DN300 battery by wire. They will not function if there isn't a wired connection between them and the battery.
You could plug them into one of the wireless shift levers, but they won't work unless you then connect the shift levers to the battery by wire.
Specifications
- Model code: ST-R9180
- Series: DURA-ACE (R9150)
- Weight: 100g (per lever)
- Speeds: 10 / 11 / 12
- Number of switches: 1
- SD50 ports: 1
- Wire shifting: Yes
- Wireless shifting: No
- Brake type: Disc
Related components
View all componentsRelated pages
Installation guide: Di2 wired shift levers
Learn how to install Di2 drop bar levers commonly used on Di2 road bikes or Di2 gravel bikes. I'll walk you through the process and give you some useful tips.
Manuals & other documents
More images