Just like the previous generation R8070 Ultegra dual control levers, these have 'hidden' buttons on top of the shifter hoods. You can set these up any way you like and I wrote an article on just that: setting up the Di2 shifter hood buttons.
While these shift levers support the new wireless Di2 shifting, you can also choose to connect it using EW-SD300 wires. Doing so will improve battery life by approximately 50%.
These shift levers have one SD300 port and one satellite shifter (SW-RS801-T / SW-RS801-S / SW-RS801-E) port.
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While you can customise these levers and change button assignments using the mobile app, you cannot easily update them. The levers need to be wired to the rest of the system in order to enable updating via the mobile app.
I have written a guide on updating 12-speed wireless dual control levers. Read that if you're stuck updating your levers, or simply send me a message.
If video is more your thing, watch Rides of Japan update his levers below:
12-speed Di2 rim brake shifters can only be connected by wire - there is no wireless option for these shifters. Even if you're on wireless disc Di2, you may still be interested in connecting your shift levers by wire to increase battery life and eliminate wake up shifts.
12-speed wireless Di2 shifter batteries last about two years, I'll show you how to check the battery level and replace the battery itself, and mistakes to avoid.
Updating 12-speed Di2 R9270/R8170/R7170 shift levers is not as straightforward as you might think. You need either the SM-PCE02, or connect the levers to the rest of the system using an EW-SD300 wire.
I'll show you two different methods of pairing 12-speed Di2 wireless shift levers - using the mobile app and using wires.
Shimano 12-speed satellite shifters are tiny buttons or shifters that you can place in the drops, on the tops, or on your aero extensions. This page explains how to install the different satellite shifters and how to wrap the handlebar tape around them.
Building a 12-speed Di2 bike involves a couple of steps and decisions to make. Are you building a rim brake bike or a disc brake bike? Will you connect the shifters wired, or run them wireless? What cables and what length do you need? I'll guide you along the process.
Modern Di2 shift levers have buttons on top of the hoods, but unless you're on 12-speed Di2, their default function only works with a wireless unit or d-fly. Learn how to set these buttons to shift derailleurs.
Unpairing 12-speed Di2 wireless shift levers can be done using the mobile app or using the SM-PCE02 and E-Tube Project for Windows. This page describes both methods of unpairing wireless shifters.
Do you have small hands? Or extra large hands? Read this page to figure out how to change your Shimano Di2 shift lever (or shifter) reach.
Below is an overview of all known firmware updates for this component. The changelog texts are Shimano's, and quite often they're a bit cryptic - sorry!
4.3.0
General bug fixes.
4.2.2
■ ChangesSecurity performance for wireless communications between the shifter and rear derailleur has been improved.Click here to view FAQs for more information. https://bike.shimano.com/faq/DI20A#D-7030*The firmware for both the shifter and rear derailleur must be updated for proper operation of the Di2 system.* Wireless firmware update is not available for this product.Update the firmware over a wired connection or contact your place of purchase or a distributor. ■ OthersGeneral bug fixes.
4.2.0
- The FRONT SHIFT NEXT function is now supported.It is a function that allows you to shift up and down the front derailleur with a single button. * To use this function, assign “FRONT SHIFT NEXT” to a button on the wireless shifter/switch.* Wireless firmware update is not available for this product. Update the firmware over a wired connection or contact your place of purchase or a distributor. Click here to view FAQs for more information.(https://bike.shimano.com/faq/DI20A#D-7020)
4.1.2
EW-EX310 is now supported.
4.1.1
Adapted for new DU-EP801/DU-EP600.
4.0.3
Pairing operation process of rear derailleur and dual control lever of some units cannot be completed, when the firmware version of ST-R8170 is lower than ver. 4.0.2.If pairing operation process cannot be completed, use one of below applications to update the firmware version of ST-R8170 to ver. 4.0.3 or higher.* Following is the firmware updating procedure of each application, E-TUBE PROJECT Professional Ver.5.0.2 or higher, or E-TUBE PROJECT Cyclist Ver.5.0.2 or higher.Procedure using the E-TUBE PROJECT Professional:* Use SM-PCE02 to connect the PC and the dual control lever by wire, next, update the firmware, and finally do the pairing.* In case SM-PCE02 is not available, please contact the place where you purchased the product.Update: https://si.shimano.com/iUM/7J4WA/update/toc_task_nnp_xs2_g4bPairing: https://si.shimano.com/iUM/7J4WA/pairing_process/TOC_PAIRING_PROCESSProcedure using the E-TUBE PROJECT Cyclist:* Connect the rear derailleur and the dual control lever by wire, next, update the firmware, and finally do the pairing.Update: https://si.shimano.com/iUM/7J4WA/update/toc_task_nnp_xs2_g4bPairing: https://si.shimano.com/iUM/7J4WA/pairing_process/TOC_PAIRING_PROCESS
4.0.2
Firmware released.
