Electronic Shifting Vs Mechanical Shifting: A Guide For Road Cyclists

There is always a debate in the road cycling world as to what is best; electronic or mechanical shifting. Groupset giants Sram and Shimano are at the forefront of both technologies, both providing excellent examples of each systems. Here we'll look at both Sram electronic shifting and Shimano electronic shifting, and compare them with their mechanical counterparts to see which is the better option.

Understanding Electronic Shifting

Electronic shifting systems, such as Sram AXS and Shimano Di2, use a battery to power motors which move the derailleurs, providing precise and quick gear changes with minimal effort. Although not hugely different from traditional mechanical shifting systems, there are a number of benefits:

Benefits Of Electronic Shifting

1. Precision and Speed: Electronic groupsets like Sram Force AXS and Shimano Ultegra Di2 provide crisp and fast gear changes and the elimination of mechanical cables makes them more consistent in bad weather with no mechanical cables to clog and drag.
2. Customization: Sram AXS allows for extensive customisation through a mobile app, enabling riders to adjust shifting speeds and button functionality, as well as monitoring battery levels. Shimano Di2 also allows riders to customise the operation of some elements of the system through their E-Tube Project app.
3. Ease of Use: Electronic shifting can be easier to use for some riders as buttons can easily be re-assigned to a configuration that feels natural to each rider, and additional shifters can be added, making it more versatile than a mechanical system.

Considerations And Drawbacks

1. Cost: Electronic groupsets do tend to be more expensive than mechanical options. For example, the Sram Force AXS groupset is a considerable investment compared to the mechanical Sram Force counterpart.
2. Battery Management: While the Sram AXS battery is easy to charge and swap, managing battery levels is an extra task, and a fully charged Sram AXS battery only lasts around 20 hours of ride time. The Shimano Di2 system relies on a central battery rather than one for each of the components, and can last up to several months on one charge.
3. Weight: Electronic systems are usually slightly heavier due to the motors and batteries.

Mechanical Shifting: The Traditional Choice

A traditional shifting setup relies on metal cables actuated via a mechanical shifter to move the derailleurs. It is a tried and tested system that many cyclists still prefer for its simplicity, reliability and cost.

Benefits Of Mechanical Shifting

1. Affordability: Mechanical groupsets are generally much cheaper. Initial cost of the groupset is lower, and replacing individual components when worn or damaged can be significantly cheaper. For example A Shimano Ultegra Di2 rear mech can cost over £150 more than it's mechanical equivalent.
2. Simplicity: Mechanical systems do not require batteries, removing the hassle of charging and battery management. This makes them better suited to long tours and remote rides where charging options may be limited.
3. Ease of Maintenance: Mechanical systems are easier to service and repair than electrical systems. A broken cable can be replaced almost anywhere, which is not the case with electronic components.

Considerations And Drawbacks

1. Performance: While modern mechanical systems are highly refined, they can't match the precision and ease of use provided by electronic systems like Shimano 105 Di2 or Sram Rival eTap AXS.
2. Maintenance: Mechanical systems require regular adjustment and lubrication to keep the cables tensioned correctly and to keep them running smoothly, which can be time-consuming and requires some technical know-how.

Conclusion

Choosing between electronic and mechanical shifting depends on your budget, riding style, and preferences. For those who value high performance, customization, and ease of use, investing in electronic groupsets like Sram Force AXS or Shimano Ultegra Di2 might be worth it. However, if you prioritise simplicity, affordability, and ease of maintenance, mechanical shifting remains a robust and reliable choice.

Ultimately, both systems have their pros and cons, and the best choice is the one that suits your wallet, style and preferences. Electronic shifting provides a cutting-edge experience, but comes at a price, and mechanical systems can be cheap and cheerful, but will never have the wow-factor of an electonic system.