Well the reason they're downplaying XTR Di2 is the 'not great in the mud' element, so I think Shimano appreciate that whilst it will inevitably end up there, it's not exactly the target market at the moment.
Actually Shimano doesn't really have any element concerns with the group. The reason that an XTR version hasn't been considered yet is the cost of the rear derailleur. They feel that the derailleur is to expensive to be on an mtb where it will inevitably end up getting smacked.
However we have already started to see price decreases with Di2.
Like any new technology I want to see it proven before I splash the cash, but I think its quite interesting and hope that its reliability is proven and the prices come down to near XT level, at which point I probably would treat myself.
FFS are we not men, does this not combine technological gadgetry with gears and chains and oily stuff, how the fook can so many be turning their noses up at such a boys toys nirvana.
That's something I can totally agree with. I think that for the average consumer, it's important that a product be proven, especially when it's so expensive. I've had Di2 on a few of my bikes for about 8 months, and it's given me enough time to be convinced. However, I realize that without that constant exposure it is certainly questionable.
How they justify £450, you can buy a PC or a TV or a Washing machine for that money. All which have mnore electronics or small motors / servos.
It's a question of production scale combined with recovering the cost of R&D. I know they spent a huge amount of money developing this group. Give it a couple of years and we'll see it at 105 level for road and LX level for mtb. Those should be quite affordable. My only thought is how do you differentiate between an XTR and LX Di2 group. Sure you can use some ti bits and more carbon on the xtr but really the differences should be superficial. It may make groups like LX/XT a real value when the come.
To be fair...that's what a bike looks after every ride for at least 6months in the UK take an average of two rides a week in those conditions...
Not poo pooing it but unless someone forks out for one and rides it like that week in week out for a year I think the doubts will always remain...plus that and we're all broke in the UK
Honestly, I don't know how you guys do it. Here in the desert we have a month long monsoon where it floods for about 2 hours a day everyday. The other 330 some odd days of the year tend to be as dry as dry can be. Though I guess we have to put up with everything having thorns and rocks instead of dirt.
