Shimano have just released official pics of the new electronic time trial shifters that will be part of their 2009 digital Di2 range. The shifters, which were snapped in the wild for the first time in this year’s Tour de France, can be controlled from the ends of the aero bar extensions as usual, and also from the dual control levers on the base bar. It’s the change from cable to electrical operation that allows Shimano to offer these two different control points. The base bar levers mean that you can now change gear when you’re riding out of the saddle; there’s no need to sit back down, move your hands to the extensions, change gear, move your hands back to the base bar, and then stand up again. That’s always been a bit too much like hard work when you’re trying to get into a climbing rhythm. If they fulfill their promise, these shifters are set to make a huge impact, especially on hilly time trials and also in triathlon where race organizers often plan a climb as early as possible in the bike leg to split the field and reduce the problem of drafting. The Dual Control Levers, which have buttons for Shimano’s new FlightDeck cycling computer in the hoods, feature carbon blades and come in at a claimed weight of 127g per pair. The satellite switches – the aero extension shifters – weigh 103g per pair, and the wires can be plumbed internally through your aero bars. Of course, you’ll need the new Dura-Ace Di2 mechs too. It’ll be interesting to see how the other big players in the market respond. In the meantime, we can’t wait to get our hands on a set.
Shimano launch electronic TT shifters
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It is for this exact reason I never purchased any Canal+ branded jerseys. Only saw it once but it was enough.
@mitsky To be fair (through gritted teeth), hasn't the main damage to Hammersmith Bridge been from IRA bombings and boat strikes, though obviously exacerbated by heavy traffic in the subsequent years?
@Andrewbanshee Yes, and at every age, not just at our distinguished and noble years (I'm 57). I've known several people who have been a bit vain about having to start wearing glasses and so put it off for years even when it was quite obvious that they wouldn't pass the driving test "read a numberplate at twenty metres" requirement (which is itself inadequate, in my opinion). As I understand it, in the USA driver licences to be renewed every four to eight years, depending on the state (apart from Arizona and Massachusetts which are twelve years, for some reason), and an eye test is a compulsory element of renewal. High time that was introduced here.
In fairness, at the time they came out Rapha was also constantly offering deep discounts - it's only more recently they've done away with that - so they were basically just following the Rapha model.
Likewise - I've got heaps of their stuff, and been happy with almost all of it. The only thing I've ever had a problem with was a pair of winter gloves that was a shape that no hand ever was.
The bibs were always decent for me, obviously everyone has a different fit/needs, so they won't be for everybody! I'm still a massive fan of their Merino tees, great for bikepacking!
@Krislord Yeah this is a pre-pack job by the looks of it. One of those things that seems like it shouldn't be legal, but somehow manages to be. Like all ubiquitous brands Le Col gets up people's noses. Cycling fashion has moved on a bit in the last couple of years too and you see more PNS and Universal Colours in Richmond Park these days. I feel a bit old for some of that stuff and I still like Le Col because they offer plenty of understated kit.
Indeed. I am now 60, although unlike many licence holders I have an assessment every 3 years. I am type one diabetic. Part of the assessment is proof that my eyesight is good enough. Why aren't health checks part of being a licence holder?
"In a report, Hammersmith & Fulham Council were told that conservative estimates for re-opening the bridge to cars were £300 million. In contrast, between 2010 and 2021, London councils spent a total of £100 million on all bridges in the city. So cost is clearly the overwhelming factor,..." Tell us that motorists don't pay enough for the damage done to roads, without telling us. (Yes, I have a driving licence.) And given we know that if the motor vehicle has more mass, the far greater the damage done... should businesses pay more? I won't say road tax, but something that contributes to the general tax pot that funds road repair. And needless to say: the business owners need to pay more tax too rather than hoard the profits.