We talked about the new adjustability and button customization of the latest generation of Shimano’s E-Tube based Di2 groups most recently with the introduction and our first ride on the new R9100 series Dura-Ace groups. Well now to pair with those first rim brake R9150 & disc brake R9170 Di2 groups making their way out into the world, Shimano has just rolled out their updated E-Tube App so so can you can set everything up how you want to from your iOS or Android mobile phones & tablets. Find out what groups you get to customize, and how after the click…
Paring via Bluetooth from iOS and Android devices the new app will let you customize all manner of Di2 functionality, from Synchro shifts to which buttons do what. The app was first introduced as an iOS-only platform with the mountain Di2 in XTR & XT, but now Android users get to join in too.
For the road, compatible Dura-Ace and Ultegra Di2 groups with wireless transmitter compatibility will let you control the setup of shift buttons on the levers, satellite or climbing shift buttons, or the top buttons on Dura-Ace hoods. For Di2 mountain bikes or commuter groups – XTR, XT, STePS MTB & City, and Alfine – you get the shifter button customization, plus flexibility to add other switches into the system as well. You can even remotely control shock modes on Di2-compatible suspension platforms.
Besides controlling the function of Shimano’s own drivetrain, this latest update extends the ability to control 3rd-party devices, like scrolling though screens on your Garmin GPS or turning on an off wireless light systems. It also is a two-way street sending info like Di2 battery life & gear selection yo your GPS.
The tablet apps also brings almost all of the service, setup, and diagnostics functionality that had been reserved for the PC Di2 software. That is a big boost for Mac users who had to run the PC app on a Windows based machine (the wired desktop application remains Windows-only, but really only adds passcode recovery security as an additional feature) for a lot of the more techy setup & troubleshooting details.
Just to quell some security concerns, the wireless control is tied to a strong passcode that the user sets up at startup. Shimano says they have made it very secure against tampering, and password can only be reset or recovered with a physical wired connection to a PC. So your shift button arrangement and Di2 function should be safe as long as you don’t leave your phone lying around, logged into the E-Tube App for your riding buddies to fool around with!
To use all of the new mobile customization you do need the latest generation internal battery (BT-DN110) that packs more processing power (yes, it hurts my brain everything I have to think about the fact that Di2’s battery can think). On the road you’ll need the latest inline EW-WU111 wireless transmitter unit.
Or for mountain bikers either the SC-M9051, SC-M9050 or SC-MT800 display units. If you have one of the previous generation E-Tube road groups, updating the battery and transmitter will give you the wireless functionalities and extra customization.
Download all of the new customization apps from Shimano’s dedicated E-Tube Project site.
