Now cyclists riding the top-tier electronic groups from all of the three big drivetrain manufacturers have gotten wireless ANT+ communication with Garmin’s newest Edge 520 and 1000 cycling computers. SRAM Red eTap users can now see their current gear selection and shifter battery life directly on their Garmin head unit. SRAM had promised such functionality from the beginning, and it was no surprise with its already wireless transmission that it won’t need special parts like the Shimano & Campy versions. No firmware update is even required for eTap itself. Users will just need to go to Garmin Express to update their Edge cycling computers for the added connectivity.
SRAM now joins Shimano, who was the first to really integrate ANT+ connectivity into Di2 with their D-Fly more than 2 years ago, but as it required an extra transmitter we haven’t seen it on every Di2 setup already out on the road. And then Campy got the ball rolling again when they added a wireless transmitter to EPS and put out the MyCampy app for smartphones last fall with broader functionality. And now just last week Shimano stepped it up again with the launch of XT Di2 that brings added controls to all Di2 systems (road & mountain) that will let you have such varied function as controlling the Garmin with integrated buttons in the (road) brake/shift levers, seeing derailleur trim on the fly through the GPS, and ultimately plans to link electronic suspension settings.
