Shimano Di2 Sprint Switch Hack and Install

Here's a video that features how simple it is to hack the Shimano Di2 Sprint Switches to use them as climbing shifters. We set out to see how hard it would be to place the satellite shifters in their standard "sprint" location and tie in an additional set in the "climbing" location. Its easy and works flawlessly. Check it out!

In this video tutorial we show you a hack to splice standard Shimano "sprint shifters" with an additional pair to allow for shifting from a variety of locations on the handlebar. Using a second pair of modified Shimano Sprint Switches for Di2 (SW-R610), it is possible to have a cleaner and smaller alternative to the climbers switch (R600 Remote Satellite Shifter - Climbing Shifter) while letting you run your sprint switches in their traditional position. This allows you to shift the rear derailleur up and down through the cassette from either the drops, the hoods, or the bar tops.

Thanks to E-Tube interchangeability, this will work on both Shimano Dura Ace Di2 9070 series and on Ultegra Di2 6870 series. This hack was first seen on the bikes of the Etixx-Quickstep team during the 2015 edition of Paris-Roubaix. Modifying the system for top bar mounted shifters makes riding easier on the rough cobblestone roads "secteurs" of Northern France as most riders find the more upright position on the tops a bit more relaxed and forgiving. This also crosses over, however, to climbing. When climbing, riders also enjoy a more comfortable upright position and spend much more time on the tops of the handlebars. Allowing for full shifting of the cassette while your hands are on the upper part of the handlebars is a minor thing, it may seem, but when your heart is exploding out of your chest, eyes rolling back into your head, and every fiber of your being says to get off the bike and stop pedaling, every conserved bit of energy is a life saver. Although Shimano produces a "climbers switch" which can work along with the sprinters switch, it is in our opinion bulky, ugly and unfinished as it is affixed with zip-ties. For racers and aero geeks, this hacked solution is far superior and allows for a variety of options to personalize the location of the switch. Place them in front of the bar for "trigger" access with the index finger or toss them behind the bar, as we did, for thumb-button access. Watch the video, and we will how simple the process of splicing the Sprint Switches together can be.

Inspired by the mechanics of team Etixx at the 2015 Paris-Roubaix (see images here):
http://www.bikeradar.com/us/road/gear/article/etixx-di2-remix-shimano-shifters-reinterpreted-43996/

WARNING: This hack does involve some basic wire splicing and it is possible to damage the wires if not done carefully. This is not a Shimano approved procedure and may void warranties.

Materials and tools needed:
-A bicycle equipped with Shimano Di2
-2 sets of Shimano SW-R610 "sprint switches." If you already have a set installed, you'll only need to get one set, not 2.
-roughly 25 inches of electrical wire
-replacement bar tape to wrap the handlebars when you are done
-a hole punch to create openings in the bar tape for access to the sprint shifters
-electrical tape for finishing off the bar tape, holding wires and cables in place and to cover the exposed ends of the wire
-scissors to cut the electrician's tape
-solder (optional). These wires should get much strain on them, but if soldering them makes you feel more comfortable with the hack, fee free to do so.
-angled pliers or dikes for cutting the wire
-wire strippers (optional). We found our wire stripers to be too aggressive and actually cut the wire instead of stripping it. We used our finger nails.
-box cutter or knife for stripping back the insulation from the wires

Enjoy and comment below if you gave it a try!

Need sprint shifters?
http://www.amaincycling.com/on-road-bikes/shimano-di2-swr610-remote-sprinter-switch-shifter-pair-sw-r610/p317178

Видео Shimano Di2 Sprint Switch Hack and Install канала AMain Cycling