Electronic Shifting
Buyer's Guide
Electronic shifting used to feel like pro-level tech reserved for race bikes, but now it’s everywhere. From road and gravel bikes to mountain bikes and commuters, electronic drivetrains are becoming increasingly common across all types of riding.
Consistency
One of the biggest advantages of electronic shifting is consistency. Because the derailleur is moved electronically, it always shifts to the same position. There’s no cable stretch, contamination, or housing flex affecting shift quality over time.
Single Click
Shifting also requires much less effort. Instead of pushing against cable tension, all it takes is a light button press. For some riders, this simply feels more refined, while others may benefit from the reduced hand effort, especially on longer rides or when returning from injury.
Customisation
Customisation is another major benefit. Most electronic drivetrains allow you to customise button functions, shifting speed, and even how the front and rear derailleurs work together.
You can do this via the manufactures apps, for example Shimano Etube and SRAM AXS apps.
Clean Cockpit
Wireless systems also create a much cleaner-looking cockpit with less cable routing around the handlebars and frame. Maintenance is generally lower, as there are no shift cables to replace or re-tension.
Ease of Setup
Setup is usually very straightforward. Charge the battery, update the firmware through the companion app, and ensure the controls are positioned comfortably before your first ride.
Shimano Di2
Shimano Di2 is known for its smooth and precise shifting feel. On most road setups, one button shifts to an easier gear while the other shifts to a harder gear. Depending on the configuration, the left shifter typically controls the front derailleur while the right shifter controls the rear.
One of Shimano’s standout features is Synchro Shift. This allows the system to automatically change the front derailleur as you move through the cassette, helping maintain a smoother cadence and reducing the need to think about front shifts.
Shimano Di2 a have built in emergency features, such as on 2x systems, when the battery is running low, remaining power from the front mech is diverted to the rear mech. Making sure you're in the correct gear to get you home.
SRAM AXS
SRAM AXS takes a different approach to shifting logic. The left paddle shifts into easier gears, the right paddle shifts into harder gears, and pressing both together shifts the front derailleur.
It can feel different at first, especially for riders coming from mechanical drivetrains, but most riders adapt very quickly. SRAM’s wireless design also makes setup and bike builds particularly clean and straightforward.
If you're running a SRAM AXS system with more than one battery, and one component runs out of battery, you can swap these between derailleurs or other components, such as dropper posts or suspension, to get you home.
Campagnolo EPS
Campagnolo EPS keeps more of the traditional mechanical feel that long-time Campagnolo riders are familiar with. The controls feature separate buttons for upshifts and downshifts, including the signature thumb button design.
EPS stands for Electronic Power Shift, and the system focuses heavily on maintaining a tactile and mechanical-style shifting experience while still benefiting from electronic precision.
Campagnolo is also available as a 13-speed, giving you more range than ever before.
MTB
On mountain bikes, Shimano Di2 and SRAM AXS systems work much more similarly to each other. Both generally use a single shifting pod or controller that handles shifts into both easier and harder gears.
The biggest differences between systems often come down to ergonomics, button feel, and app integration rather than how the shifting itself works.
App Intergration and Customisation
This is where electronic drivetrains really separate themselves from mechanical systems.
Most electronic groupsets connect to companion apps, allowing riders to customise how the bike shifts. Button functions can often be reassigned, multi-shift can be enabled, and firmware updates can improve functionality over time.
Multi-shift is one of the most useful features for many riders. Holding the shift button down allows the drivetrain to move through several gears automatically. This is especially useful when terrain changes suddenly, such as turning into a steep climb.
Some systems can also automatically compensate the rear derailleur when shifting the front, reducing large cadence jumps and helping avoid awkward gear combinations.
Battery life is often the biggest concern for riders, but modern systems last much longer than many people expect.
Shimano Di2 systems can often exceed 1,000km between charges, while SRAM AXS typically delivers around 20–60 hours of riding depending on how often you shift.
Electronic shifting is also extremely efficient. The system only uses power when changing gear, which helps batteries last surprisingly long between charges.
Most systems provide plenty of warning before the battery becomes critically low, making it very unlikely you’ll unexpectedly run out of power during a ride.
Charging methods differ between systems too. Road and gravel Shimano Di2 setups usually use an internal battery housed inside the frame or seatpost, meaning the bike itself needs to be close to a power source during charging.
SRAM AXS and Shimano’s mountain bike Di2 systems use removable batteries, allowing them to be charged separately from the bike.
A common misconception is that electronic shifting never needs adjustment. While electronic drivetrains generally require less maintenance than mechanical systems, fine-tuning is still occasionally needed.
Most systems include a micro-adjustment mode, allowing small derailleur adjustments electronically rather than through cable tension. If the drivetrain starts making noise or shifting slightly inconsistently, these small adjustments are usually quick and easy to make.
Firmware Updates
One of the most common mistakes riders make is ignoring firmware updates. Manufacturers regularly release updates that improve performance, compatibility, and reliability.
Clean Drivetrain
Drivetrain cleanliness still matters too. While electronic systems eliminate many of the issues associated with cable friction and contamination, a dirty drivetrain will still negatively affect shift quality and drivetrain wear.
Hanger Alignment
Derailleur hanger alignment is another major factor. Even with electronic precision, a bent hanger can cause poor shifting and drivetrain noise.
Battery Warnings
Battery warnings should also be taken seriously. Modern systems provide plenty of notice before the battery becomes critically low, so keeping an eye on charge levels is important.
