Ui2 6870 / 6770 mashup...

[a4racer]

So I, like many of you, jumped on that $60 6770 shifter deal.

Since then, I did some "light research" (ie: a few Google searches) which indicated that the shifters, as they simply send signals to the RD and FD to go up or to go down, are somewhat 10speed v. 11speed indifferent. They, like honey badger, don't care.

I have been collecting other 6870 bits and pieces, and now have a 6870 RD, 6800 series cassette, chain, bb, brakes. My goal is to have a full 6800 Ui2 setup, with my 6770 shifters.

Before I buy a 6870 FD, 6870 wiring kit, battery and source a crankset, I guess my question is this:

Will my 6770 shifters play nice with 6870 RD and 6870 FD? I heard that mixing 6770 and 6870 derailleurs don't work, but that some have reported 6770 shifters DO work with 6870 RD and 6870 FD.

Anybody have any input here? Should I stop accumulating beautiful gunmetal shiny grey Ui2 componentry?

Thanks!

[RacerJRP]

You are fine. Any DI2 shift switch can run any DI2 der. (talking E-tube here). Its the FD/ RD combo that must match.

Play on playa!

[stien]

Agree with above, once you find a combo that works, don't update the firmware.

I'm running 6770 fd and shifters, 6870 RD after my 6770 RD took a ride in the spokes and a used replacement was the same as going to 11.

[zank]

This has all of your answers and even has a link to an old e-tube project download that still allows a 6770 FD to function with 11 rear. The only catch is you need an old battery that has not been updated past version 2.0.6. A newer battery can not be rewritten to an older firmware version.

http://carltonbale.com/shimano-di2-everything-you-need-to-know/

[SoCalSteve]

This has all of your answers and even has a link to an old e-tube project download that still allows a 6770 FD to function with 11 rear. The only catch is you need an old battery that has not been updated past version 2.0.6. A newer battery can not be rewritten to an older firmware version.

Are you talking the older external batteries? If so, that is too bad as the newer internal batteries and wiring is so much more elegant...something to think about...:confused:

[Pegoready]

Are you talking the older external batteries? If so, that is too bad as the newer internal batteries and wiring is so much more elegant...something to think about...:confused:

I think he is JUST talking about the case where you would mix a 67XX FD with the 68XX RD.

To the OP: Please report your findings. I want to try this myself. Jenson is sitting on literally thousands of these "10 speed" shifters!

[zank]

Are you talking the older external batteries? If so, that is too bad as the newer internal batteries and wiring is so much more elegant...something to think about...:confused:

There were internal batteries made at and before the 2.0.6 firmware version.

[zank]

The short answer is yes, 6770 levers work just fine with 6870 derailleurs.

[a4racer]

The short answer is yes, 6770 levers work just fine with 6870 derailleurs.

So now, here's the new question--will 6770 levers, which we have established will work with 6870 derailleurs, work with internal batteries?

[zank]

Yes, that's no problem.

[SoCalSteve]

Yes, that's no problem.

Just can never update the firmware then? Can you add remote shifters? D - Fly capable? Sprint shifters?

[LJohnny]

I ran the combination you are describing, albeit with external batteries for a long time before going full 11S with FD and RD. I still run 11S drivetrain with 6770 shifters, that works fine as well.

I still think Shimano had no basis other than greed to stop the 10S/11S FD/RD mismatch from working. This is the biggest pitfall of electronic systems.

[LJohnny]

Just can never update the firmware then? Can you add remote shifters? D - Fly capable? Sprint shifters?

I am afraid you would have to keep the same firmware. Once you install a new component in the chain, as the D-fly or climbing shifter, etc, you do need to connect to etube software for the system to do a "hand-shake." I am not sure if you can decline a software update at that point (after recognition).

[zank]

Jeez, I'm a numb skull. I forgot the link in my first post. All of your answers are here.
http://carltonbale.com/shimano-di2-everything-you-need-to-know/

[a4racer]

...all, for the input!

Zanc, Imma look at that article right now.

Then, I'm going to put up a WTB for a crankset and a 6870 FD in the classifieds!

[Rob1519]

Just can never update the firmware then? Can you add remote shifters? D - Fly capable? Sprint shifters?

Sprint shifters will not work with 6770 shifters. 6870/9070 shifters have a special port for the sprint shifter.

All else is compatible as long as RD and FD are 11 speed. 6870 and 9070 11 speed components are interchangeable.

[SoCalSteve]

...all, for the input!

Zanc, Imma look at that article right now.

Then, I'm going to put up a WTB for a crankset and a 6870 FD in the classifieds!

Good luck, let us know how it goes.

[zank]

And maybe a FS for the 10 speed shifters so you can utilize all that 11 speed is capable of...just a thought.

For me, having the climbing remote shifters, the D Fly, the capability of programming all the components through the computer is an amazing part of the whole DI2 gestalt...seems like you are limiting yourself...

You can do all of that with the 6770 levers. The only thing you can't do is add the sprinter buttons.

[moose8]

How much can you put a system together for using the $60 shifters? I got thoroughly confused by all the wiring and battery options when I was trying to figure it out.

[SoCalSteve]

How much can you put a system together for using the $60 shifters? I got thoroughly confused by all the wiring and battery options when I was trying to figure it out.

You may do better by just buying a complete group through one of the U.K. Retailers....they include everything you need to make it work. And I imagine cheaper than if you bought the $50.00 shifters and then pieced all the other bits, components and wires together...plus, you will have the latest 11 speed shifters to boot!

Good luck

[mistermo]

I remember the 6770 shifter sale, but forget where it was? Still available?

[a4racer]

I remember the 6770 shifter sale, but forget where it was? Still available?

JensonUSA...looks like the deal is gone now, unfortunately!

[a4racer]

You may do better by just buying a complete group through one of the U.K. Retailers....they include everything you need to make it work. And I imagine cheaper than if you bought the $50.00 shifters and then pieced all the other bits, components and wires together...plus, you will have the latest 11 speed shifters to boot!

Good luck

You are quite right, however, instead of cobbling together a group from retailers, I'm buying from the good folks here on the PL, slightly used, almost new, minty fresh, that sort of condition. It's fun too--the thrill of the hunt! I bet I come out a touch cheaper than buying from N. Ireland (and I get to line the pockets of friends here!)

[SoCalSteve]

You are quite right, however, instead of cobbling together a group from retailers, I'm buying from the good folks here on the PL, slightly used, almost new, minty fresh, that sort of condition. It's fun too--the thrill of the hunt! I bet I come out a touch cheaper than buying from N. Ireland (and I get to line the pockets of friends here!)

I wish you luck!

The wires, battery, charging cable and small connectors are expensive and not usually items that people have lying around. I think this is where you are going to see your costs go way up. The charging cable alone is like $70.00. Each e tube wire is like $25.00 for specific lengths and you need 6 of them. Plus 2 x connectors...:eek:

The hunt is always fun though. I did enjoy that when I bought my last 4 cars used.

[ColnagoFan]

You are quite right, however, instead of cobbling together a group from retailers, I'm buying from the good folks here on the PL, slightly used, almost new, minty fresh, that sort of condition. It's fun too--the thrill of the hunt! I bet I come out a touch cheaper than buying from N. Ireland (and I get to line the pockets of friends here!)

FYI, I have a bunch of etube wires, some junction boxes, etc, from a build that went nowhere. If you know your sizes I'm sure we could get you set up for cheap...