A Guide to SHIMANO Shifting Technology

Shimano Shifting Technology decoded for drop bar bikes

A Guide to Shimano Shifting Technology

From STI and DUAL CONTROL to Di2 and HYPERGLIDE+

A Guide to Shimano Shifting Technology

From STI and DUAL CONTROL to Di2 and HYPERGLIDE+

Shimano has been refining and redefining shifting performance for more than 70 years. What began with basic external shifting has evolved into some of the most precise and reliable component groupsets in cycling. Today, Shimano’s road and gravel components rely on a suite of integrated technologies designed to deliver consistent, confident shifts every time you press a lever.

Understanding how these technologies work together helps explain why Shimano drivetrains are trusted by everyone from everyday riders to WorldTour professionals.

Shimano GRX Di2 shifting technology for gravel bikes and road bicycles

STI Shift Levers

To understand the design and function of modern Shimano road and gravel groupsets, it’s essential to start with one of our most influential innovations: SHIMANO Total Integration, better known as STI.

SHIMANO Total Integration fundamentally changed how riders interact with their bikes by combining shifting and braking controls into a single, intuitive interface at the handlebars. Before STI, gear changes were controlled by shifters mounted on the downtube, while braking was handled separately by levers on the bars. This setup required riders to remove a hand from the bars to shift, which was especially problematic in fast or technical riding situations.

Shimano GRX gravel bike with Di2 shifting

By moving both braking and shifting controls to a single, easily accessible location, SHIMANO STI dramatically improved rider confidence, control, and safety. Since its introduction more than three decades ago, STI has continued to evolve alongside advancements in drivetrain and braking technology.

DUAL CONTROL LEVER

Building on the foundation of STI, Shimano developed the DUAL CONTROL LEVER technology (DCL), which represents the next evolution of integrated control for drop-bar bicycles.

While mountain bikes use separate levers for braking and shifting, road and gravel bikes combine both functions into one unit. Every Shimano-equipped drop-bar bike uses DUAL CONTROL LEVER technology, a system Shimano pioneered for performance road and gravel riding.

One of the key benefits of the DUAL CONTROL LEVER technology is its ergonomic design. Drawing durability from Shimano’s mountain bike technologies, the system also allows for exceptionally light and smooth shifting. Front and rear shifts can be executed with a single finger, even under load. This seamless interaction between rider and drivetrain is the purest expression of STI in action.

SHIMANO Di2

Di2 is short for Digital Integrated Intelligence and is Shimano’s pinnacle electronic shifting technology. Introduced in 2009, Di2 redefined expectations for precision, speed, and reliability in drop-bar shifting systems and helped establish electronic shifting as the gold standard in performance cycling.

As the most advanced evolution of STI, Di2 delivers instantaneous, accurate gear changes with minimal effort, regardless of conditions. Over the years, Shimano has continued to refine Di2, making it more intuitive, more reliable, and more deeply integrated into the complete drivetrain system.

Anatomy of a Di2 Groupset

Every Di2 system is built around a set of electronic components that communicate seamlessly to deliver flawless shifting performance.

Di2 STI Shifters – The Di2 STI shifters translate rider input into precise electronic commands. Rooted in STI, these shifters combine hydraulic brake control with electronic shift buttons, allowing riders to change gears, control cycle computers, and adjust system settings without moving their hands from the bars. Each shifter is powered by a coin cell battery rather than being wired directly to the main battery, simplifying setup while maintaining reliable performance.

Di2 Rear Derailleur – The rear derailleur is both the muscle and the brain of modern Di2 systems. In addition to handling most gear changes, it now functions as the system’s communication hub. It stores critical system information and connects wirelessly to the STI levers and the E-TUBE app. A single multifunction button on the derailleur lets riders check battery status, switch shift modes, and pair components. On select models, such as the GRX RD-RX827, the rear derailleur also houses the integrated battery.

Di2 Front Derailleur – While it shifts less frequently than the rear derailleur, the Di2 front derailleur plays a critical role in drivetrain performance. It moves the chain between chainrings and continuously micro-adjusts its position as the rider shifts across the cassette. This ensures smooth operation and eliminates chain rub, even under load.

Di2 Battery – On 2x12-speed Di2 systems, the lithium-ion battery connects directly to the front and rear derailleurs, while Shimano 1x12-speed rear derailleurs house an integrated battery directly in the derailleur unit. Each battery's single charge delivers up to 1,000 kilometers of shifting and is rated for at least 300 complete charge cycles. With biweekly charging, that equates to more than a decade of use.

HYPERGLIDE+

While STI and Di2 technologies translate rider input into action, HYPERGLIDE+ is where that action happens, inside the drivetrain itself. HYPERGLIDE+ is an advanced shifting technology engineered into Shimano chains, cassettes, and chainrings.

HYPERGLIDE+ allows riders to shift into harder gears without easing off the pedals, maintaining continuous engagement between the chain and cassette. The result is faster, smoother, and more secure shifting under load, whether launching an attack, accelerating on a climb, or sprinting at full power.

Shimano HYPERGLIDE+ shifting technology for fast shifting bikes

Specially designed shift ramps guide the chain seamlessly between cogs, eliminating hesitation or momentary disengagement during shifts. Riders no longer need to finesse gear changes, HYPERGLIDE+ enables confident, full-power shifting through every gear.

From Mountain Bikes to the Road

HYPERGLIDE+ first debuted on Shimano mountain bike cassettes, where it quickly proved its performance advantages. Riders like Tom Pidcock and Pauline Ferrand-Prévot used HYPERGLIDE+ XTR groupsets to claim world championship titles in 2023.

Bringing HYPERGLIDE+ to road drivetrains posed a greater challenge due to the tighter gear spacing of road cassettes. However, backed by more than a century of drivetrain manufacturing expertise (Shimano’s first product was a gear cog released in 1921), engineers successfully adapted this race-winning technology for the road and gravel.

System Engineering

Shimano’s approach to drivetrain design is rooted in system engineering. No single component operates in isolation. From STI controls and Di2 electronics to chains, cassettes, and chainrings, every part is designed to work together as a unified system.

The result is a drivetrain that delivers unmatched reliability, precision, and ride quality, proof that when every component speaks the same language, performance follows.

We constantly search for new ways to promote health and happiness through the enjoyment of nature and the world around us. Product packaging is a huge opportunity to reduce waste and deliver our products more sustainably. That is why we decided to transition to more sustainable packaging solutions for our components and service, and upgrade parts, footwear, apparel, and most eyewear packaging.

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United in Gravel is our call to everyone, from any level, to go out and enjoy life in the saddle.

Information for the counterfeit products of our disc brake pad

Please beware of counterfeit Shimano brake pad sets. To our regret, recently counterfeit Shimano products have been illegally sold at local retailers, online flea markets and other online marketplaces.

GRAVEL SHOE GUIDE

We specially design our off-road shoe lines for all types of gravel riders who love wild adventures away from the asphalt. Each series provides the performance, protection, and confidence voyagers like you need to explore your passion. No matter how deep you like to wander off the paved path, there is a SHIMANO gravel shoe for you.

GRAVITY FOOTWEAR

Bleeding edge technology, progressive styling, and total on-bike control let you push your riding to the next level and beyond.

EXPLORER SHOES

Tour more comfortably with our new EXPLORER SERIES of SPD shoes with reliable grip, soft walking cushioning and comfortable pedaling at cruising speeds. We have specialized models for both city and mountain touring so you can wander the world your way.

BATTERY

Our total system engineering approach means that the SHIMANO ecosystem is not only offering perfect harmony with SHIMANO components but extends to products of connected partners. We have a licensing development program on a contract basis which allows compatible battery manufacturers, wireless device manufactures and even bike brands to utilize Shimano proprietary communication profile to develop products compatible with Shimano products. This can create a more open and integrated product portfolio for both bike brands and end-user.

Important notice for E-BIKE battery BT-E8016 users

It has been confirmed that there are cases where the bicycle cannot be started after the BT-E8016 battery has been fully charged. If this occurs, plug the charger into the battery, confirm the LED lights up, then remove the charging plug. This enables the bicycle to be started.

TOOL‐AND-ACCESSORIES

Various Fitting Tools and Accessories

Strengthened tampering detection features

SHIMANO endeavors to ensure that SHIMANO products are used safely by requesting manufacturers of bikes that include a SHIMANO drive unit to comply with national and regional standards that guarantee a certain level of quality.

SHIMANO PEDALING DYNAMICS

SHIMANO PEDALING DYNAMICS is an integrated shoe and pedal system that provides the pedaling performance of cleated cycling shoes along with the ability to walk safely and comfortably off the bike.

Update of SHIMANO CONNECT Lab Improvement & new functions

SHIMANO CONNECT Lab, a riding data collection and analysis service by SHIMANO, is getting a major update with a more user-friendly interface and new features.

SHOE FITTING & CLEAT SETTING

The optimal shoe size is found by measuring the arch length, foot length and width. This sizing information can then be cross-checked with the shoe size table, to find the shoe size and width that best matches the rider.

SHIMANO AGAINST THE TAMPERING WITH E-BIKES

Shimano speaks out against any kind of manipulation of e-bikes and e-bike drive systems, e.g., to increase the performance or the maximum supported speed.

Shimano GRX Di2 12-Speed

Gravel cyclists live to be in the moment. It’s why we roll out of our driveway at dawn.

Shimano GRX: Welche Schaltgruppe ist die richtige?

Auf dem Heimweg am Feierabend noch einen kurzen Abstecher durch den Wald machen? Bei der Rennradtour am Wochenende auch mal von der Straße auf den unbefestigten Feldweg abbiegen und neue Wege erkunden?

Our Mechanics’ Winter E-Bike Tips

E-biking is supposed to be a convenient and fun experience.

Building the Future of Mountain Biking

Shimano Trail Born is a global trail-building initiative that supports advocacy groups, bike parks, and communities in creating more places to ride. Explore highlights from 2024–2025 projects across North America, Europe, the UK, Africa, Asia, and Oceania.

Similarities and Differences Between EP801 and EP6

In 2022, we launched the EP801, the successor to our popular EP800 e-bike system. The new drive unit provides more support, offers more connectivity options, is compatible with our new battery management system and enables the revolutionary AUTO SHIFTand FREE SHIFT technologies.

Eyewear instruction manual

How to change lens

5 Reasons Why You Need a Bike Fit

No matter what type of bike you are riding and how fit you are, a bike fit will put a bigger smile on your face when you’re riding.

Shimano's New GRIPD gravity mountain bike shoes

GRIPD – New Shoe Day

New Shoe Day with Dane Jewett and SHIMANO’s New GRIPD Gravity Shoes

Shimsno's all new DEORE XT M8200 Di2 Electronic shifting mountain bike groupset

Introducing DEORE XT M8200 Di2

More than a ride, it's a way of life.

XTR Explained - Intuitive Ergonomics

Mastering Speed and Control with XTR Shift and Brake Ergonomics

XTR Explained - Drivetrain Robustness & Survivability

Real-World Durability for Real-World Riding

XTR Explained - Braking Control

Brake Later, Ride Faster - Confidence in Every Turn

Introducing XTR M9200 Di2

Fast and Precise Shifting, Robust Construction, Refined Braking System

Four Friends - The Birth of Women's MTB in Bhutan

Julie Cornelius has been helping women around the world discover the power of mountain biking for decades, but her first visit to the Kingdom of Bhutan was a unique lesson in the power of friendship.

Spring Tune-Up: Get Your Road or Gravel Bike Ready for the Ride

The days are getting longer, and the temperatures are warming up.

When to Replace Shimano Cycling Cleats

How to Replace Shimano SPD-SL and SPD Cleats

Shimano DURA-ACE and ULTEGRA Long Axle Pedals

Enhancing stance width through pedal axle lengths

Tour de France 2024 the Beauty, the Battle, the Bikes

Shimano-supported riders Biniam Girmay and Remco Evenepoel won the Green and White jersey, respectively, at the Tour de France 2024. The competition was fierce, and the road was long and perilous. It takes a profound athlete to brave the mammoth challenge of the Tour de France. And it takes a special… je ne sais quoi… to come out on top with a jersey.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSPECTION

Shimano New Zealand Limited (“Shimano”), starts an inspection and replacement program of selected bonded 11-speed HOLLOWTECH II road cranksets produced between June 1, 2012, up to and including June 30, 2019, for a possible bonding separation issue.

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