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Cycling doesn’t need to be complicated. It can be simple, straightforward, and all about the freedom of two-wheeled adventures. And while it may feel like cycling sometimes requires a deep wealth of technical know-how, the best components and bike technology require minimal thought. They work as intended, all the time.

Put another way, good technology meets its user where they are instead of asking the user to adapt to the technology. It’s in this spirit that Shimano has continued to develop Di2 customization options. FRONT SHIFT NEXT is the next addition to the large library of functions that can be assigned to Shimano’s electronic drivetrain switches.

Cyclist riding on a dirt trail through a dry grassy field with mountains in the background
Cyclist riding on a dirt trail through a dry grassy field with mountains in the background

This idea of simplicity, along with flawless performance, was the primary driver behind Shimano’s new FRONT SHIFT NEXT Di2 function, which utilizes a single switch button to shift the front chainring to whatever ring it is not currently using. If you're pedaling in the big chainring, just hit the switch, and your front derailleur will drop the chain down to the little ring. Then, hit the same button again, and it'll shift it up to the big chainring again. Easy, right?

The result is a more intuitive shifting for less-experienced riders and quicker decision-making for veteran riders in the heat of competition.

Cyclist riding on a gravel path through a vast open field with mountains in the background
Cyclist riding on a gravel path through a vast open field with mountains in the background
Person holding a smartphone displaying a cycling gear shift adjustment app
Person holding a smartphone displaying a cycling gear shift adjustment app
Close-up of a cyclist's foot on a pedal, focusing on the bicycle drivetrain system.
Close-up of a cyclist's foot on a pedal, focusing on the bicycle drivetrain system.

Yet another use case is on adaptive bikes, where you can set up your Di2 system to manage both front and rear derailleurs from a single 12-speed dual control lever. In this case, you could program the auxiliary button on the top of the hood to initiate FRONT SHIFT NEXT and have the two buttons on the lever blade instruct the rear derailleur to move the chain up or down.

So go ahead. Start exploring how you can use FRONT SHIFT NEXT and all the customization options available in the E-TUBE PROJECT app. It’s yet another way Shimano Di2 systems allow you to maximize your cycling experience.

Cyclist riding on a dirt path through a grassy field with mountains in the background
Cyclist riding on a dirt path through a grassy field with mountains in the background