The Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 9170 Hydro Upgrade Kit has garnered much anticipation from cycling enthusiasts and professionals alike.
Combining electronic shifting with hydraulic brakes, this groupset offers an array of features and enhancements that position it as a top choice for riders seeking precise and reliable performance.
In this comprehensive review, we will discuss its key features, shifting performance, and braking capabilities, and deliver our overall verdict on the Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 9170 Hydro Upgrade Kit.
Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 9170 Hydro Upgrade Kit Key Specifications At a Glance
Here’s a table describing the key features of the Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 9170 Hydro Upgrade Kit:
| Key Feature | Description |
| Refined Digital Shifting | The groupset offers smooth and precise digital shifting, ensuring seamless gear changes. Subtle improvements in ergonomics contribute to a comfortable riding experience. |
| Optional ‘Synchronized Shifting’ | Standout feature enabling ‘fully synchronized’ mode where riders operate a single shifter, automating front derailleur shifts for smooth transitions. ‘Semi-synchronized’ mode accompanies front shifts with an automated rear shift, reducing effort changes. Customizable setup empowers riders to tailor shifting preferences. |
| Programmable Buttons | The Dura-Ace Di2 9170 allows customization of the shifting experience with programmable buttons, enabling riders to adjust shift speed and assign various actions to different buttons, catering to individual preferences and riding styles. |
| Slimmed Down Hydraulic Levers | Compared to its predecessors, the groupset boasts slimmed-down hydraulic levers that offer an ergonomic and sleek design, ensuring a comfortable grip and efficient control. |
| Optional Integrated Power Meter | For power-focused cyclists, the groupset provides an optional integrated power meter, enabling tracking of power output and facilitating data-driven training decisions to monitor and improve performance. |
| Junction Box Integration | Enhancing aesthetics and cockpit organization, the groupset allows the junction box to be tucked inside the handlebar end, reducing clutter and providing a clean look to the bike’s cockpit. |
| Smooth and Precise Shifting | The third-generation Di2 technology ensures exceptional shifting performance, delivering smooth and precise gear changes even under challenging conditions. The system remains quiet and responsive, catering to different terrains and riding styles with reliable and consistent gear shifts. |
| Ergonomic Design | Retaining the familiarity of previous groupsets, the Dura-Ace Di2 9170 offers an ergonomic design that ensures a seamless transition for riders accustomed to Shimano’s shifting systems. The slimmed-down hydraulic levers provide a consistent feel across various Dura-Ace groupset versions, enhancing rider comfort and grip. |
| Simplified Synchronized Shifting | Inspired by the XTR Di2 mountain bike groupset, the synchronized shifting automates front derailleur shifts. ‘Fully synchronized’ mode allows operating a single shifter for smooth gear changes, while ‘semi-synchronized’ mode accompanies front shifts with an automated rear shift, preventing abrupt effort changes. Customization options enable riders to configure synchronized shifting behavior according to their preferences, granting full control over the shifting experience. |
| Reliable and Powerful Braking | The hydraulic disc brakes provide reliable stopping power, even in wet conditions, ensuring consistent performance for confident navigation during descents or sudden stops. Although they may be noisy in wet conditions, the brakes effectively quiet down as they dry out, offering powerful and responsive braking capabilities. |
Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 9170 Hydro Upgrade Kit Review
The main question is, is the upgrade kit worth the hype? You’ll find out once we cover the whole review.
Shifting Performance – Exceptional Precision
The Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 9170 Hydro Upgrade Kit excels in shifting performance, boasting third-generation Di2 technology that ensures smooth and precise shifts even under challenging conditions.
Whether tackling varied terrains or adapting to different riding styles, the Dura-Ace Di2 9170 delivers consistent and reliable gear changes.
Throughout rigorous testing, the groupset demonstrated effortless handling of diverse scenarios, remaining quiet even in fully cross-chained big-big combinations. Shimano’s commitment to improving performance shines through, especially with considerations for wider disc hubs and shorter chainstays.
On top of that, the tactile feedback provided by the positive click of the buttons enhances the shifting experience, allowing riders to feel each gear change, even when wearing gloves.
Furthermore, the slimmed-down hydraulic levers, nearly indistinguishable in size from rim brake Di2 levers, provide a consistent and comfortable feel across different Dura-Ace groupset versions.
While the reach adjustment and free stroke adjustment may not have undergone significant improvements, the groupset compensates for this with its highly customizable setup using programmable buttons, granting riders extensive control over their shifting experience.
Synchronized Shifting – Simplified and Customizable
The Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 9170’s synchronized shifting, inspired by the XTR Di2 mountain bike groupset, automates front derailleur shifts for a simplified gear-changing process.
In ‘fully synchronized’ mode, riders only need to use the right-hand shifter, issuing ‘up’ or ‘down’ commands, while the system determines front derailleur shifts based on gear ratios and rider input, resulting in smooth and efficient gear transitions.
However, while synchronized shifting delivers on its promise and is largely foolproof, some riders may find the automated nature distracting if they prefer full control over front shifts.
To address this, Shimano offers extensive customization options, allowing riders to configure the behavior of synchronized shifting according to their preferences.
Additionally, the option to switch to ‘manual’ mode ensures full control over the shifting experience.
Braking Capabilities – Reliable and Powerful
The braking performance of the Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 9170 Hydro Upgrade Kit matches its shifting capabilities, offering reliable stopping power even in wet conditions.
During testing in rainy weather, the hydraulic disc brakes exhibited consistent power and modulation, instilling confidence in riders during challenging descents and sudden stops.
It is worth noting that disc brakes can be noisy in wet conditions, which is typical for this braking system and does not impact their overall performance.
As the brakes dry out, the noise subsides, allowing for quiet and powerful braking.
FAQ
Q. What is included in the Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 9170 Hydro Upgrade Kit?
A: The upgrade kit typically includes the necessary components for electronic shifting and hydraulic braking, such as shifters, front and rear derailleurs, hydraulic brake calipers, brake levers, batteries, junction boxes, and other required accessories.
Q. Can I install the Dura-Ace Di2 9170 Hydro Upgrade Kit on any bike frame?
A: The compatibility of the groupset depends on the frame and its specifications. Generally, the kit should fit most modern road bike frames with compatible mounting points and routing for electronic shifting and hydraulic brake hoses.
Q. Is the synchronized shifting feature customizable to my preferences?
A: Yes, the Dura-Ace Di2 9170 allows extensive customization of synchronized shifting. Riders can configure the behavior of synchronized shifting, or switch to manual mode for full control over front derailleur shifts.
Q. Can I use the Dura-Ace Di2 9170 Hydro Upgrade Kit with my existing power meter?
A: Yes, the upgrade kit allows integration with compatible power meters. Additionally, it offers an optional integrated power meter for riders who want to track their power output without the need for an external device.
Q. Are the slimmed-down hydraulic levers suitable for riders with different hand sizes?
A: The ergonomic design of the slimmed-down hydraulic levers is intended to accommodate riders with various hand sizes, ensuring a comfortable grip and efficient control during rides.
Our Final Thoughts – A Worthy Investment
Delivering on its promise of smooth and precise shifting, the Dura-Ace Di2 9170 provides a comfortable grip and sleek design through its slimmed-down hydraulic levers.
And the reliable and powerful braking performance further enhances rider safety and control.
In summary, the Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 9170 Hydro Upgrade Kit is a top choice for riders seeking a high-performance groupset with advanced features and dependable performance.
