A just-released patent suggests that Shimano may be developing a completely wireless kit, with each individual component powered by its own battery. This would put the Japanese components giant in line with SRAM and Campagnolo. This new technology will likely be introduced first in the gravel-focused GRX range.
Shimano's Di2 electronic shifting systems were originally wired, but the latest generation designs are semi-wireless. This means that the front and rear derailleurs are connected to the central battery via wires, although the levers communicate wirelessly.
However, two recent patents (US 2024/0092456A1 released on March 21, 2024 and US 11,958,568 B2 just released) make us think that change may be coming.
The part marked 36 in the picture (the dotted cuboid hidden inside) is described as the "power supply".
Elsewhere in the patent, Shimano states: "Each bicycle component RD (rear derailleur) and FD (front derailleur) contains a power source, such as a battery."
The patent also covers the possibility of the front and rear derailleurs being connected to the battery via wires, like in current Di2. Patents usually include as many possibilities as possible to protect intellectual property, but Shimano's multiple references here to front and rear derailleurs with their own batteries lead us to think this is at least a possibility.
Shimano also says that in one possible design: "The rear derailleur is configured for wireless connectivity."
As mentioned above, this is not the case with current Di2. The front and rear derailleurs are connected by wires.
We suspect the patent is for a gravel bike component. Here's a picture of the bike shown in the patent: a bike with drop handlebars and a suspension fork (albeit with skinny tires).
Granted, this is not dispositive, as patents often contain generic images that are not necessarily representative of the intended use.
Beyond that, the gist of the patent is to have the torque limiter covered inside the rear derailleur. The idea is that the torque limiter will protect the motor from damage if there is physical contact between the rear derailleur and an obstacle.
This by itself doesn't exactly point to gravel, but combined with the image above, we'd say it's a distinct possibility.
Another reason to suspect Shimano might move in a fully wireless direction is simply that the main competition is already there. In addition to companies like SRAM and Campagnolo, there are also wireless groupset components from Chinese brands WheelTop and L-Twoo. That's not to say Shimano will go wireless just to join the "all wireless club," but the advantages in setup and minimizing structurally weakened entry/exits make it an attractive option.
So what are the chances of Shimano launching a fully wireless groupset? We can't say for sure, and we certainly don't want to put a timeline on it, but we will say it's a distinct possibility for next-generation components.
