Have you ever had a derailleur or shifter battery die just before/during a ride?

A dead derailleur or shifter battery can be a ride killer. We want to know if it's ever happened to you.
By Jeff Barber
Singletracks may earn commissions from affiliate links and/or receive products from manufacturers for review. Read our editorial guidelines here.
A close-up view of a small electronic component on a wooden surface, surrounded by wires and tools. The component features a black casing with a QR code and several small pins. Nearby, there is a red plastic cover and a piece of sandpaper, along with a pair of scissors and other wires.

Wireless electronic shifting systems promise easier setup and maintenance compared to cable-actuated drivetrains, but that convenience comes with a new dependency: battery life. And we certainly don’t have to tell you that a dead derailleur or shifter has the potential to end a ride if you forget to charge the battery.

Have you ever had a derailleur or shifter battery die just before/during a mountain bike ride?

If you answered yes, tell us how you dealt with the dead battery: did you swap in a spare battery, make do with a single gear, or just walk it out?

 
Close-up of a Shimano XTR rear derailleur being handled, showcasing its metallic components and a black button with an upward arrow. The background is slightly blurred, emphasizing the derailleur's detail and design.
Drivetrain
Are you running electronic shifting on any of your mountain bikes?
Close-up view of a mountain bike's drivetrain, showcasing a red and black gearbox, chainring, and crankset. The image highlights the mechanical details, with a focus on the precision engineering elements and textured tire in the background.
Drivetrain
Do you own a gearbox mountain bike?
Close-up view of a bicycle's rear derailleur and cassette, featuring a SRAM derailleur, with a blurred background of autumn leaves.
Drivetrain
Why aren't you running electronic shifters on your mountain bike?
Close-up view of a bicycle crankset featuring a black chainring, pedal, and chain, set against a blurred green background, showcasing the bike's components and design.
Drivetrain
Is Your Drivetrain 1x or 2x on Your Drop Bar Bike?