E-Performance: The electric drive is conquering more and more bikes and more and more types of bicycles, so the type of operation has to adapt more and more. Especially since customers are placing more and more value on a tidy cockpit and clean operation. Shimano has now introduced a new firmware that makes it possible to combine road bike Di2 components with Shimano Steps systems. This update ensures that the support modes of the Shimano e-bike drives can also be selected and changed with the Di2 shift buttons on the road bike components.
Perfect operation for more and more bicycle types
The standard created within Shimano's Di2 systems allows the perfect combination of components for many types of bicycles, such as touring bikes, gravel bikes and fast commuter e-bikes, thanks to almost infinite combination options. Manufacturers also have to choose the right drive unit for each bicycle model due to the different characteristics of the Shimano Steps family.
The biggest advantage of this firmware update is the possibility of using a racing bike-typical cockpit with drop handlebar in combination with Shimano Steps e-bike drives. Driving is much safer because the support modes can be changed without changing the grip position. Especially in rough terrain, which is being conquered more and more by gravel bikes, this brings with it an enormous safety factor. Especially in the lower handlebar position, you don't have to change your grip, and the elimination of MTB-typical top handlebar switches also allows a cleaner, tidier cockpit.
This technological advance is made possible by the new E-TUBE firmware, which establishes the connection between the electronic shift buttons of the Di2 shift/brake levers and the drive unit of the SHIMANO STEPS system. This new firmware will be available to bike manufacturers from April 8th.
Intercompatibility in the Shimano Steps and Di2 family is guaranteed
Pieter Vincent, SHIMANO STEPS Brand Manager explains: “We see that e-bikes are becoming increasingly popular with both mountain bikers and city/trekking riders. The next logical step is therefore to expand the range of uses for e-bikes to include bikes with racing handlebars. Although these types of bikes are new to many, they will still have a strong attraction for riders who want to conquer easy trails, gravel paths or even streets with an electric tailwind and that in the sportier lower link position.”
"The newly created compatibility between our high-performance drive units and the ULTEGRA Di2 shift/brake levers enables people who often travel miles and miles of exhausting routes to do two things: on the one hand, they can use the support of the e-bike motor, on the other hand you can fall back on a superior operating concept, in which you do not have to take your hands off the handlebars to change the support levels. In this way, completely new adventures in nature can be tackled, far away from traffic.”
The SHIMANO STEPS road bike handlebar functionality is available for the drive units of the E8000, E7000, E6100 and E5000 series and is compatible with down tube or integrated batteries and the system displays of the E6100 and E7000 series. The ULTEGRA Di2 shift/brake levers in combination with SHIMANO STEPS drive units can control rear derailleurs of the ULTEGRA (RD-R8050) and ULTEGRA RX (RD-RX805) as well as the DEORE XT (RD-M8050) and XTR (RD-M9050) series, whereby the switching function can be set individually via the E-TUBE Project software.
Operation also guaranteed with mechanical instead of electronic switching systems
For all those who still rely on the classic mechanics of the gearshift and therefore do not have the corresponding Di2 shifters on the shifter, a Shimano Steps system can still be combined with a racing bike handlebar. Because the third button on the system display can also be used to change the support modes
To perfect suitability for gravel bikes and fast commuter bikes, SHIMANO also introduces a new 47-tooth chainring that can be easily mounted between the drive unit and crank arm. This results in a higher gear ratio than with current Shimano Steps chainrings for the MTB or trekking sector, which allows higher speeds, especially without the motor support, which is still only available up to 25 km/h. These chainrings will be available from June 2019.
More e-bike components from 2019
In addition to the new firmware, SHIMANO will launch the following new e-bike components later in the year:
- A 160mm crank arm that rounds out the previous lineup with 175, 170 and 165mm. The 160 mm version allows more ground clearance and therefore less chance of hitting obstacles with the pedal. In addition, it is particularly suitable for smaller drivers. (Available from April 2019)
- 12-speed components for e-bikes, including mountain bike-specific chainrings with 34, 36 and 38 teeth and Dynamic Chain Engagement+ technology, as well as a 12-speed chainring with 42 teeth for e-trekking bikes (Available from May 2019 )
- A new, compact and portable SHIMANO STEPS charger with 4 amps and IPX5 water resistance, which particularly enables outdoor use. The EC-8004 charger charges twice as fast as the SHIMANO STEPS EC-E6002 charger, going from 0 to 80% charge in just two and a half hours (full charge: four and a half hours). With its low weight and small dimensions, it is the ideal companion for on the go, so an opportunity charge