On top of that, you cant tune the Bosch motor like you can with EP8 theres no fancy app, and the stock assist settings arent adjustable at all. I've had a go on ebikes and think they're fantastic and good fun. But to give you some numbers, weve consistently achieved around 1,500m of climbing during our 30-50km test rides. And we certainly wouldnt be upset if Shimano could quieten down the clacking noise. With the introduction of the new Shimano EP8 platform, the bar has been raised again with significant gains in the areas that matter to e-mountain bikers the most: . Rattling and lack of update to the battery monitoring is a no go for me, I would just upgrade the battery to the new 620s if i could fit it. And in terms of backup service and support, the fact that there are far more Shimano dealers than there are Specialized dealers may also be preferable for some riders. The touch points are all up to typical Shimano standards of quality, though we would like to see improvements to the functionality of the display unit, notably having battery life shown as a percentage. After downloading the free E-Tube Project app, youll need to turn the bike on and pair it with your smartphone. MANUALS & TECHNICAL DOCUMENTS Nothing like on an ebike. As in, we totally forgot about it altogether. While weve certainly been impressed by the power, ride feel and tuneability of the Shimano EP8 system, how does it stack up against the likes of Bosch and Brose/Specialized? The cheapest Specialized Levo is the Expert model, which sells for just shy of $16K. More juice (and more travel) makes the new enduro eMTB heavier than before. > Shimano STEPS E8000 Continuous power: 250W (500W peak) Torque: 85Nm Weight: 2.6kg (5.72lbs.) For a lighter pedal feel than the E8000, the one-way bearing has reduced its rotational resistance, creating a free play. Its a little different though, with Orbea detuning the motors power and assistance to improve efficiency so it can use a smaller and lighter 360Wh battery. BT-E8036, SHIMANO STEPS - Integrated Type Battery for Down Tube - 630 Wh. Merida was the first to release a 2021 eBike running an EP8 and we've actually already ridden it in this video.For 2021, Merida has added the EP8 a larger 630Wh Shimano battery and improved the . If you are disabled and need a motor on your bike in order to ride, I understand. There is zero stickiness at the pedals that we could detect. 3. If speed and maximum power output is less of a concern though, switching into the factory Eco mode is a sure-fire way to get more ride time expect range to double from those figures above. Introducing the new Focus Jam2 and Sam2 your perfect match. I chose this bike because it has the EP8 and from research, seems to be the most reliable platform out there, assuming it's as reliable as the E8000. and The Shimano EP8 battery is 26% more capacity but the range is only 16% more. Your country not there? SM-CRE80-12-SB. A bit like chain slap when you don't apply force on the pedals. They must be under pressure to deliver units as this is at best rushed. Just kidding! Was thinking the same thing. Put on i9 Hydra hubs, annoying motor rattle sounds disappears. Filter. IMO Shimano bikes are good,but they are 2 steps down compared to Specialized and Bosch. Additionally, Shimano produces a smaller and lighter 504Wh option, which is also cheaper and helps to bring the complete bike price down see the sub-$8K Polygon Mt Bromo N8 for example. It doesn't feel good. The clicking sound has no effect on the function or durability of the drive unit. Power delivery is immediately intuitive thanks to the new MasterMind firmware that Specialized developed specifically for the 2.2 motor, which reduces power spikes from rapid changes in crank speed and pedal pressure. We need to go deeper. Across our range of E-MTBs, you'll find both 504 Wh and 630 Wh internal battery options with some models in our Torque:ON range including a dual battery option for long-lasting adventures that extend into and beyond golden hour. Like their . It's the same. The frame itself is unchanged, but an adjustment to the receiver hardware allows the bigger 630Wh battery to fit inside the same downtube cavity. Set as my REI. As well as being smaller, lighter and more efficient, the new EP8 drive unit also packs more punch with up to 85Nm of torque, bringing it up to speed with the latest power plants from Bosch, Yamaha and Brose/Specialized. Couldn't agree more. Side-by-side, the EP8 motor is slimmer around the belly and so offers a skerrick more ground clearance. Looks like Rocky(Dyname), Giant(Yamaha) and Specialized(Brose) are in for 2021 and Shimano and Bosch are out. Quality, Strength, Reliability . It's a powerful unit with a huge reach, but it has a little problem: it rattles when riding downhill or, simply put, there is no power on the pedals. OSAKA, Japan (August 31, 2020) Its first mountain bike specific drive unit, SHIMANO STEPS DU- E8000 set the standard for real off road performance by preserving the chainstay length and Q-factor used on traditional mountain bikes and using an intelligent assist algorithm that prioritized a natural off-road riding experience. Compatible with all Shimano drivetrains whether Di2 or mechanical, derailleur or internally. Estimated range is 5125 feet for EP8 motor with 630wh So these results are shocking so this test needs to be repeated. Its also given us plenty of opportunity to identify all the little quirks, while getting a better impression of long-term durability and performance. Shimano STEPS EP8 Motor and 630wh Battery. However the motor operation itself is fabulous, smooth, powerful, feels natural when you ride, you can cover ground like crazy in this thing. Weve found the first two settings to be too weak for e-MTB use, though conversely the highest setting can feel a little too peaky for some riders. A little more overrun from the EP8 motor, and even the option to tune that attribute via the E-Tube app, would be stupendous! Yeah you're right but I feel like the biggest factor is still rider weight. SHIMANO STEPS E8000 Chainring (Chain Line 50 mm) VIEW PRODUCT. I wish real bike reviews were this detailed. Uh oh, another one E-triggered. Contrast that with the recently released Vitus E-Sommet VRX with EP8, 630Wh battery and similar travel and attitude for 5,199, . Their new ride algorithms make the EP8 one of the most natural feeling motors out there, with plenty of power to propel the bike over obstacles, even if Bosch and Brose are still a bit punchier and deliver slightly more power. - Available on a wide-range of different e-MTBs, - Clacking noise can be annoying If possible, repeat this ride on the Eco and Boost modes too. The 630Wh battery is physically larger than than the previous 504Wh battery, though Merida obviously knew the bigger battery was coming when it launched the eOne-Sixty last year. Instead, we recommend setting aside some time for a battery-drainer test ride, somewhere that is accessible and easy to ride out with a flat battery, in order to work out your maximum range you can get during typical riding conditions. the rattle it because the sprag bearing that used to be used in most motors has been replaced by DT swiss style star ratchet drive rings. What this article says to me is no wonder people make fun of mountain bikers. Maximum Torque This allows you to limit the maximum torque, with 10 levels of adjustment from 20 Nm to 85 Nm. . Absolutely. Have had my Norco Range LVT with the EP8 for a week and have noticed the noise, maybe once? The SC-EM800 can also communicate with third party cycle computers through the ANT wireless protocol to display more detailed battery capacity and power output info in addition to ride mode, speed, gear position, range and odometer. I have no personal experience riding with pedal assist but when I hear the high whiz from the motor I think that would drive me mad too. With EP8, the BOOST, TRAIL and ECO modes can be customized with ten different assist curves which control how quickly the power ramps up to match their effort. What ever happened to grit?!?! A dinamo or recharging when braking or something That's what I'm still waiting for! The E-TUBE RIDE app, which turns a smart phone into a cycling computer, provides expanded information and adds ride recording and mapping features. No, not at all. With the Spectral:ON for example, which has very short chainstays and a relatively slack seat tube angle that puts your weight further over the rear axle on steep climbs, it helped to dial down the Assistance Character (to 6/10), the Maximum Torque (to 78Nm) and the Assistance Start (to 4/5) to soften the bikes power and acceleration. Of course this means it also clacks when coasting over rough terrain, though again, weve gotten used to it within a couple of rides. dont think people would fancy riding a fixie down a trail. Can't see the equivalent of a ribbed chainstay protector happening. Its easy to modulate via how much pressure youre putting through the cranks and the power delivery is progressive, giving it a very natural feel as a result. That rattling feeling comes from one way bearing. Perfect? It's really, really quite quiet. I'm honestly flabbergasted that people complain about it tbh lol. Chuckle. They could have gone "yeah the rattling sucks but we hope you appreciate the motor nonetheless" but instead they composed this pure poetry. You can display way more metrics on it too, and battery is usefully displayed as a percentage. NEWS Component categories and series of GRAVEL, Component categories and series of LIFESTYLE, Component categories and series of E-BIKE, Your smartphone to cycling computer on the bike, SHIMANO bicycle ride data collection/analysis service, SHIMANO AGAINST THE TAMPERING WITH E-BIKES, California Transparency in Supply Chain Act. Shimano Steps E8036 E-Bike Battery Brand: Shimano Type: E-Bike Battery Model: Steps E8036 Frame . Ive only charged 2x. When we make fun of others, its because we are not happy w ourselves. I rode the engine too, the thing is the engine is super quiet once you charge on the pedals, and you've got that annoying rattling noise as soon as you are on the freewheel and cruising down the trail Shim is working on it from what they said. FEATURES Supports sleek frame design Same mount as current BT-E8035 When riding identical bikes in my experience the lighter rider has more battery left even if he or she uses higher assist modes. The MY21 model also features an updated build kit that. I'm not an ebike hater - but (you knew it was coming) - I can't ever see myself being able to justify the expense of one and I wouldn't like to risk a second hand one. This is a real review with details and pros and cons. That Shimano response was pure gold. Both the E-TUBE PROJECT app and the E-TUBE RIDE app are now available to download from iPhone or Android app stores and are fully compatible with Shimano EP8. JavaScript is disabled. Shimanos battery flexibility certainly presents a significant advantage over the likes of Bosch, which is much more limited with its battery options. This says the E8000 has more efficient and will have more range with the same battery size. You can't call an e-bike rider lazy when they try to overtake you making this sound. Visit the high-res gallery for more images from this review. I have never posted a comment here on pinkbike, however this article in particular is hitting a nerve. The new EP8 drive unit provides incredibly quiet assistance under pedal load. Three battery options including 900Wh Wheel size: 29" only Travel: 160mm front, 150mm rear 64-degree head angle 78-degree effective seat angle 462mm chainstay Weight: 25.6 kg. EP8 delivers up to 85 Nm of torque, a 21-percent increase over the STEPS E8000 motor platform. I tested a few Merida bikes with Shimano motor and they have some bugs in first versions,quite annoying stupid things force you to reset the bike sometimes. Those Merida ebikes ride quite good too. As to how the de-tuned EP8 motor performs? However, we couldnt get the display to pair with our Wahoo ELMNT Roam head unit. Mine gets very hot. So then it gets really confusing as it seems like the first bar lasts 30% and the last one 10%. Riders can customize multiple settings through the E-TUBE PROJECT app, giving greater control over how they want their bike to ride. I weighed around 70kg and cadence was between 70-100rpm with mostly lowest gear and mostly asphalt. Also choose from a wide variety of crank, chain and chainring options. 630Wh internal battery offers more capacity so you can keep your focus on the next switchback, not the battery indicator. Over the past six months of riding, the Shimano EP8 motor has really impressed us with just how much punch it delivers from such a lightweight and compact package. Sort Shimano Steps E6010 E-Bike Battery 36V 11.8Ah 418Wh Frame Bl . No, the BT-E8036 Shimano 630Wh battery used in the Bullit is about 70mm longer than the 504Wh version used in the Heckler. I also have Commencal 2021 meta power sx. New batteries recently released by Shimano are available for EP8, including two 630Wh battery options, the external BT-E8016 and internal BT-E8036 battery. HOME Our batteries are renowned for keeping you out on the trails and riding further. Power less, battery smaller, it lighter is.. Would "every time you push the on switch" have been more understandable? If thats the case for you, start at Level 5 and work your way down a notch at a time. The all-new Shimano EP8 engine takes a leap in performance, comfort and compactness. Having spoken with other long-term EP8 and Bosch Gen 4 users, it would appear that for many riders its a non-issue. Learn what to expect. The updated Trail mode is brilliant, and the option to fine-tune each assist mode is a welcome feature for achieving the desired feel while maximising range. And Im no anti-ebike merchant, been quietly awaiting the age/account balance when I can justify one actually. Specialized is close to this. "- Only five power bars for charge level.". That would be awesome to do laps on. Screen display options show detailed riding metrics in ECO, TRAIL and BOOST modes plus new functions including ride history, live maps, and user-friendly graphical updates. I don't know anyone that likes a bike that rattles in any way or form. If a dynamo can be worked into the wheel hubs, you may even get near perpetual charging while the system is in use. Pretty clever! I have to admit some of the comments make me laugh out loud while others score some points for being helpful and based on fact, not hearsay fiction. More power, less weight, even more efficient and the biggest battery Shimano offer. What settings you end up will depend on your personal riding style, and your expectations of range and power output. Get directions. View More Close. Going the right direction in weight reduction. Still, that clutch design means it is impressively drag-free beyond the cutoff point. Maybe it will be good Orbea Rise + range extender , but we have to wait for more information from users. On top of that, Shimano also appears to be cool with brands building their bikes with non-Shimano batteries. But yeah, different people. Now, would we like to see Shimano eliminate the noise altogether? The SC-EM800 computer communicates wirelessly with Shimanos E-TUBE PROJECT app via Bluetooth, allowing riders to instantly customize power characteristics on demand. Lapierre e-zesty. The Ride The confident geometry, with its agility and stability is better than ever, and for the 2022 line up, we've upped the travel both front and rear, while keeping . Again, shift it down one notch at a time to get a feel for the change. The EP8 system is compatible with Shimano's bigger 630Wh batteries. It physically wouldn't fit inside the frame. Another element of the weight saving equation is the new Shimano EP8 motor. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Assistance Start Here you can tweak how quickly the motor responds within the first pedal stroke. EP8 EP800 Series: Color: Standard: Average weight * 0.31 (Power cable: 250 mm) * 0.32 (Power cable: 400 mm) Remarks Appreciate the level of detail in this article, good work. Eco set to low and all climbing done slowly in good dry conditions with a light fit rider and low rolling resistance tyres? A bike that weighs almost half as much as the rider. Rob has ridden the bike, so make You must log in or register to reply here. Canyon has released a lighter, longer-range Spectral:ON eMTB with downtube capacity for a 720Wh or a 900Wh battery. It even surpasses them in terms of noise (very quiet under load) and weight. Furthermore, the range estimation is more accurate in our experience too. Indeed Shimano EP8 is starting to become available across quite a wide range of bikes at various price points. Overall it is a very refined system though. Standard Range Test: "R200" Standard Elevation Gain Test: "R300" 70W Rider Power 200% support of the motor: 140W Total Weight: 100 kg (Spectral:ON CFR: 22.2 kg and Rider: 77.8 kg) RANGE DONE RIGHT Range matters. Shimano EP8: More power, more range. It's kinda frustrating. Recalled but still was delivered with the rattle. Upon a little digging on the internet, it appears that this functionality is only on offer for Garmin users. In comparison, Shimano motors can be paired with third party batteries, and that opens up greater flexibility for bike designers (see the Orbea Rise and Pivot Shuttle for example). While midly annoying, it only takes a couple button presses to get back to get an 800% stabbing strength increase! Overall the tuning adjustments are quite noticeable, though wed always recommend only adjusting one parameter at a time to isolate its effect on the trail. Then we'll fix that for you. 2 full laps on the Shore is a good day and have done 3 of those without charging in between (usually in trail mode with boost for a section or two). This means its impossible to tell whether you have 21% or 39% battery remaining. When new the last bar of charge corresponds to roughly 15-20% charge, but over time this becomes 5-10%. Oh, how the humorous aspect of your comment has been missed. Shimano Consolidates Entry- to Mid-Level Groupsets With New CUES Drivetrains, Opinion: Five Things The Bike Industry Could Do Better, Throwback Thursday: A Brief History of Direct Mount Derailleurs, Buying a Bike From a Shop Versus Buying Online, DH Bike Review: Canfield's Jedi Masters Rough Terrain, Review: Mythos 3D-Printed Titanium Stem is My Kind of Excess, DH Bike Review: Orange 279 - A Staple of British Downhill Racing, www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/wanneroo/bicycle-parts-and-accessories/men-s-petrol-bike-mountain-bike-/1259285475, www.cyclevolta.com/story/ebike-components/hold-up-shimanos-new-emtb-motor, www.avdweb.nl/solar-bike/solarbike/maxun-solar-bike. (7000km ridden so far). I found this beauty as an example: The reviewer weighs 55kgs. > Compact and lightweight for better handling (2.6 kg) Weve ridden the latest Bosch Performance CX Gen 4 motor on a variety of e-MTBs, including the Cube Stereo Hybrid 160 and the Trek Rail. At full charge in Trail mode it says range is 90km or so but I haven't put that to the test on more mellow trail days but am sure others have. In fact, we found ourselves tuning it out completely a couple of rides later. DISCONTINUED PRODUCTS, SHIMANO SERVICE CENTERS | MANUALS & TECHNICAL DOCUMENTS | DISCONTINUED PRODUCTS, Privacy Policy | Cookies Preferences | Terms of Use | California Transparency in Supply Chain Act | ADA Compliance, Shimano Introduces its Most Advanced E-Bike System for Mountain Bikes.