So far, Shimano has not been directly involved in the booming business with electric bikes, but this is now set to change. In 2014, the Japanese company is launching a groupset tailored for e-bikes called Steps. The mid-motor, battery, wheelset, bike computer and chain have been developed with system integration in mind. Shimano has not yet provided any details about the type of interface or bridge that connects the motor to the frame. The drive achieves pedal assistance up to a maximum of 25 km/h when pedaling and, at 3.1 kilograms, should score points with its low weight and compact design. In terms of temperatures, Steps should work in the range from -10 to +50 degrees Celsius.

Mode and range
The Eco, Normal and High modes are available to choose from. Eco mode is said to have a range of up to 120 kilometers, Normal mode up to 100 kilometers and High mode up to 80 kilometers. Shimano states that these values were determined by several tests at 23 km/h on a flat road and that the actual range may vary depending on speed, road conditions, weather conditions such as wind, etc.

Two battery positions
The bike computer provides feedback on the selected mode, battery life, speed and distance traveled. The battery has a capacity of 418Wh and it should take four hours to fully recharge the battery. The service life of the battery is 1,000 cycles, after 1,000 cycles the battery still charges more than 250Wh. The power source can be mounted in two positions - on the luggage rack or on the down tube.

Easy to integrate
With Shimano's Steps drivetrain, it is possible to integrate it with the Di2 hub gears. The integration is expected to result in a very high level of shifting comfort, as the system reduces the motor power and thus the chain tension for a short time when shifting. The components are connected via Shimano's E-Tube cable system, which is familiar from the Di2 products. It is also easy to connect the bike to a PC via E-Tube and carry out installations, analyses or set-ups.

New chain
Shimano has also given the new drivetrain a new chain. This is designed to be particularly wear-resistant and tensile, is designed exclusively for single cranksets and features a so-called Sil-Tec coating.

Pilot project with Bike & Co and ZEG
Shimano will introduce the Steps drive in stages, concentrating on the German market: From February to August 2014, a pilot project for Steps will run with the German dealer associations Bike & Co and ZEG. These associations will develop e-bikes with Shimano's e-bike solution and sell them via their affiliated dealers. To this end, Bike & Co and ZEG, in cooperation with Shimano, will provide selected specialist dealers with test e-bikes so that end customers can test Shimano's innovation.

Stage-by-stage introduction
Frank Peiffer, Managing Director of Shimano Europe: "The e-bike market is a new segment for Shimano. Our service to the OEM, dealer and consumer is key to the introduction of our Steps system. That is why we have chosen a step-by-step approach. The pilot project brings a limited number of units in a limited distribution channel with direct access for service. Once we gain experience in these areas and are convinced that the product works, we will expand sales to other providers in Germany and Europe."

The first delivery of the Steps drive to the first dealers is planned for August 2014. Shimano has not yet provided any photos of the new system.

www.shimano.com