The EP8 was put through its paces at a press camp in Tuscany and on local trails in the Alps. The test bikes were a Merida eOne-Sixty, a Focus Jam2 and a Bixs Sign E13. The Shimano factory settings were used and not the second profile, which each manufacturer can install themselves. It should be noted that you can adjust the profiles yourself with Shimano's E-Tube app and thus influence the riding behavior.

Details on the technical innovations of the EP8 can be found in the following article: Presentation EP8

In use

Sitting up and putting your foot on the pedal or driving off straight away is finally possible. The predecessor was a little sensitive in this respect; you had to start it without pressing on the pedals when stationary, otherwise the system would throw a spanner in the works. This went so far that the software sometimes had to be reset.

When pedaling at "normal" cadence, the EP8 is very quiet. It gets a little louder as the revolutions increase. However, it is not nearly as loud as the E8000 or many of its competitors.

When riding uphill with normal effort, the support is pleasant without feeling like the motor is pushing. The full power only unfolds when you really start pedaling. This allows you to control how much help the motor provides. This is a particular advantage in tight and steep bends. Where the front wheel used to come towards you quickly, you can control your bike well with the EP8. However, if you come to a standstill on a steep climb and are in the wrong gear, the revised software helps you get going. Gone are the days when you had to choke in a lighter gear ratio to get going again. Even in boost mode, it is easy to pick up speed again with a "strict" gear.

Where you were often confronted with a spinning rear wheel on technical uphills with the old motor, the software now controls the power much better and throttles the assistance accordingly.

Acceleration is smoother and the pulling power is much higher than with the old model. This was demonstrated in the endurance uphill test. This was carried out in boost mode and with maximum pedal power. After 40 minutes, 978 vertical meters had been mastered and the battery charge indicator was still at two out of five bars. The support was always equally strong and never dropped. The test took place in constant rain and snowfall, so overheating of the motor was not an issue. Hypothermia of the test rider on the subsequent descent was more of an issue ...

Another advantage of the EP8 is that it doesn't "coast" as long when you stop pedaling. With the E8000, this led to brusque shifting behavior. Now the motor stops turning faster when you take pressure off the pedals, and the gears are changed much more smoothly as there is less tension on the chain. This massively increases the service life of the drivetrain.

The new Pro Koryak E-Performance carbon handlebars

The Merida test bike was fitted with the new carbon handlebar system from the Shimano subsidiary brand "Pro". This not only combines the handlebars with the stem, it also skillfully integrates the Shimano display. The 800 millimeter wide handlebars can be shortened to 720 millimeters, the rise is 20 millimeters, the upsweep 4 degrees and the backsweep even 11 degrees. Viewed from the front, everything looks elegant and tidy, from above it looks very futuristic and takes some getting used to.
During the first test rides, the Koryak handlebar scored points with its good damping and ergonomic geometry. The design is debatable, but it is a step into a new era.

Conclusion

The new Shimano EP8 has 15 Newton meters more maximum power than its predecessor, which is very noticeable in a direct comparison. While the E8000 and other motors really push you up the hill, the new Shimano drive provides much more subtle support. You feel slower, but measured faster than with the predecessor. This is because the EP8 is not weaker, it just requires more input from the rider to get the maximum performance.

The numerous innovations provide a greatly improved riding experience. Shimano has developed the EP8 to offer the most "natural" riding experience possible. The wording is debatable, but the fact is that the new motor supports more personal power without pushing. And in a pleasant way.

The only thing I don't like is the clacking of the interior when riding downhill without motor support. Apparently, part of the gearbox has "play" and this causes a noise on rough surfaces when there is no tension on the chain.

Recommendation

It's worth studying the app's setting options carefully and experimenting with them. As with the suspension, you can work out your own setup and define the support the way you like it.

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