Shimano's recent announcement that it's rolling out a dedicated electric-assist drivetrain for mountain bikes is big news for e-bike pushers, as they're the first major components company to bring an e-bike system specifically designed for mountain bikes to market. Previously, non-endemic brands like Bosch had been the companies making the most hay about e-bike drivetrains, but Shimano's announcement will no doubt be a boon to those pushing these partly-motored climb crushers.
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A quick look at Shimano's marketing surrounding the new drivetrain suggests they're tailoring these XT-level drivetrain towards more novice mountain bikers who might have been turned off by the sport before. And a function limiting the top-end speed of the system means whoever is rocking one won't be blasting downhill at speeds way above their pay grade on an electric dirt bike.
The system uses many of the shifting components of the brand's wireless Di2 drivetrain and a drive system capable of putting out 500 Wh of power. Of course, a product announcement like this does nothing to clarify the legality of taking an electric-assist bike on singletrack in the U.S., especially in much of the West, where bike trails are more often found on public, and often federal, land.
About The Author
stash member Ryan Dunfee
Former Managing Editor at Teton Gravity Research, current Senior Contributor, current professional hippy at the Sierra Club, and avid weekend recreationalist.
dvlr
May 2nd, 2016
this is a great product for people who have sustained debilitating injury or had life changing illness. it’s sudden and this is an immediate solution.
lonespin
June 30th, 2016
Perfect solution to get out of the filthy pickup with a load of stinking monkeys and pedal up the trail instead of shuttling.