Can we get reviews this in depth for regular bikes? You can't imagine what kind of thought must have gone behind that response? 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. As mentioned above, the Assistance Character bears the biggest influence on the motors on-trail feel, and dialling this down can make quite a big difference to the amount of range you can get from the battery. If you are disabled and need a motor on your bike in order to ride, I understand. This adjustment has the biggest impact on the motors performance and your total range. That kind of thing can destroy a company's reputation even if it's not something serious . If thats the case for you, start at Level 5 and work your way down a notch at a time. The biggest change has been with Trail mode, which now gives you access to the full 85Nm of torque if youre pedalling hard enough. 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. I own the Levo SL, and it is the most refined ebike I have ridden so far. Power less, battery smaller, it lighter is.. Would "every time you push the on switch" have been more understandable? The fact that the EP8 motor uses the same mounting points as the old E8000 motor means there are a few bikes out there that were anticipating will be updated with the new motor like the Norco Sight VLT and Range VLT. It is a feature bro, the sound of pure class. So that would include rocks, hops, trackstands but also sudden boosts from a standstill. "but since I have to hit the small button repeatedly when my battery charge becomes critical on some rides". If a dynamo can be worked into the wheel hubs, you may even get near perpetual charging while the system is in use. - Low-drag performance I have never posted a comment here on pinkbike, however this article in particular is hitting a nerve. When youre at those 30-40km/h descending speeds, EP8 doesnt punish you for stamping on the pedals to build some extra speed in the lead-up to a jump or dropoff. Learn what to expect. Dont be so lazy, put in the work and suffer a little bit! In the winter my range has decreased on the battery due to low temps, if I keep it in eco mode I get greater distance than boost and as I loose a bit of weight in can go further. SHIMANO STEPS Integrated Down Tube Battery Mount With Key Unit Mount, SHIMANO STEPS Integrated Down Tube Battery Mount Without Key Unit Mount, SHIMANO STEPS Integrated Down Tube Battery Mount, SHIMANO SERVICE CENTER Please, It appears you're using an old version of Internet Explorer which is, the 471.5mm rear centre on the Giant Trance X E+, that achieves the most discreet integration, the MasterMind TCU display on the new Specialized Levo. if we need that extra push over the cliff, you know what we do, we charge it up to 11. Wowzers! Furthermore, the range estimation is more accurate in our experience too. By Ralf Hauser Then theres the BT-8035-L battery, which is a 504Wh battery that shares the same physical dimensions as the 630Wh version. Thanks to a new seal structure and gear design, drag is reduced by 36- percent, getting much closer to the normal pedaling feeling of a traditional bike. Its mostly apparent when freewheeling down really rough trails, but weve been able to detect it when the motor is engaging and disengaging around the 25km/h cutoff on the road, and while cruising over washboard bumps on mundane fireroads. The new magnesium drive unit casing design delivers a 300g weight loss in a 10-percent smaller form factor. PRODUCT 630Wh internal battery offers more capacity so you can keep your focus on the next switchback, not the battery indicator. Indeed Shimano EP8 is starting to become available across quite a wide range of bikes at various price points. The newly shaped buttons on the EM800-L switch unit provide a nice tactile perch for your thumb to quickly flick between those settings. Most brains will be capable of doing this, as the noise in question isnt actually signalling a fault with the motor. Canyon has released a lighter, longer-range Spectral:ON eMTB with downtube capacity for a 720Wh or a 900Wh battery. Overall it is a very refined system though. Maximum power output sits at 500W, although the continuous power output is set at 250W like most motors. Your country not there? Additionally, the maximum torque limit can be set anywhere between 20-85Nm allowing riders to increase their riding range in TRAIL or BOOST modes or increase the off-road capabilities of ECO mode. Really? Shimano E-Tube technology has undergone a complete overhaul to improve the user experience. It isnt a huge difference, but sometimes its just enough for your rear wheel to make it up and over a stubborn tree root or rock ledge. For a lighter pedal feel than the E8000, the one-way bearing has reduced its rotational resistance, creating a free play. Alongside the launch of the new EP8 motor, Shimano has increased the battery capacity to a mega 630 Wh. Upon a little digging on the internet, it appears that this functionality is only on offer for Garmin users. Furthermore, having the battery life displayed as five bars is positively rudimentary. You are using an out of date browser. More juice (and more travel) makes the new enduro eMTB heavier than before. Assist Switch Battery Drivetrain Tackle steep climbs and tough trails with full confidence thanks to 85Nm maximum torque. Can someone make a bike with 50% - 100% assist? . I suppose pedal assist allows you to tackle the more fun/steep/tech climbs but to be effective it needs to be subtle too. That Shimano response was pure gold. Along with the new EP8 motor, Shimano has also released a larger 630Wh battery, which seems to be the most popular option at the moment youll find it inside both the Canyon Spectral:ON and Merida eOne-Sixty. Heat dissipating materials, increased surface area in the case, and a refined heat management algorithm improve heat resistance, allowing more torque to be applied even as the conditions become more challenging. According to Shimano, the EP8 motor offers a 36% reduction in drag over the old E8000 motor, and were inclined to believe that claim. . - Strong but very well-tuned power delivery Also the bikes will be heavy as f*ck with an 820Wh battery. With 630Wh of power on tap, the BT-E8036 is the largest internal battery that Shimano now offers and matches the size of the batteries that Bosch offers for its eMTB system. The totally revamped E-TUBE PROJECT app provides new customization options in a more user-friendly layout thats easy to access for quick and easy changes. There are 10 levels of adjustment, from Eco to Powerful. Anyone knows what's are those white (ish) shoes the reviewer is using on some of the pics? We need to go deeper. However the motor operation itself is fabulous, smooth, powerful, feels natural when you ride, you can cover ground like crazy in this thing. 5Nm doesnt sound like much on paper, but on the trail the Levos 2.2 motor is noticeably musclier than Shimano EP8, particularly at the extreme ends of the cadence spectrum. With 21% greater torque than E8000, the EP8 motor delivers substantially more punch on the trail, and it feels more usable too. I once did 2300hm with bt-8010 and mostly Eco low but also some trail and boost. Side-by-side, the EP8 motor is slimmer around the belly and so offers a skerrick more ground clearance. The DIODE has the Shimano E8000 motor and both bikes regardless of motor specs and differences do one thing really, really wellthey make riding FUN! 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. > The frame itself is unchanged, but an adjustment to the receiver hardware allows the bigger 630Wh battery to fit inside the same downtube cavity. Though the new EP8 motor is claimed to be more efficient than its predecessor, there is of course more power too. When the motor applies torque it pushes in one direction and closes the gap, when there is no torque the ring can rock a little. The new EP8 motor is specced on the Heckler, and the MX wheel size option features Reserve carbon wheels front and back. Along with the EP8s magnesium casting, heat sinks and polished logos, it affords a classy look not an easy feat for an e-MTB. For a refined and integrated aesthetic, SHIMANO STEPS BM-E8030 battery mount integrates into the downtube of compatible E-BIKE frames. If you aren't climbing steeps and requiring the torque, you would get way longer distance. From what I get from the article, what would actually bother me more is how it kicks in from a standstill or trackstand. The updated E-TUBE RIDE app can be used by e-bike riders to monitor all their key riding information in their smart phone as a real-time display. You can hear it in the workshop just by lifting the rear wheel and dropping it on the ground, where it sounds a bit like a loose pebble bouncing around inside a wooden box. Same with brose 2.1 & their motor failures. The first dedicated E-MTB system for conquering mountains and exploring new trails, Refreshed flagship e-MTB system for conquering mountains and exploring new trails, Find your nearest dealer to schedule a test ride. I think we lost grit when we all got smart phones. What settings you end up will depend on your personal riding style, and your expectations of range and power output. Im the worlds biggest ebike fan & I quite agree. This reduced the tendency for the front wheel to lift on really steep tech climbs. Unfortunately frenchies and Germans are not masters of marketing. A downside of the 2.2 motor is that it is noticeably draggy above the 25km/h cutoff though something we experienced during back-to-back between the Levo and Canyon Spectral:ON. It's kinda frustrating. Yeah but who needs all that power? There is zero stickiness at the pedals that we could detect. SHIMANO STEPS E8000 Chainring (Chain Line 50 mm) VIEW PRODUCT. EP8 delivers up to 85 Nm of torque, a 21-percent increase over the STEPS E8000 motor platform. Chainring for E-MTB (12-speed) VIEW PRODUCT. What this article says to me is no wonder people make fun of mountain bikers. 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. HOME I doubt that, based on my experience with the E8000 and 504 Wh battery. Plus the prices will drop as the tech becomes cheaper and can be offered at lower prices. I think the only way it can get even close (And still doesn't) to that statement, is riding 25km on an analogue, or 50km on an ebike. If possible, repeat this ride on the Eco and Boost modes too. EP8 Technical Features Drive unit weight: 2.6 kg compared to 2.9 kg for DU-E8000 Case material: Magnesium 10-percent less volume compared to DU-E8000 Maximum torque output: 85 Nm Maximum power output: 500 W 36-percent reduction in drag Greatly reduced driving noise, quieter than DU-E7000 Plus integration looks like shit on those Nox bikes. Continuing a theme for electric . Another bike that features Shimano EP8 is the new Orbea Rise. This will be a far more accurate method for determining your estimated range. - A little more overrun on technical climbs would be swell
Theres still a whirring noise from the metallic gears inside, and the pitch increases slightly at higher cadences. The MY21 model also features an updated build kit that. It physically wouldn't fit inside the frame. The 40 kg wieght difference will eat up the most battery because it constantly drags, no matter what cadence or assist mode. Show more less. dont think people would fancy riding a fixie down a trail. E5003 Cycling Computer From my experience range is determined by climbing and cadence. Indeed Specialized actually built the new Levo around a mullet setup with a 27.5in rear wheel, in order to shorten the chainstays. - Range estimation is not reliable. - High quality display & controller For a mechanic, mechanical noise is a no-no by the end of the ride Id be destroyed mentally! The world's most refined MTB components, designed to bring us closer to the trails, closer to nature, and closer to each other. . This is a Class 1 e-bike motor with a maximum assist level of 20 MPH. Shimanos experienced global mountain bike product development team made a ride-changing breakthrough with the new assist algorithm. INFORMATION So despite being an engineer the non-linear noisy nature of the reporting makes it very difficult to plan rides and I almost always finish the last few km without assistance for bigger rides. How stuff like this gets through what I would like to think was extensive testing I will never know. Maybe it will be good Orbea Rise + range extender , but we have to wait for more information from users. I've spent some time on this motor and it's one of the first to feel organic in the way it adjusts to the rider's pedaling. While the EP8s performance on the climbs is generally excellent, we have occasionally wished for a little more overrun for clearing technical features. I like to see a dynamo recharging system when the bike starts to coast downhill. A little more overrun from the EP8 motor, and even the option to tune that attribute via the E-Tube app, would be stupendous! That's worse to, because 20kg dead weight doesn't contribute like 20kg of normal, muscle-laden body mass. Well, maybe, but he also chucked 20kg dead weight in his bag to try to make things right for you. . On the trail the tone of the clack is a little deeper than the EP8 drive unit, but the cause is the same. So when the new version is so much better Refinement is all relative. Despite the musclier performance, weve had excellent results in terms of range, with the Bosch motor regularly achieving more miles and elevation over EP8. The thing is though, you do actually get used to that noise. For 2021, Merida has added the EP8 a larger 630Wh Shimano battery and improved the wire and cable routing to make it a little neater. The cheapest Specialized Levo is the Expert model, which sells for just shy of $16K. 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. it's been quite awhile and still no fix . This says the E8000 has more efficient and will have more range with the same battery size. COMPONENT > Thank you for the info, so still king of the long travels is Levo - 700 battery + Levo SL with range extender. With the new EP8, Shimano managed to close the gap to its biggest competitors. In the article it is not considered that much of an issue as supposedly trackstands are less common on e-bikes, but if I'd get one (if ever) that would be just what I can imagine myself do. But yeah, different people. So many issues that can be simply solved by not having a motor. Take note of how much elevation you achieve during those rides (elevation is more important than distance when determining range), and keep that number in mind when youre planning future all-day epics. Then we'll fix that for you. Shimano Introduces its Most Advanced E-Bike System for Mountain Bikes, New STEPS EP8 Motor Platform, e-Tube Project Technology Comprehensively Enhance the Riding Experience. The clicking sound has no effect on the function or durability of the drive unit. If riders prefer the additional support provided by boost mode or they plan to tackle next to impossible climbs, they will appreciate the greater bike control even with maximum power delivery in boost thanks to the new algorithm. Truly unfortunate you lost it. Yeah you're right but I feel like the biggest factor is still rider weight. Delivering a sleek design, the battery also charges quickly and retains its max capacity longer throughout its lifespan. Like their predecessors, all Shimano STEPS batteries are extremely long-lasting, taking up to 1000 full charge cycles while maintaining 60-percent of their original capacity, double the charge cycle capacity of other batteries, often outlasting the average e-mountain bike ownership. Can I give 100 upvotes please? EP8 EP800 Display integration is still the best on the market, even if it only shows five bars of battery level and could easily integrate some more user-friendly features. Stab happy!". Along with the new EP8 motor, Shimano has also released a larger 630Wh battery, which seems to be the most popular option at the moment - you'll find it inside both the Canyon Spectral:ON and Merida eOne-Sixty. A bit like chain slap when you don't apply force on the pedals. Like the SC-EM800 display, the E- TUBE PROJECT app can also provide maintenance reminders. SM-CRE80-12-SB. The new EP8 drive unit provides incredibly quiet assistance under pedal load. 3. BAE Systems, Inc. is the U.S. subsidiary of BAE Systems plc, an international defense, aerospace and security company which delivers a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. The EP8 drive unit (DU-EP800) benefits the overall bicycle design and ride feel through a more natural and refined power delivery thanks to the lighter, quieter, more compact and powerful motor with increased range. 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. It also depends on the bike too. At the same time, riders will notice an increase in range simply because the new assist algorithm doesnt waste energy when it isnt needed. Anyone having problems with the charger? This bike also gets a Shimano drivetrain but it's upgraded to the SLX range with some Deore sneaking its way in, taking the place of the cassette and chain. But on the premise of further, faster, more fun, that range at full noise is not gonna outdo the range & fun I get outta my bowl of cereal and some old fashion pedal power. In addition to those weve tested, youll be able to find Shimano EP8 on the Santa Cruz Bullit & Heckler, Marin Alpine Trail E2, the Commencal Meta Power, YT Decoy,Pivot Shuttle and Mondraker Dusk. > 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. What's your experience on this? The belt-driven design is also a touch quieter when pedalling, and theres no clacking noise either. ON CFR with a 720Wh battery is 21.84 kg, 610g lighter than its 630Wh battery-rocking predecessor. The middle of the range VRS gets the EP8 motor and 630Wh battery. 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. The EM800 display features built-in Bluetooth and ANT+ wireless connectivity for pairing both your phone and a compatible GPS head unit, allowing you to display information such as battery life and remaining range. @tomdesoals: I don't quite get it though. *When compared with a standard Shimano EP8/630Wh battery combo. Start with a full battery, select the Trail mode, and see how far you can go before you run out of juice. I also have Commencal 2021 meta power sx. MANUALS & TECHNICAL DOCUMENTS The mid-level Vitus E-Sommet VRS sells for 4800 / 5500 with the EP8/630Wh powertrain, a Shimano SLX 12 drivetrain & four-piston . The EP8 motor and 630Wh battery are both known quantities and we can probably work out how far it will go based on other bikes, but it's an interesting omission nonetheless. . Simply enjoy what you are riding and watch the world, I should say, e-bike world, pass you by, as they are here to stay and while they are not perfect they are probably the best and most exciting thing to happen to the bike industry in 50 years! This is due to the internal clutch mechanism, which allows the motor to disconnect from the cranks when not in use, thereby decreasing drag and resistance. Didn't think I'd ever see that. Unfortunately this clutch also produces a metallic clack whenever it rotates back and fourth. While some frames will resonate more than others, the noise is otherwise normal, and it doesnt take long before your brain subconsciously ignores it. And compared to E8000, the new EP8 motor is considerably more powerful on the trail, whilst retaining the smooth and intuitive delivery that weve always dug about Shimanos drive units. Get directions. The 2021 Canyon Spectral:ON gets Shimano's smaller, lighter, smarter, and more powerful EP8 motor, and a larger 630Wh battery for increased range. Aim for a cadence between 70-90 RPM for maximum efficiency and response from the motor. Environmentally I think they're a disaster as well - rare earth elements in the batteries for one thing. This can allow an easy transition between two different riders with different preferences, or it can be used to build a commuting mode and a mountain biking mode. But to give you some numbers, weve consistently achieved around 1,500m of climbing during our 30-50km test rides. The version I've been riding on was 17,8kg. Riders can customize multiple settings through the E-TUBE PROJECT app, giving greater control over how they want their bike to ride. I can concur with the range, it's not as good as I expected. Are we ignoring the fact that motor has been recalled/reworked by Shimano, and pushing all new bike deliveries by two months (at least)? However, we couldnt get the display to pair with our Wahoo ELMNT Roam head unit. The lowest setting sees the motor responding slower to your pedalling inputs. Stay tuned, as well have an Orbea Rise test bike arriving very soon. Shimano tried to take the Apple approach to antennaegateyou're holding your phone wrongyou're coasting your bike wrong. That said, wed prefer if there were more metrics displayed on the main screen to begin with, so you could ditch the GPS altogether. I have a gen 3 and it's totally quiet when coasting . Now, would we like to see Shimano eliminate the noise altogether? 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. Going the right direction in weight reduction. Along with the fault-free performance weve experienced so far, wed have no hesitation in recommending a bike built around Shimano EP8 this is a high quality and well-rounded e-MTB system. Thanks to a magnesium casing, the powertrain is 380g lighter compared to that of its predecessor. 2. But would the noise stop us from recommending an EP8-equipped bike? In the lower settings, youll have to pedal really hard to get maximum support the motor. If you got it set to Eco and the motor is using half its power, you might get at least 4 hours if it sucks up only about 125W per hour. Great for climbing, on the descents the weight changes how I ride, not better or worse. It's around 300g lighter than the old E8000 it replaces, as well as being much smaller in volume . Concaved button-shape shifters make it easier to switch between Eco, Trail and Boost modes. I've never heard the rattling noise that has been posted in the early reviews - the motor is super quiet, so it looks to me like much ado about nothing. You can display way more metrics on it too, and battery is usefully displayed as a percentage. 2023 Thok TK01 R Review | A surprising package from an Italian e-MTB specialist, 2022 Canyon Spectral:ON Review | A better e-MTB in almost every way, 2023 Trek Fuel EXe Review | This brand new lightweight e-MTB is the stealthiest weve ever tested, Rocky Mountain Altitude Powerplay Review | Power is nothing without control, This website requires Javascript for optimum viewing purposes. However, when coasting on rough terrain the unloaded system can exhibit a normal clicking sound that may be detectable to the rider. The Shimano E8000 was faster than the EP8 up the climb. We like to setup Profile 1 with softer settings for maximum range when riding solo, and Profile 2 with the punchier factory settings for faster e-MTB group rides. Weve noticed this while pedalling along forest double tracks and on the road to and from the trailhead, but its also apparent when sprinting along faster sections of singletrack. you should ride slow with a good cadence. If youre sprinting at speed, the Levo feels sticky and lazy in comparison to the drag-free EP8 motor. 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. The sign of a true technical rider. Visit the high-res gallery for more images from this review. I tried to find out the cause of this. If you don't like e-bikes for whatever reason, you really have no business even commenting on this review. Oh, how the humorous aspect of your comment has been missed. Designed specifically for SHIMANO's STEPS system, the BT-E8036 battery integrates smoothly into the down tube and features 630 Wh capacity. The rider feels more connected to their bike as they naturally modulate their own power to navigate slippery roots and urge the bike over large boulders while the EP8 drive unit matches their intuitive power application instantly and seamlessly leading to better traction and effortless steering. The Bosch motor produces the same 85Nm peak torque output as Shimano EP8, and it offers a similarly drag-free ride quality beyond the 25km/h cutoff due to the motor decoupling from the cranks. However, you do pay for all that refinement and integration. 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: Leading power-to-weight ratio, with 21-percent more torque (85 Nm) available in both TRAIL and BOOST modes in a smaller and lighter package featuring a magnesium drive unit case Breakthrough assist algorithm that delivers the right power at the right time, organically matching the riders efforts allowing them to tackle the toughest terrain with full support while also extending range Designed with customization in mind allowing riders to personalize the character of their bike in new ways.