E-bike Components No Priority for Shimano at Eurobike

NUNSPEET, the Netherlands – Despite presenting an updated STEPS e-bike components groupset at next week’s Eurobike show, Shimano is not putting priority on establishing a position in the fast growing electric bike segment. This became clear at a recent Press Camp held by the biggest in bike components.

The STEPS groupset was presented in June 2010, but wasn’t spec-ed by OEMs for MY 2011. "There were certainly positive feedbacks from the market, but that same market did not pick it up," said Harald Troost, Team Leader Promotion of Shimano Europe. "In particular, the shifters and the nicely shaped mode buttons were widely appreciated. However, there were also comments about the low range of the battery and the support power."

At the same time there’s a trend in e-bikes towards motors that provide a higher torque output as well as towards bracket-motors. The Shimano STEPS system offers a front hub motor.

"At this year’s Eurobike show we present a renewed STEPS groupset. It has a more powerful battery on which we give a warranty of five years, that is capable of providing a wider range," continued Troost who admitted that electric bikes and components for electric bikes are not a priority for Shimano at Eurobike.

"We focus mainly on the new electronic shifting Ultegra Di2 set for road racing bikes and the new Deore XT 10-speed groupset for MTBs." He further noted: "Yes, we are well aware of the fact that e-bikes are big in a number of countries, but at Shimano we think that there’s a need to continue cycling by yourself."