2015 KTM with Shimano STEPS

[KTM Bike Industries UK]

Hi.

We thought this might be worth a separate topic because its the first shots we've been able to get of any of the new bikes which feature the Shimano drive.

We think it looks pretty neat, very similar to the Bosch system, so we'll interested to see what impact this has on the Bosch market.

 

[RobF]

A bit boxy, but neat as you say.

Shimano has a variable reputation in the trade 'Japanese for **' as one bike mechanic told me.

But their stuff is nothing if not ubiquitous, is usually reliable, and consumers are OK with the brand.

Success against Bosch may come down to price.

Historically, Japanese companies have wiped out European competition by making stuff that performs as well, if not better, but for less money.

 

[Croxden]

My bike problems have always been with Shimano parts, I try to avoid where possible.

 

[Deleted member 4366]

Shimano are a very large company, and they make some great products; however their record in ebikes has not been good so far. I hope this one will be good, but weight of only 3.1kg and a range of 100 km in normal mode, smells a bit like a not very powerful motor.

 

[flecc]

I suspect the same, the first STEPs system was a hub motor one and very low powered. No manufacturer adopted it, hence this new effort with crank drive. I daresay they will be biased towards low power on a crank drive, simply because of their awareness of the torque limitations of their own hub gear systems which they will want to protect from premature failure.

The KTM is a neat implementation, but a carrier battery would be more suitable for a step-through.

 

[martin@onbike]

Shimano's compact 36V mid-motor is capable of delivering 250 to 500 Watt and is with that suited for the use in regular e-bikes as well as speed pedelecs. Maximum torque stands at 50Nm.

 

[wissy]

I think they look really ugly sorry. Too bulky and obtrusive compared to Bosch... (Perhaps it is a female thing?). Clashed with red as well (how come they will not make motor casings in colours of frame or ones that fully waterproof these motors).. Ruins the usual KTM aesthetics .. Unless that is just a one off ugly bike?

Still no idea about these motors despite the links I have had in past.. Guess that comes from reviews and feedback from places like this. That is how I decided on Bosch and KTM for my first bike over a year ago.

 

[jackhandy]

That is one Plug-Ugly bike

 

[Deleted member 4366]

Shimano's compact 36V mid-motor is capable of delivering 250 to 500 Watt and is with that suited for the use in regular e-bikes as well as speed pedelecs. Maximum torque stands at 50Nm.

Capable of delivering or using?
50Nm is measured where?

 

[martin@onbike]

Not a clue Dave....I know nothing at all about this system, just found what I could on the ole' googler

 

[peerjay56]

That is one Plug-Ugly bike

Have to agree - KTM have produced some very attractive looking bikes, but this isn't one of them. It almost looks moped-ish

 

[flecc]

I like the look of the STEPS unit though. It's a neat, smoothly profiled, easily washed sealed unit, unlike the Panasonic which needs cowlings to hide it's irregular shape and rough finish, and unlike the Bosch which has an unsealed outer casing which can collect internal dirt.

 

[KTM Bike Industries UK]

The KTM is a neat implementation, but a carrier battery would be more suitable for a step-through.

putting the battery on a rack or behind the seat tube isn't ideal, where possible its always better to put the battery low down on the main frame.

With this system its possible to put it between the tubes on a step though that still gives maximum clearance for the user, without putting the weight too high up and effecting the handling.

 

[trex]

the Step is a bit neater than the Bosch.
If Shimano make their drive unit available to Chinese factories, they'd win market share from Bosch easily.

 

[oldtom]

The frame design isn't original but I think it works well in this implementation, allowing the battery to be centrally positioned yet still providing easy mounting/dismounting with a high degree of frame stiffness.

Although I have no idea about the motor's performance, if it's in the same ballpark as other mainstream units and the price is competitive, I can imagine KTM selling a few of these though not many in the UK perhaps.

I'm surprised though that KTM didn't see fit to install a suspension fork as it has the appearance of a comfort-orientated bike otherwise.

Tom

 

[KTM Bike Industries UK]

Hi Tom.

There will be many other options of bike with this set up. I think there will be at least 6 KTMs with the Shimano Steps System.

Personally I've not tried it, but the lads who've been in Austria over the past week, have said they prefer it to the Bosch drive. Certainly the combination of STEPs and DI2 is very very impressive.

We'll try to get some into the UK asap.

Cheers
Col.

 

[Artstu]

Sounds promising, I look forward to hearing more thoughts on how the Shimano Steps System performs.

 

[EddiePJ]

The one aspect that I wouldn't be keen on, is that it appears to have a touch screen console. I'm afraid that I consider touch screen to be a mistake on anything other than mobile phones.
In my opinion, It's not going to cope with wet gloves or fingers, which is an aspect that plagues Garmin sat nav devices, so I can't see it working any better on a bike console.

 

[KTM Bike Industries UK]

The one aspect that I wouldn't be keen on, is that it appears to have a touch screen console. .

no need to worry - its not touch screen. There are tonnes of buttons

 

[LEBC Tom]

Hope it comes in orange!