First test ride on Shimano's new STEPS system

[flecc]

This link is to the article, the new STEPS looks to be a promising legal system, far better than their original concept.
.

 

[trex]

if the link above does not work for you, try this one:
http://www.bike-eu.com/Home/General/2014/2/First-Test-Ride-with-Shimano-Steps-E-Bike-1456996W/

 

[flecc]

Thanks Trex, I keep forgetting that my Bike Europe subscriber link no longer works for others due to their recent changes. I've corrected my original link now.

 

[Martin@e-bikeshop]

Good evening Flecc,

Nice find on the write up
Really excited to test this new system. Maybe Eurobike this year? Ill keep my fingers crossed.

Regards
Martin

 

[flecc]

Good evening Flecc,

Nice find on the write up
Really excited to test this new system. Maybe Eurobike this year? Ill keep my fingers crossed.

Regards
Martin

Me too Martin, this sort of total design integration is just what our industry needs to start making the products visibly and ergonomically fit for purpose in the wider consumer market in the way that the best mopeds are.

In the hands of an inspired bike designing manufacturer like Sparta, this system could be part of a really impressive and attractive pedelec appealing to a wider audience.

 

[Martin@e-bikeshop]

Exactly, its probably the neatest system I have seen to date, I'm sure Shimano have done a cracking job on it, just need to ride one to one to firm my own thoughts. I particularly like the fact that Shimano will probably integrate it into groupsets and drivetrains, and do a good job of it too.

Regards
Martin

 

[El Champiero]

I would like to test ride a STEPS equipped bike one day. I expect also that someone will figure out how to make it go faster than it should...

 

[flecc]

I would like to test ride a STEPS equipped bike one day. I expect also that someone will figure out how to make it go faster than it should...

If successful they may make a version for the German 45 kph assist speed class.

Called PACES instead perhaps?

 

[El Champiero]

I guess so flecc! They will have to think of the letters to go with something sounding bike related. Here is my mechanistic sounding one - not catchy enough though... PACES - "Power Assisted Cycle system - Enhanced Speed". My guess is that the speed restriction lifting trick will be like the Bosch dongle. I really don't think people will want to mess about with the controller PCB or flashing a custom firmware on a chip on the PCB - that's way too risky and I bet the chip is probably not an EPROM anyway.

 

[flecc]

They will have to think of the letters to go with something sounding bike related. Here is my mechanistic sounding one - not catchy enough though... PACES - "Power Assisted Cycle system - Enhanced Speed".

PACES? For the fast version how about:

Propelled At Considerable Electrical Speed
.

 

[peerjay56]

PACES? For the fast version how about:

Propelled At Considerable Electrical Speed
.

From the same stable that gave us AUDI - Another Undisciplined Driving Idiot (from a previous Audi owner!)

 

[Deleted member 4366]

PACES? For the fast version how about:

Propelled At Considerable Electrical Speed
.

How about STRIDES
or maybe translated from the Australian to PANTS.

How come if its available in the flesh, nobody has said what it's like to ride. Does it jerk uncontrollably when it changes gear? Can it drag a late midle aged pie eater up a steep hill? These are the sort of questions that most people want answered, not how nice it looks or what type of gear cluster is inside.

 

[flecc]

How come if its available in the flesh, nobody has said what it's like to ride. Does it jerk uncontrollably when it changes gear? Can it drag a late midle aged pie eater up a steep hill? These are the sort of questions that most people want answered, not how nice it looks or what type of gear cluster is inside.

This was it's first public appearance and it's not on the market yet. However the BikeEurope rider liked it and felt it will be strong contender for the Dutch e-bike of the year award so it will at least be smooth operating on the flat. Since this is Shimano's second attempt to make a good system for the market after the zero take-up of their first attempt, I very much doubt it will have obvious problems.

 

[Deleted member 4366]

That sounds like code meaning that it doesn't have much power. Why didn't he say "for the German market"?

 

[flecc]

That sounds like code meaning that it doesn't have much power. Why didn't he say "for the German market"?

Because he's Dutch writing for a Dutch publication and The Netherlands e-bike market is dominant, equal to the whole of the rest of Europe's market combined.

I have more positive feelings about it. They made the mistake of underpowering in their first attempt, but this time have provided a peak of 500 watts which is quite generous on a crank drive and in Bosch territory. It's clear it isn't a speed machine, but that power through a crank drive should be adequate.

Style is important if ever e-bikes are to be popular. In The Netherlands where they are a very popular consumer item, purchasing is very much affected by style as their marked preference for the most stylish Dutch pedelecs shows.

I compare the commonplace "bitsa" e-bikes with the old motorbike market of many years ago. The introduction of design style in scooters like the Vespa and Lambretta opened up a whole new consumer mass market for powered two wheelers which has remained strong ever since.

E-biking needs to get fully into the 21st century with stylish integrated machines, rather than being in part somewhat like the kit-car industry.