More info on Shimano Steps system

D

Deleted member 4366

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I'm surprised that we still don't have an independent review from someone that's actually ridden the damn thing. All we have is hype!
 

flecc

Member
Oct 25, 2006
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It's only sold to manufacturers and I don't know of anyone adopting it so far. Of course this second generation improvement has only just been released so there will be no bike with it yet.
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flecc

Member
Oct 25, 2006
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Thanks for the info Martin, good to know that at least Scott have adopted it. Do you have any riding impressions of the system?
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Martin@e-bikeshop

Esteemed Pedelecer
Guys watch my blog. I had the chance to ride last year in Germany.
Also spent last week at Shimano HQ dissecting the system and running off full PC diagnostics. More info to follow shortly.

My brief opinion of how it rides:
It feels very similar to the Panasonic CD system. Not hugely exciting to ride, but kind of does exactly what it says on the tin, it works and does a great job of it! I felt it would be particularly suited to town / hybrid bikes. Doesn't feel as aggressive as other systems Bosch / Yamaha for example.

The display is nice and functional. Again does the job, but not hugely exotic.

The Steps system really comes into its realms when using alongside Electronic gearing like the Alfine Di2 E hubs. Its crazy how cleverly it shifts as you ride and changes up and down. It actually took me by surprise in Germany when I came to a stop to let some people cross in front of me. Then when I went to pedal again I was expecting to still be in a tough gear, but it had discreetly changed back to low before I went for the next crank. Very smooth indeed. It go as far as saying it was flawless in its shifting capability.

Lots of interesting things using the diagnostics / connectivity with the head Shimano technician last week. More to follow. I will post the full article when I have finished it.

Martin
 

martin@onbike

Official Trade Member
Thanks for the info Martin, good to know that at least Scott have adopted it. Do you have any riding impressions of the system?
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It feels solid, but uninspiring for active riding-I'd imagine it would tick along all day doing it's job admirably in a similar way to the 26v Panasonics, but with a slightly more agricultural feel.
Nice system at a reasonable price, and is definitely lighter than it's counterparts....will really shine when combined with the Di2 as a hassle free package.
Small silly point, but I really like the gentle whine from the motor.....just don't like the noise of the gearchange on the Di2.
 
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flecc

Member
Oct 25, 2006
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Thanks Martin, the original front hub motor STEPS was apparently rather low powered so they seem wedded to that sort of concept.
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D8ve

Esteemed Pedelecer
Jan 30, 2013
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Bristol
Lots of people seem to think 250 watts is low power.
It's enought to cruse at 20 mph on the flat. With power from the cyclist as well it can give you lots of go.
As cyclists we are fast down hill. Good on the flat and slower uphill.
On a legal bike we still leave most lycra clad cyclists for dead uphill. And cruse past the majority of cyclists on the flat.
Why not accept that a 250 watt machine is high enough powered, ( disabled excepted) for our cycling needs. Then for high power BMW do a quite nippy 1000cc racing machine
 
D

Deleted member 4366

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That's if you get 250w of output power. Many 250w motors can't do that.
 
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D8ve

Esteemed Pedelecer
Jan 30, 2013
2,142
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Bristol
KTM do a range of Shimano STEPS bikes, and they should be landing with the UK dealers that have pre-ordered this month.

We're gradually adding them to our website at the moment here:

http://www.shop.flidistribution.co.uk/c/ktm_bicycles_ebikes_shimano-steps

Personally at £1599.99 I think this one is going to be a winner.

http://www.shop.flidistribution.co.uk/p/2015-ktm-ventura-cross-9/ktm_bicycles_ebikes_shimano-steps?pp=12
That looks dam good to me.