Bicycles

Shimano gives mountain bikers a boost with STePS MTB

View 7 Images
The STePS MTB delivers 70 Nm of torque
The STePS system works through a similar handlebar-mounted screen to the Di2
Shimano says the unit's narrow Q-factor should make it natural to ride
Shimano has made the STePS rugged enough to handle off-road riding
The unit's Q-factor is just 175 mm
The STePS MTB delivers 70 Nm of torque
The STePS battery is rugged enough to handle off road life
The STePS controller
View gallery - 7 images

eBikes might be good for commuters who don't want to arrive at work trailing a river of sweat, but the technology can also provide a helping hand – or foot – to cyclists who want to get down and dirty. Shimano has recognized this with the new STePS MTB, a rugged eBike motor designed for off-road performance.

Just like the STePS system it launched last year, Shimano's MTB motor is a pedal assist system that augments the power put into the pedals by the rider. Once you reach a certain speed, the assistance cuts out.

That means the electric assistance isn't designed to create a new generation of rider hitting incredible speeds on mountain bike trails. Instead, it's designed to give a gentle boost to enthusiasts who aren't quite in peak physical condition.

The STePS system works through a similar handlebar-mounted screen to the Di2

Power by compact 500 Wh battery, the electric motor delivers 70-Nm (52-ft.lb) of torque and is impact-, vibration- and water-resistant to handle the rigors of off-road riding. Riders are able to control the system through a handlebar-mounted computer similar to the Di2's display, and there are three different drive modes available: Eco, Trail and Boost.

The motor is coupled with a dedicated 34T or 38T chainring, but beyond that it's up to you whether you pair it with Shimano's high-end XT and XTR electric components or the brand's mechanical 10 and 11 speed drivetrains.

According to Shimano, the distance between the outside of STePS MTB's crank arms (or Q-factor) is the same 175 mm (6.9 in) as on regular chainsets, which means it should feel natural to ride on tight trails.

The system launches in October 2016.

Source: Shimano

View gallery - 7 images
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Flipboard
  • LinkedIn
2 comments
Chip
Lets be very careful here...bike + motor = motorbike....not mountain bike. We need to keep the distinction clear so we don't further complicate trail access efforts.
SaysMe
Screw that! This is not an add-on, the bike was to be made to fit this contraption, no thanks...