The combination of Shimano EP800 motor and the E-Spec EP800 crankset from E-Thirteen causes problems. Bicycle manufacturer Stevens had already recalled bikes with this part pairing to the workshop in Octoberto replace the cranks. Now warns with Red deer the next manufacturer prevents its customers from continuing to ride affected bikes and asks the two E-MTB models R.X375 and R.E375 of the 2021 model year back to the workshop. E-Thirteen has since made improvements and optimised the crankset.
Rotwild confirms the same scenario as Stevens almost two months ago. Intensive investigations and laboratory tests had shown "that the above-mentioned cranks with product batch number V40 in combination with motor shafts of product batches SK, SJ, SL and TA do not fit together perfectly. In particular, further corrosion tests based on ISO9227 / 2017-07 were able to prove the error pattern from practical experience."
This "error pattern from practice", namely fine cracks in the motor shaft, can have fatal consequences. In EMTB issue 6/2021 bicycle expert Dirk Zedler reports true horror scenarios: "For months, posts with pictures have been circulating on the internet that leave no questions unanswered. Regardless of the E-MTB manufacturer, the combination of E-Thirteen cranks with Shimano EP8 motors harbours risks. Sometimes cranks come loose, sometimes the shafts break at an angle. The result is the same: if the crank falls off with the pedal, there is a risk of accidents with unforeseeable consequences."
For Zedler, it goes without saying that manufacturers should not knowingly jeopardise the health of their customers and fish defective goods out of the market as soon as they become known. He considers it irresponsible for other, equally affected manufacturers to remain calm.
Zedler therefore advises all those who E-MTB with Shimano EP8 motor and E-Thirteen cranks to enquire about any measures planned by the manufacturer via the dealer. "It wouldn't be the first time that manufacturers have rethought under the pressure of enquiries."
Red deer collects the E-MTB models with immediate effect R.X375 and R.E375 of the 2021 model year to inspect the drive shaft of the Shimano motor and change the E-Thirteen cranksets at the company headquarters in Dieburg. The Crank manufacturer E-Thirteen has made improvements and is supplying Rotwild with a new, revised version of its E-MTB cranks, all of which have apparently passed the laboratory tests mentioned above. We can only hope that all bike manufacturers affected will now be equipped with safe cranks as soon as possible.
The following applies to Rotwild customers: According to the manufacturer, anyone who has registered their bike online has already been informed. Non-registered customers should send an e-mail stating the frame number, address and telephone number to recall@rotwild.de and find out whether their bike is affected. Customers then process the exchange via their Rotwild dealer.
Sebastian Brust
Editor
