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Shimano brings affordable E-MTB drivetrain

Florentin Vesenbeckh

 · 04.07.2018

Shimano brings affordable E-MTB drivetrainPhoto: Florentin Vesenbeckh
Shimano brings affordable E-MTB drivetrain
The high-quality Steps E8000 drive from Shimano is fitted to an extremely large number of e-MTBs. At Eurobike 2018, the Japanese company will be launching a more affordable version that should make the motor accessible to everyone.

Extremely popular, but also expensive: Shimano Steps E8000 drivetrain (to the Comparison test of E-MTB drives>>) is being used more and more in the sporty e-MTB sector, but is also keeping the costs of e-mountainbikes high. With the E8000's little brother, the E7000, more affordable e-MTBs with the popular Shimano characteristics could also roll off the production line.

At first glance, the Steps E7000 is almost indistinguishable from its big brother, the E8000. Here installed in a Merida e-MTB.Photo: Florentin Vesenbeckh At first glance, the Steps E7000 is almost indistinguishable from its big brother, the E8000. Here installed in a Merida e-MTB.

The Japanese company is presenting its latest e-bike drive as a slimmed-down version of the top model, but it is also intended to be fully geared towards mountain bike use. At 60 Newton metres, the peak power is lower than that of the E8000, which is specified at 70 Newton metres. What the two motors have in common is their low weight and compact design. The E7000 is even said to be almost 100 grams lighter and have a slightly smaller volume. The mounting points are identical so that complete bike manufacturers can specify both motor variants in one model series.

On the left the Steps E7000 (with covers), on the right Shimano's Steps E8000 (without covers). The round cap with the cooling fins reveals the small difference in size between the two motors - even if the E7000 appears larger at first glance due to the covers.Photo: Florentin Vesenbeckh On the left the Steps E7000 (with covers), on the right Shimano's Steps E8000 (without covers). The round cap with the cooling fins reveals the small difference in size between the two motors - even if the E7000 appears larger at first glance due to the covers.

The E7000 series from Shimano also has its own display and control unit. The display is slightly smaller than that of the E8000 and does not have a colour-coded display of the support modes. The electric switch is very compact and can therefore be mounted within easy reach of the left grip.

The new display of the Shimano E7000 is slightly more compact than the E8000 version, the display of the support modes works without the familiar colour coding. Photo: Florentin Vesenbeckh The new display of the Shimano E7000 is slightly more compact than the E8000 version, the display of the support modes works without the familiar colour coding. The control unit of the new Shimano Steps E7000 motor is also very compact and comes with two slim push buttons. Photo: Florentin Vesenbeckh The control unit of the new Shimano Steps E7000 motor is also very compact and comes with two slim push buttons.

Exciting for all Shimano drivetrains: The Japanese are focussing on a more variable display and control connection. The small EW-EN100 wireless module can replace the display and the gear lever. Instead, the functions can be taken over by the smartphone, and third-party displays, e.g. compatible GPS devices, can also be used in future. Minimalists can also set off on tour with just the compact wireless transmitter. The support levels can be adjusted directly on the module, which is located almost unnoticed on the brake cable (according to Shimano, not while riding) and a rough battery display using two LEDs is also possible.

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Small part, big effect: Thanks to the EW-EN100 wireless module, the Steps drive units can now be ridden without a display or control lever. A new smartphone app takes over the display and control functions. Shimano is also opening up the system to selected third-party providers.Photo: Florentin Vesenbeckh Small part, big effect: Thanks to the EW-EN100 wireless module, the Steps drive units can now be ridden without a display or control lever. A new smartphone app takes over the display and control functions. Shimano is also opening up the system to selected third-party providers.

We are curious to see how the e-drive performs off-road and whether the low-cost version will bring movement to the price development of the eMTB market. Will e-mountainbikes become cheaper now?

Florentin Vesenbeckh

Florentin Vesenbeckh has been on a mountain bike since he was ten years old. Even on his very first tour, he focussed on single trails - and even after more than 30 years in the saddle of an MTB, these are still the quintessence of biking for him. He spent his youth competing in various bike disciplines and later his cycling career was characterised by years as a riding technique coach. Professionally, the experienced test editor now focusses on e-mountainbikes. In recent years, the qualified sports scientist and trained journalist has tested over 300 bikes and more than 40 different motor systems in the laboratory and in practice.

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