Revolute & 3x3: Hub newcomers
The trend towards e-bikes seems to be inspiring the developers of new gear hubs - arguments such as weight, fine gear steps or optimised efficiency are less important for pedelecs than for bicycles. Two German companies with roots in the automotive industry presented their gear hubs. Both allow drive torques of up to 250 Newton metres, which is the maximum that can be achieved on e-bikes, and are designed for maximum low maintenance.
With its six gears, the two-kilo Revolute hub covers roughly the gear ratio range of a Shimano Alfine 11 which leads to very coarse gear steps. Competitor Nine, a brand of an automotive supplier, covers a gear ratio range of 554 per cent with nine gears. In addition to a mechanically controlled version, it can be shifted electrically in combination with Bosch drives. Both hubs are currently only intended for bike manufacturers, not for end customers.
Would you like more information? Take a look at the manufacturer's website: www.revolute.de | www.3x3.bike
Shimano - shifting gears
Shimano's new "Cues" shifting system will only be available on pedelecs with a Shimano motor. As is already the case with several Shimano groupsets in the sports sector, the rear derailleur changes gears electrically. Cues users also have the option of selecting an automatic gear change. Cues not only changes gears automatically when pedalling, but also when rolling without drive. In addition to the usual freewheel in the rear sprocket, there is also a freewheel on the front chainring. This means that the chain flows even when you are not pedalling. The electronics of the Cues drive can be programmed for different riding styles and pedalling frequencies, and a pre-selected starting gear can be set. Sensors and mechanical improvements should also ensure extremely smooth and precise gear changes. The "Shimano Cues Di2 Linkglide" technology is available with ten and eleven gears.
Further information is available from Shimano: www.shimano.com
Pinion: Power gearbox
In collaboration with the Swiss S-pedelec manufacturer Stromer, Pinion has electrified the control of the C-series bottom bracket gearbox. Instead of the shifting mechanism for the two conventional Bowden cables, there is a housing cover with servomotors that shift up or down one gear at a time via two shift levers. The technology initially available on fast Stromer pedelecs was fitted to a test bike at the presentation. As these pedelecs are driven by a hub motor, the gearbox is only loaded by the pedalling force. The gear changes over the few metres of testing felt smooth and precise.
You can find more information here: www.pinion.eu
