After almost four years since the introduction of Shimano Di2, the road bike community has long since become accustomed to the effortless electronic gear changes. Even in cyclo-cross, the battery-powered Shimano gears defy wetness, mud and off-road bumps with ease. We will have to be patient until this low-maintenance, smooth-running system also electrifies mountain bikes. But since the beginning of the year, the Stuttgart-based bearing specialists from Acros have been offering a competitive alternative - the A-GE hydraulic drivetrain. The super-light, CNC-manufactured components are based on the 5Rot shifting system developed by Freiburg inventor Christoph Muthers back in 2006. Instead of a Bowden cable, two thin hydraulic lines transmit the shift commands of the push buttons. Instead of a return spring, whose strength is decisive for the operating forces, alternating oil pressure from both lines ensures the gear changes. The sophisticated technology is impressive in theory, although the hefty price tag of 1600 euros is a deterrent.
But can this low-maintenance and low-wear system compete with the tried-and-tested mechanical shifting systems of established competitors Shimano and SRAM?
You can find these MTB gears in the BIKE test:
- Acros A-GE
- Shimano XTR
- SRAM XX
The test results of the circuits can be found below as a PDF download.
