New trends 2023: Electronics on mountain bikes

Sram's first electronic MTB drivetrain in 2019 was like a quantum leap into the future of mountain biking: adjustment at the touch of a button, no more cables on or in the frame, 100 per cent precise shifting. And the electronic dropper post also brought a huge increase in comfort - even if the functional added value was rather small. Insert, couple, ride off. The time-consuming cable routing through the frame is completely eliminated here. The electronic suspension adjustment, as with Rockshox' Flight Attendantwas just the next logical building block on the way to the smart mountain bike. Sensors analyse the riding situation and automatically adapt the suspension to the respective conditions. The individual components communicate with each other wirelessly, of course.

But do we really need a suspension system that takes the mental effort out of removing the lockout before hitting the trail? Isn't that like an app reminding us not to leave the house without our trousers?

A similar topic is air pressure sensors that warn of a loss of air in the tyres via smartphone. A hearty pressure on the tyre before the start of the tour fulfils the same purpose - without an additional component on the bike, without a possible source of error, without an additional battery. This is because the increasing number of small batteries and their varying runtimes pose a logistical challenge, especially for bikers who still climb the mountains using only their muscles.

Perhaps that means System integrationIn the near future, we want to have not only a stylish handlebar/stem unit, but also a small main battery on the bike to be able to supply the various electronic gadgets centrally.

Electronic Vario seatpost X-Fusion E-Maniac

The suspension specialists have developed an electronic dropper post, the E-Maniac, based on the Maniac. The post communicates with the remote control on the handlebars using a proprietary protocol called RFID. Two diameters (30.9 and 31.6 mm) and lengths between 100 and 170 millimetres will be available at the start of sales at the end of 2022. With a price of around 400 euros, the E-Maniac should be significantly cheaper than the competition from Rockshox.

Self-tinting glasses Out Of BOT

The Italian manufacturer's BOT could revolutionise photochromatic glasses. Thanks to the patented Irid technology, the lens suddenly changes colour in less than a second as soon as you move from shadow to light. A battery is not required for this. A small solar panel behind the lens provides the power supply. The tint ranges from S2 to S3 and the technology is waterproof. The price is approx. 310 euros.

Anti-theft device from Lezyne

With the Matrix Bike Tagger, the Americans are addressing the issue of theft protection for the first time. The 28 gram sensor can be discreetly attached to the bottle cage mount and communicates with Apple's FindMy network. The Apple Air Tag sensor (not integrated) can be easily accommodated in the waterproof IPX7 housing and reliably displays the current position of the bike.

Bike sat nav Garmin Edge Explore 2

The GPS specialists have given their touring sat nav Edge Explore 2 has been given an extensive update. A three-inch colour touch display and intelligent navigation functions are designed to make handling particularly easy. The new battery should last a full 16 hours with paired sensors and active navigation. Routing-capable European cycle maps are already included in the price of 299 euros. Four satellite systems should ensure GPS reception in the terrain. Smart functions and training analysis make the Edge Explore 2 an absolute all-rounder >> available here.

Theft protection via Bluetooth: Knog Scout

The Australian brand Knog also presented a device at Eurobike that combines an alarm function and tracker in one compact device. In addition to the motion-sensitive, acoustic signal, the Scout also sends a message to the smartphone via Bluetooth. At the same time, the device can also be tracked using the Wo-ist? app (currently only for iPhones). The Scout is fitted to the bottle cage mount with safety screws and costs 59.99 euros >> available here.

Lamp for the bike: Lupine SL AX

Like all spotlights from the lighting professionals, the new SL AX is manufactured in Germany. Many small parts come from neighbouring European countries. The design is intended to be repairable for an average of ten years. The SL AX illuminates the night with up to 2200 lumens. The brightness is controlled via a sensor and the Bluetooth remote control. The lamp, which costs 540 euros, comes with StVZO approval and an app connection.

Mountain bike helmets with electronics

Endura MT500

In addition to the Koroyd honeycomb structure, the Scots now also rely on the MIPS rotation system for models such as the MT500 for even more safety. The price of the top helmet is 190 euros >> available here.

Enduro helmet Lazer Cage

For the Cage enduro model, the Belgians rely on the specially developed Kineticore system, which, like MIPS, is designed to reduce rotational forces and thus protect against concussions. Price 290 euros.

Enduro helmet Kenny Rafale

The Rafale with its trendy jet helmet look is the top enduro model from the French brand. In addition to the extended neck protection, the SAS technology is designed to better absorb impacts. Price 199 euros.