It took a while, but component giant Shimano finally entered the rapidly growing e-MTB market with their E8000 STEPS system earlier this year. Consisting of a new, more powerful drive unit (and longer lasting battery than their commuting/touring E6000 setup), paired to a component groupset designed for the rigours of riding off-road, it’s obviously designed to steal back market share from dominant rival Bosch.
We’ve had the opportunity to take a pre-production version of the system for a proper test ride in the Swiss Alps.
Shimano E8000 STEPS highlights
- 250W drive unit offering up to 70Nm of torque
- 500Wh Lithium Ion battery
- Chainset with Hollowtech II style interface
- Di2 compatible
- Same Q-factor as a normal chainset
Shimano E8000 STEPS spec overview
On paper, the E8000 STEPS system is a match for anything out there. The motor puts out a maximum of 250W of power and a peak of 70Nm of torque, while the battery is a 500Wh Lithium Ion design that’s mounted to the frame, though Shimano is working with manufacturers to develop integrated designs.
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There are three assistance modes: Eco, Trail and Boost, with the latter giving a maximum of 300% assistance. You also get a walk assist function to help deal with the mass on the machine when you’re off it.
The display unit and controller will be instantly familiar to anyone that’s used Shimano’s Di2 electronic shifting system, with the assistance setting being controlled via a Firebolt switch and a small colour display to show settings such as speed, range, assistance mode and more. It’s extremely neat and sleek, much more so than any other system on the market today.
Thanks to the E-Tube interface, you can adjust any number of settings in the system should you wish to via a Bluetooth connection. As you’d expect, it’s fully compatible with Di2 gearing and when used like that the derailleur takes its power from the main battery.
Shimano E8000 STEPS vs the competition
Shimano E8000 STEPS teething issues
Early verdict
You can read more at BikeRadar.com
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