Shimano has finally officially announced the electric bicycle group they’ve been rumored to be working on, called STEPS (Shimano Total Electric Power System). The German cycling trade press reportedly has their hands on working samples, and the full debut isn’t until Eurobike in early September, but at least we have pictures…and some sparse details.
The computer / power monitor above shows charge, distance and what looks to be gear indicator.
Mode controls are located on brake “hoods” along with a power on/off button. Make the jump for more…
The right hand brake buttons control what appears to be a light and display mode.
The bottom bracket apparently does something fancy…perhaps gauges effort to assist automatically?
All components in the group are reportedly waterproof.
Two crankset images were provided, presumably one for use with a full chaincase and one for uncovered use.
The complete system will both power the bike via a rear hub motor…
…and help charge itself during riding by capturing energy with a front hub dynamo.
Then just plug it in to fully recharge.
Battery pack has a built in tail light.
Shimano’s STEPS will be competing for attention at Eurobike with the Bosch/Cannondale system that claims to be a complete e-bike solution, too.
