The point of this makeshift Urban loft wasn’t to show you how to display a bike. Instead, it was Shimano’s way of painting the picture of the ideal customer for their conceptual Metrea group. After being teased for a while, this is the first time we’ve seen a complete group under the Metrea label. While Shimano isn’t giving any indication to if or when the group would be produced, the level of finish and completeness of drivetrain options indicates to us that it will be available in the near future.
Built around multiple options with 1x or 2x cranks and derailleurs, Metrea maybe the newest option for 1x commuting…
Shown on the display bike as a 1×10 drivetrain, the Metrea group pulls design cues from Shimano’s higher end groups for a classy polished on black look.
The shifters on the bullhorns were one of the more interesting parts of the group with a mechanism reminiscent of the shifter/clutch lever from an old Vespa or Lambretta scooter (or some of the Tri bike shifters out there). They appear to brake like a normal bullhorn lever, but to shift you would rotate the entire lever inwards while shifts in the opposite direction are actuated by the small lever near the brake. Fitted with cables to a mechanical rear derailleur it would appear these are not Di2. The bulge on top is likely the reservoir for the hydraulic disc brake system. For standard flat bars there is also a brake lever/shift pod under the Metrea branding.
Hydraulic disc brakes were shown with flat mount calipers and 140 mm Centerlock rotors with a new shape.
While it could be just for show, this bike was running a 10 speed rear cassette and chain (yes, it is too long).
Along with the front derailleur, a double crankset was also shown indicating the option for a 2×10 drivetrain.
Even the wheels were branded Metrea which could indicate a more complete parts kit, or it simply could be a rebranded pair of wheels for the show. Even though there are no official plans for production that we are aware of, it was hinted that since it was there at the show we could draw our own conclusions.
