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EB17: German engineering from Trickstuff, German:A, Continental & Brake Force One

Trickstuff lightweight hydraulic disc brake caliper for Shimano and SRAM road levers
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Trickstuff’s C21 FM flatmount brake was shown in prototype form, but works with Shimano (Mineral oil) levers. Or it can be assembled with different gaskets to work with SRAM (DOT fluid). They have a 22mm piston and come in at a claimed 90g with pads (per caliper, excluding hose), a little lighter than Shimano. Available by end of year.

Their SL rotors have angled edges for easier entry into the wheel and now come in more sizes: 140 (67.15g), 160 (82.74g), 180 (110.95g), 203 (138.13g) and a 223mm for DH teams. That last one will be available at some point for aftermarket, but your fork might not like it.

They’re doing away with the NG pads and only moving forward with new Standard pads, which are an improvement. They’ll also keep the Power Pads, which are much stronger and won’t fade until about 400°C (752ºF), but they’re less durable. Check them out at Trickstuff.de.

CONTINENTAL’S OVERPOWERED E-BIKE SYSTEMS

continental 48v revolution e-bike motor with CVT transmission

A few years back, Continental stepped into bicycle transmissions with a belt drive solution to compete with Gates. Now, they’re going stepless, with the first CVT transmission for e-bikes.

continental 48v revolution e-bike motor with CVT transmission

The Continental 48 Revolution has steeples integrated gearing with a 380% range that can simulate 10 fixed speeds, but is really designed to “auto shift” smoothly to maintain whatever cadence you set. Pedal harder and it adjusts gear ratios to increase your speed without changing your desired cadence.

continental 48v revolution e-bike motor with CVT transmission continental 48v revolution e-bike motor with CVT transmission

Another cool features is Walk Assist, which lets you hold a button and have the bike crawl along with you, which can make it easier to “walk” it up apartment stairs or ramps. Lastly, it integrates with the new BFO ABS system:

BRAKE FORCE ONE PREVENTS SKIDS

brake force one abs braking for e-bikes

Sitting in a different corner of the same booth space as Magura’s Bosch-developed antilock braking system was this new Brake Force One ABS kit. Designed to fit inside the frame or attached outside for aftermarket upgrades, it’s a nearly self-contained system that can be added to any bike with high pressure (i.e. most) hydraulic disc brakes.

brake force one abs braking for e-bikes

The system works by regulating the pressure applied to the calipers, and they claim it can sense an impending lockup before it happens, preventing skids and loss of control. They say it can even detect if the rear wheel is about to lift off the ground due to front braking and adjust accordingly.

brake force one abs braking for e-bikes

We’ve reached out for more details on how it all works, as there are multiple implementations with additional features for e-bike integration. Updates as we get them.

GERMAN:A CONTROLS THEIR SUSPENSION, HIDES A MOTOR

One of the disadvantages of inverted forks is that the right stanchion doesn’t have to deal with braking forces, so the left side can flex rearward more so when hitting the brakes. German:A came up with a novel solution: Allow the right leg to flex a little more, balancing things out.

Their Revo T.C. is designed for aggressive riders, bigger tires with more traction (aka “Plus” bikes) and heavier e-bikes that impose higher forces on the fork legs. Rather than use a standard crown, the left side (as you’re riding it, on the right in photo above) is reinforced, then runs straight to the opposite side without a normal connection to the steerer’s axis. Instead, they use a small strut to brace it, which allows the whole right (non-braking) side to move backward more easily and match the left’s movement under hard braking.

The Revo’s teardrop shaped upper tubes hide a similarly shaped section on the upper half of the stanchions, which prevents torsional flex. This helps keep the axle in alignment from left to right, preventing binding or twisting that can harm handling and traction control. It’s available for all three wheel sizes in Boost spacing, with 100mm or 125mm travel. Claimed weight is 1,650g.

A couple years ago, they unveiled the Zero series fork, which is completely air sprung and air damped to come in at 988g. The trouble was, they couldn’t figure out a lockout system that didn’t require some sort of hydraulic part. Well, now they have, and this push-to-lock, twist-to-open lever is available for anyone who periodically doesn’t want their suspension to do its job.

Lastly, they’re launching a new brand of e-bikes called Flycross. They’re alloy framed and build the battery completely into the downtube for a very stealthy look. It uses a hub motor, so the whole thing looks like a regular bike, but makes you faster.

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pinko
pinko
7 years ago

I am personally not going to buy anything from companies producing e-mopeds and e-mopeds certified stuff. And soon stop going to sites that push –besides nobody wanting them, public or industry– mopeds.
The only people benefit from this stuff is the big wigs running companie$.

thesteve4761
thesteve4761
7 years ago
Reply to  pinko

If nobody wanted them, they wouldn’t be selling so well…

Robin
Robin
7 years ago
Reply to  pinko

You know that e-bikes are a big in Europe, right? You know that e-bikes are a great option for folks that might have physical issues that prevent them from riding a regular bicycle right? You know that e-bikes are great for commuters that might otherwise drive a car to work, right? You know that e-bikes are great for hauling stuff back from the grocery or whatever other stores and errands a person goes to or attends to, right?

Pinko
Pinko
7 years ago
Reply to  Robin

You know that big is a big word? Ever been to Europe?
They do not sell “so well” in Europe. Unless you are referring to e-bikes used by food delivery people. In the states.
All the people I have seen with e mopeds in France and Italy were overweight early 30’s begginer riders blasting up hills on tarmac and walking the bike on the downs. Total of 3. And I have seen people making fun of them and insulting.

Nobody wants them for sport. It will only bring to trail closure, insurance etc etc.

It is not a f bicycle, it is a moped. And they are for begginers. The injured ride is just an excuse.

The Only people pushing for it are industry executives who only care about making a millionaire bonus before moving to next venture.

For commuting I think they are ideal, however the auto industry will push for license, helmet, insurance. Just like in the 80’s/90’s w mopeds.

STS
STS
7 years ago
Reply to  Pinko

You clearly don’t know what you’re talking about. Pedal-assist bikes are all the rage in Europe. Many shops barely sell anything else these days.

InTheStinko
InTheStinko
7 years ago
Reply to  STS

He doesn’t, but keeps backing up how little he knows with more examples. Dude went to Europe, saw just a few ebikes, and now thinks he’s got the expertise to talk actual numbers. Some people are just here to bash a new product (and they are entitled to be critical) without having an iota of knowledge when it comes the the bike biz. He thinks bike Execs are millionaires, for example. I don’t subscribe to someone telling people they can’t do what they want with their money. The bike business is still a business, and we’re getting more help from the average ebike rider than this guy has probably shown to the LBS in his life.

Sam
Sam
7 years ago
Reply to  Pinko

Pinko. When was the last time you were in Europe? Ebikes are EVERYWHERE they look to out number natural bikes. Get over it! It’s happening

Billy No Mates
Billy No Mates
7 years ago
Reply to  Pinko

E-Bikes sales are currently the only bicycle market segment experiencing growth, with all other segments in decline, so e-bikes are actually pretty important news.

Jeff
Jeff
7 years ago
Reply to  Billy No Mates

if you sold one last year and 2 this year that is 100% growth but would not call that a growing market. if you have a declining market for a brand new segment you have real freaking issues.

Mac
Mac
7 years ago
Reply to  Pinko

Pinko, open up your mind. Were is all that negative thinking coming from. You don’t need to love it. You don’t need to buy it. But you have to accept that in a free market the decision is always up to the individual.
And as a european I can assure you that France and Europe is more than just the beaches at cote d’azur that you know from your college spring break trip.

Ettore
Ettore
7 years ago
Reply to  Pinko

It must be sad that your “fight” against “mopeds” isn’t going anywhere.. The unassisted road bike market is in pretty sharp decline, and the e-bikes are the only thing keeping bike brands in the black digits. They sell like hot cakes, despite your anecdotal evidence.

Maxx
Maxx
7 years ago
Reply to  Pinko

Statistically, e-bikes have outsold conventional bikes in the Europes for the last 2~3 years already.

They have crossed the cost/benefit threshold for a lot of people and makes sense to have them. Imagine changing from a bus/train commute of 20km into a bike ride because ebikes make such commutes possible and affordable. And in the mid-term actually costs less. Previously, anything over 6~8km and people would have to consider pretty hard whether to ride a bike or to drive or to take public transport.

That’s just the commute side of things, there’s also the consideration of people who need help in transporting goods / supermarket groceries. Folks who need to commute in some hilly areas. People who are physically limited and need assistance in riding a bike.

They are here and people will continue to push the use.

ascarlarkinyar
ascarlarkinyar
7 years ago
Reply to  pinko

Another support that ebikes are just being crammed down our throats unwanted. Some sales yes, the she opened will be a few. Then when us bicycle riders have been kicked off every trail because these motorcycles, ebike, have destroyed them, they can be free to be on the road. Motorized vehicles on Motorized trails only. These are a mence.

Pinko
Pinko
7 years ago
Reply to  ascarlarkinyar

I live in frickin europe!
And i go around stores in France, Italy and Germany.
The e moped on diplay dont move-beaides what the shop owner may say-as i have friends that work in shops.
Don’t be fooled by the only segment gwoing-bc until last year there was no segment.
I must have seem 5 at the most, and other riders do make fun-at least-of these moped wanna be mtbikers. Besides that, i rode a couple, specilized something-and they are awaful. 100% moped for begginer riders

Ettore
Ettore
7 years ago
Reply to  ascarlarkinyar

They aren’t crammed down your throat. They are simply offered, and they sell very well.

Pinko
Pinko
7 years ago
Reply to  Ettore

Ettore owns a store…

Robin
Robin
7 years ago
Reply to  Pinko

You give critical thinking a try because your assumptions have no apparent basis.

Eric
Eric
7 years ago
Reply to  pinko

Keep yelling at the clouds, old man.

yard dog
yard dog
7 years ago

Can Bike Rumor get the web sight ebikerumor.com? I checked and it is available or maybe Bike Rumor already owns it.

Then please move ALL ebike stuff to that new web sight ASAP!

Sam
Sam
7 years ago
Reply to  yard dog

You have A point

Ettore
Ettore
7 years ago
Reply to  yard dog

Pretty soon there won’t even be a “road bike” category anymore, it’ll all be a spectrum. It’s about choosing which part of the spectrum between fixies and e-bikes in terms of assistance will be featured on this website.

Someguy
Someguy
7 years ago

So much NaCl from the e-haters.

Person
Person
7 years ago
Reply to  Someguy

Progress is tough to accept for a lot of folks. Europe is killing it with bike sales and has embraced that part where you get more people on bikes and make more revenue for the company. It’s almost as if bills have to get paid, and there’s enough folks buying the product to support the idea that these are acceptable. I can understand hesitancy, but if it’s making money and keeping things in the black, then companies are going to follow through with selling these products. Anyone rejecting ebikes just needs a better understanding of how business works. When someone wants to spend money in your industry, you take their money even if it’s bucking tradition. Analog bike sales simply aren’t cutting it for everyone at this point.

Dockboy
Dockboy
7 years ago
Reply to  Person

And a hundred years ago, people went through the same thing and came to the same conclusion: motor bikes.

Heffe
Heffe
7 years ago
Reply to  Dockboy

Exactly correct. As Richard Cunningham pointed out so well on pinkbike, it’s all about the motor. These vehicles are evolving very quickly into what we already have, but electric powered rather than gas.

InTheStinko
InTheStinko
7 years ago
Reply to  Dockboy

You’re correct. But e bikes are being regulated to mostly reasonable speeds, and mainly pushed towards a commuter or casual demographic. Those people will hopefully stay planted, and not turn to a motorcycle for transit and recreation. Ebikes represent revenue within the industry, and that may help keep other parts of the market intact where things are sagging. Purists weren’t exactly happy when Porsche made an SUV, but then it blew up their sales and helped them throw bucket loads into enhancing the 911, and continues to assist in the stability of the brand. We’re not in an entirely different situation. Something new rocked the boat and pissed off the established base. Then a new base came in and supported the new product and the world moved on. It was something that they needed to do (they hedged a lot on the success of the Cayenne) as they watched 911 sales become incapable of sustaining the company, and now they’re laughing all the way to the bank. I simply see ebikes as a potential (and tentatively proven, at this point) revenue stream, and a way to increase our consumer base. More people pedaling bikes is good for the cycling industry. I think we all agree that bikes do good things, so at least some common ground can be established. We need a lot of solutions to help get the industry back on a track where people can make a living out of it again. Ebikes aren’t the only answer, but they’re pulling as much weight as any other segment right now.

ascarlarkinyar
ascarlarkinyar
7 years ago
Reply to  Someguy

Europe can keep these motorcycles over there. Most people cannot afford cars and have scooters. No difference. Keep these motorcycles off the trails

Heffe
Heffe
7 years ago

Admittedly, e-bikes are a great solution for urban transportation. I personally loathe having unlicensed motorized vehicles in bike lanes and paths and have little interest in news re: mopeds and motorcycles. Nonetheless, cities across america and europe are surely expanding ‘bike’ infrastructure knowing that normal sedentary people are never going to ride an actual bicycle far – these new lanes are for the coming e-bikes. I see puffy americans on the bike path I sometimes use, zooming along at 25 mph on e-fatbikes or some sort of throttle-activated thing that doesn’t even require any pedaling. It’s the future, until they eventually force them onto the roads with a license plate on the rear.

frogg
frogg
7 years ago

eBike manufacturers should restrict themselves the speed of e-bikes around 18mph (or 28 km/h); it’s largely enough; if not, it’s a real threat for everyone, particularly pedstrians. If they don’t self restrain, authorities will have to and it’s not a good thing.
I’m sometimes afraid by the speed to these mopeds bikes.

Robin
Robin
7 years ago
Reply to  frogg

By that logic, bicyclists shouldn’t be allowed to pedal faster than 18mph.

Heffe
Heffe
7 years ago
Reply to  Robin

E-bikes are generally much heavier than bicycles, particularly as the motor gets more powerful, and other components such as brakes correspondingly do as well. Your point doesn’t apply in the context of these larger, heavier motorized vehicles riding faster on bike paths and pedestrian ways.

Robin
Robin
7 years ago
Reply to  Heffe

Really? Have you paid attention to what the impact of a cyclist traveling at speed does to a pedestrian? Just within the last day or two a second pedestrian was killed when struck by a cyclist. You wouldn’t think that was possible since the cyclist wasn’t on an e-bike. I’ll but the energy exchanged and the forces involved had nothing at all do with what happened.

1158156
1158156
7 years ago
Reply to  Robin

I think his/her point is that the threshold for serious damage lowers as the the total bike/rider weight increases.

Zee
Zee
7 years ago
Reply to  Robin

The difference is in skill/fitness. It takes effort and skill to keep those kinds of speeds on a bike. Fat Larry isn’t hopping on a road bike from the couch on day 1 and pedaling 20mph. Now Fat Larry can hop on is motorized bicycle without breaking a sweat and travel 20mph. Fat Larry hasn’t developed the skill to handle a bike in emergency situations. Fat Larry just ran over my grandma.

Robin
Robin
7 years ago
Reply to  Zee

I see. You assume things about e-bike riders that you don’t about bike riders. Interesting the subtle forms of bigotry that exist. The truth is claim knowledge about “Fat Larry” that you don’t have. You’re just making someone that fits your biases and polishes your ego so that you can feel better than someone else.

Billy No Mates
Billy No Mates
7 years ago
Reply to  frogg

There are currently 2 restrictions in place for e-bikes, 1 that allows the electronic assistance upto 25km/h – used in Australia, American, England – and one for assistance upto 45km/h which tends to be found in some european countries.

Bob Log
Bob Log
7 years ago
Reply to  Billy No Mates

In the UE, over 25kph is considered in the same category as a small moped. Some companies do offer 45kph e-bikes, but if you want to ride one (legally), you need to license it just like a moped & obey all the same rules as any other moped.

25kph e-bikes are considered just like regular bikes. These rules seem to be different in the US, with some states not having any restriction on speeds.

Bob Log
Bob Log
7 years ago
Reply to  Bob Log

Er…. in the EU (not the UE).

Ken
Ken
7 years ago

haha. Talk about a few whiny, parochial, un-athletic cyclists.

Billy No Mates
Billy No Mates
7 years ago

Walk Assist is not ‘another cool feature’, this is something all the current quality e-motors – Bosch, Shimano, Brose – have. It’s more of a mandatory feature…

Craig
Craig
7 years ago

I’m happy to see any news relating to ebikes. In my job I’m seeing how ebikes are growing the bicycle industry and tourism industry and this is helping create jobs in sectors that are based on healthy physical activity. Bike rumour please continue to post interesting articles about e bicycles.

Sbrindola
Sbrindola
7 years ago
Reply to  Craig

Just rode more than 1000 km from lake of Geneva to Marseille and found PLENTY of e-bikes rode by elderly people or not trained at all folks that would not be otherwise able to cycle even 30-40 kms each day along France greenways.
Same for cities with very steep hills and blue collar needing to reach office in a suite without sweating.
No need to love them but don’t see the point of denying that they can be useful and that are actually selling very well in Europe.

Do I love e-bikes? Not at all. Do I like the fact that more people leaving one cars in their garage and “pedalling” on a e-bike? Yes. Better for cities air quality, traffic, biking infrastructure…..

typevertigo
typevertigo
7 years ago

That Revo TC inverted-damper fork is pretty interesting – actually inducing flex on the right stanchion to match that of the left’s under braking. Any word on tests or testing for longevity, though? I guess I’m curious to see if the “induced flex” arrangement does, or doesn’t, contribute to a weaker fork overall.

jon
jon
7 years ago
Reply to  typevertigo

Pretty ridiculous if you ask me, and a total gimmick. If you are that talented, why not invent a system by which there is ‘no flex’ instead of creating more flex to counter-act flex.

Seb
Seb
7 years ago

Hey,
you forgot to check the guys from Beast-Components from Dresden at EB. I was very impressed and they produce Carbon-Parts in Germany….really crazy stuff and worth a look: beast-components.com

Loki
Loki
7 years ago

Kinda ironic that the ‘it’s cheating, it’s assisted’ argument is exactly the argument used by advocates against non e-bikes for riding in wilderness ares in the USA. Considering (with a small amount of skepticism) that the energy efficiency of a bicycle has been estimated to be the equivalent of the average car doing 1,600 miles on a gallon of petrol, replacing a combustion motor with a human motor doesn’t make a bicycle less of a ‘machine used to assist’, less of a mechanical aid.

It’s also interesting that the Wilderness Act in the USA actually states no mechanized means of transport can be used within wilderness boundaries, which is why mountain biking is not allowed in official wilderness. According to anti-mountain biking advocates trails weren’t designed for multi-use, they were designed for people who are walking at 2 to 3 mph, joggers going maybe 4 to 6 mph (oh, and equestrians;-). The argument is that they weren’t designed for bicycles going 15, 20 mph or more, the grade, the line of sight, the width of trails mean that they’re not suit to cycling.

Makes all the hater-talk sound like Sierra club opinion pieces …

Loki
Loki
7 years ago
Reply to  Loki

Area, dammit

Loki
Loki
7 years ago

areas, suited, didn’t I check before posting?

Nuno Pinto
7 years ago

That Pinko guy is a fool… What is the problem with ebikes? I am a member of a bike club (race bike, like they call it here) in Belgium, and our age spectrum is really big…from 20 to 80, some of the oldest members have ebikes… It’s really great for them to be able to join us. Besides that, most elderly people have ebikes to commute or just enjoy the outdoors.

jon
jon
7 years ago

Dang, took long enough for bike ABS, I had that idea years ago.

JBikes
JBikes
7 years ago

A system designed to prevent stoppies seems like a system designed to prevent fun?

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