E-Bike News: SRAM team with Brose for new mid-drive, LeMond’s all-road prologue and much more!
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How much more high-tech can e-bike technology bring? That’s the main question this week’s news seems to be asking. SRAM has unveiled a new system that’s more about the gearbox than the engine, although it requires a motor that’s software-tuned to the gearbox to implement what sounds like an exciting new automatic screening system. Of course, SRAM being SRAM, we expect big things from their new Eagle Powertrain. Lightweight but highly effective engines are always in style, so LeMond’s latest Prologue All-Road is sure to attract some interest. And as always, nothing piques the shared interest of car and e-bike fans more than hearing that a premium car manufacturer wants to open an e-bike motor factory.
In this week E-bike news:
- SRAM and Brose work together to develop a high-tech and high-performance automatic shifting system
- Lemond’s All-Road Prologue weighs just 28 pounds.
- The Bosch-powered butterfly from Cube
- Porsche announces that they are opening an e-bike motor factory in Europe
- New Bookman lights with USB charging and replaceable 21700 batteries
SRAM partners with Brose to launch mid-drive with automatic shifting that doesn’t require you to pedal to shift
The SRAM derailleur superstars are now in the mid-drive business – and it’s official because the company has announced it SRAM Eagle drivetrain with innovative Auto Shift (automatic shifting, as the name suggests), which includes Coast Shift, a system that allows the powertrain to shift gears even when the driver is not pedaling – this is on a high-quality Derailleur system unique.
SRAM is a gearbox specialist and has therefore teamed up with premium mid-gear manufacturer Brose to help with its motor expertise, specifically designed to work with the mechanical and software innovations of the SRAM gearbox. The SRAM Eagle Powertrain mid-drive delivers up to 90Nm of torque (making it competitive with top offerings from Bosch, Shimano and Yamaha). Brose’s 630Wh and 720Wh batteries are offered along with an optional 250Wh range extender.
The SRAM Eagle Powertrain is compatible with SRAM’s AXS wireless protocol, which enables crisp wireless shifting. SRAM has also tried to keep things clean and simple as the system will only have two power levels; “With the push of a button on the pod, switch to range mode for longer journeys, easier terrain or when it makes sense to save energy.” Switch to rally mode for shorter journeys or whenever you want access to full performance . Keep it simple.
There’s no news yet on when the SRAM Eagle Powertrain will actually make its way to e-bikes, but with all the tech on board, it’s very likely that it will be one of the highest quality e-bikes on the market.
LeMond launches all-road Prologue that weighs 28 pounds
LeMond Bicycles has just introduced the All-Road Prologue, which they describe as “a capable all-terrain bike with drop handlebars and a remarkable weight of just 28 pounds.”
The low weight is thanks to an innovative carbon fiber frame, fork and stem combined with a Mahle drivetrain. This system is based on a small rear hub motor, which, according to Le Mond, “makes it almost indistinguishable from a non-electric bike and paves the way for a clean and elegant appearance that is inviting and intuitive for both experienced and novice riders. “All controls and functions are integrated directly into the frame.”
The All-Road has the same frame geometry as the flat bar prologue we tested However, according to LeMond, it’s great for tackling different types of terrain. Its minimally flared carbon fiber drop handlebars ensure stability, while Panaracer’s 43mm all-terrain tires ensure traction and safety on any terrain. Shimano GRX is a groupset designed specifically for gravel bikes, so LeMond is on solid ground when it comes to this spec.
The All-Road is available directly through for $5,995 LeMond’s website. Bikes ship nationwide within 1-2 weeks and are packaged to arrive nearly fully assembled.
Cube Launch E-Folder with Bosch drive
The British ebiketips report that the German brand Cube has launched a new electric city bike called Cube Fold Hybrid. Powered by a Bosch mid-motor and a large capacity battery, it sits between the compact cargo bike and folding bike categories. Since it weighs 25kg, it’s probably not a folder you’ll take on a bus or train, but it’s practical in other ways.”
You can choose from the Wrinkle hybrid (with Shimano Nexus 5-speed hub gear and belt drive) and the Fold Sport Hybrid.(with 10-speed derailleur)..
The Fold Sport Hybrid costs £2,699 and the Fold Hybrid costs £2,999.
Porsche opens Motor Factory but drops the Greyp brand
Bicycle Europe reports on how Porsche is planning to build its own e-bike engine factory in Europe as part of its acquisition of Fazua, a German manufacturer of lightweight mid-engines – although Porsche has also announced that they will make their “own” mid-engines. moves. There is also the news that the super-premium brand Greyp Bikes, in which Porsche took a majority stake in 2021, is to be discontinued.
Bookman – USB charging, replaceable battery and innovative level control
Buchmann are a Sweden-based company that has just announced its new Volume lights, which are controlled via a unique Power Wheel and “allow for convenient brightness adjustment in one of five levels.”
Additionally, the Volume comes in two different models: The Volume™ 800 features an efficient 800 lumen beam and a lightweight and durable plastic housing suitable for commuting or training rides. The Volume™ 1500 is even more powerful: with 1500 lumens, a powerful 4000 mAh battery and a robust aluminum housing; It meets the needs of the most demanding cyclists and for long rides.”
Both lights can also be charged simultaneously via USB-C with a large capacity 21700 cell removable battery, as used in some e-bike and car batteries – ideal if you need a backup battery for long journeys and have one Having to replace a damaged battery or recycling the product at the end of its life – making it more sustainable.
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