Prototype Wireless Electronic Drivetrain - Stellenbosch World Cup
It's been a mostly open secret for a few years now that a mountain bike-specific version of SRAM's wireless 12-speed drivetrain has been in the works, but it's only been over the last week or so that we've seen the electronic setup being put to use in the wild. And not put to use by just anyone, mind you, but by this Swiss guy named Nino Schurter who has been winning essentially every race he's entered for a while now, from World Cups to World Champs to National Champs, and even the Olympics.
The World Cup cross-country season is kicking off in Stellenbosch, South Africa, this coming weekend and Nino's Scott has been fitted with a prototype wireless setup that was spotted by photographer Micahel Cerveny. That doesn't mean that Nino will be on it come race day, of course, as there have been rumors for awhile now that he could have used it at last year's World Championships. But, if Nino does roll out of the start chute with it on his bike and goes on to win, which you'd be silly to bet against given how his 2017 went, it'd be one hell of a racing debut for SRAM's electronic off-road drivetrain.
Below, you can see their road-specific eTap Red 11-speed derailleur, with its battery protruding off the back, much like the prototype that's shown on Cerveny's Instagram page. The eTap moniker has only ever been used for SRAM's road products, however, so expect the mountain bike system to fall under the BlackBox and Eagle umbrella instead.
![SRAM eTap Red derailleur]()
I reached out to Tyler Morland, SRAM MTB Brand Manager, who had this to say: ''SRAM is constantly experimenting with new technology, and designing, building and testing new products. At this time, we cannot comment on photos, rumors or speculation.''
So SRAM clearly isn't ready to share any details yet, but there are a few obvious things to point out. First, it'll be 12-speed, of course, and we also don't expect the mountain bike version of the wireless shifter to look anything like SRAM's current paddle clickers because, well, it doesn't need to. Instead, I anticipate it being a much, much smaller collar-style shifter that, while still using paddles (or just one paddle), functions more like a switch than something that has to pull or release a cable. You don't exactly need to be a drivetrain surgeon to know that, though.
Interestingly, there were some photos floating around on Instagram that showed something very similar to that description, but those turned out to be shifty photoshops that tricked more than a few people.
![Nino Schurter wireless SRAM Eagle Photo by Irmo Keizer]()
![Nino Schurter wireless SRAM Eagle Photo by Irmo Keizer]()
![Nino Schurter wireless SRAM Eagle Photo by Irmo Keizer]()
Above, you can get a better look at Nino's entire bike from Stellenbosch, including what appears to be some sort of computer extending far out in front of his handlebar. Is this simply the most ergonomic position for his computer, or is it related to his SRAM wireless drivetrain?
![Nino s wireless shifter]()
Above is a screenshot by PB member @garneau565 that clearly shows the wireless shifter's shape, and it's most definitely not the collar-style clicker that some guy named Mike L. (that's too obvious, so let's call him M. Levy instead) predicted that it would be. Instead, it's mounted to the handlebar with what looks like a normal clamp, and it sits in very much the same place that you'd find a standard shifter.
The World Cup cross-country season is kicking off in Stellenbosch, South Africa, this coming weekend and Nino's Scott has been fitted with a prototype wireless setup that was spotted by photographer Micahel Cerveny. That doesn't mean that Nino will be on it come race day, of course, as there have been rumors for awhile now that he could have used it at last year's World Championships. But, if Nino does roll out of the start chute with it on his bike and goes on to win, which you'd be silly to bet against given how his 2017 went, it'd be one hell of a racing debut for SRAM's electronic off-road drivetrain.
Below, you can see their road-specific eTap Red 11-speed derailleur, with its battery protruding off the back, much like the prototype that's shown on Cerveny's Instagram page. The eTap moniker has only ever been used for SRAM's road products, however, so expect the mountain bike system to fall under the BlackBox and Eagle umbrella instead.
I reached out to Tyler Morland, SRAM MTB Brand Manager, who had this to say: ''SRAM is constantly experimenting with new technology, and designing, building and testing new products. At this time, we cannot comment on photos, rumors or speculation.''
So SRAM clearly isn't ready to share any details yet, but there are a few obvious things to point out. First, it'll be 12-speed, of course, and we also don't expect the mountain bike version of the wireless shifter to look anything like SRAM's current paddle clickers because, well, it doesn't need to. Instead, I anticipate it being a much, much smaller collar-style shifter that, while still using paddles (or just one paddle), functions more like a switch than something that has to pull or release a cable. You don't exactly need to be a drivetrain surgeon to know that, though.
Interestingly, there were some photos floating around on Instagram that showed something very similar to that description, but those turned out to be shifty photoshops that tricked more than a few people.
Above, you can get a better look at Nino's entire bike from Stellenbosch, including what appears to be some sort of computer extending far out in front of his handlebar. Is this simply the most ergonomic position for his computer, or is it related to his SRAM wireless drivetrain?
Above is a screenshot by PB member @garneau565 that clearly shows the wireless shifter's shape, and it's most definitely not the collar-style clicker that some guy named Mike L. (that's too obvious, so let's call him M. Levy instead) predicted that it would be. Instead, it's mounted to the handlebar with what looks like a normal clamp, and it sits in very much the same place that you'd find a standard shifter.
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It's a bit ugly with modifications, but here is the 2nd edition of the law, and what I am assuming went to the governors desk:
lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/biennium/2017-18/Pdf/Bills/Senate%20Bills/6434-S.pdf
Section 5 subsection 9 spells it out pretty clearly.
This article is a bit more plain english and shows the classification of e-bikes.
www.seattlebikeblog.com/2018/02/28/clarified-e-assist-bicycle-rules-head-to-the-governors-desk
King County has apparently banned e-bikes on trails on their own. If the governor signs it into law, which he should considering the overwhelming numbers passing, then it will be a done deal.
Oh, and thanks to whoever for negging me for merely posting links. Seriously?
Anyway, looking forward to an engaging discussion on the PB forums once the story hits the main page! Must get popcorn!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=31g0YE61PLQ
From my understanding from the links that were posted they have only banned Class 3 ebikes, Class 1 and 2 ebikes are still allowed on side walks and shared trails. Class 1 being pedal assist and are the ones that the manufacturers are pushing at the moment.
I think the writer of the article doesn't ride mountain bikes so didn't really pay attention to the part which says: " individual shall not operate an electric-assisted bicycle on a trail that is specifically designated as nonmotorized and that has a natural surface tread that is made by clearing and grading the native soil with no added surfacing materials."
No mention of classes of bicycle, just a blanket ban of all electric bikes on all true mountain bike trails.
Having read another article, you are right, there is a ban on e-bikes riding on natural trails without the land owners permission. I'm guessing that that is also why legislation bill (SB 6434) has been passed by the Senate and the House, the Bill puts the e-bikes into classes which makes it easier for the land owner to make an informed decision.
The article also goes on to state that e-bikes are classed as bicycles, so long as long as its power output is no more than 750 watts, it has a saddle, includes fully operative pedals, and meets the criteria of the following classes:
Class 1: E-assist only while pedaling, with a maximum speed of 20 mph.
Class 2: Can be propelled solely by the motor, with a maximum speed of 20 mph.
Class 3: E-assist only while pedalling, with a maximum speed of 28 mph, and has a speedometer.
So yes, you are right, there is a ban but don't expect to see any less on the trails especially now when the Legislation states e-bikes in the above categories as bicycles!
Must be the Trump's bill.... Something so stupid can come just from his head...
We should be striving to make our sport more mainstream because it's great for the personal rider and the world. This type of ban alienates the elderly, the disabled, and those who are physically unable to handle the demands of a normal mtb experience. In all honestly the type of attitude displayed by Pinkbike commentators and editors is backward and arrogantly ignorant of the larger possibilities these new technologies have to change the world and make riding more accessible to everyone.
That is all...
www.pinkbike.com/photo/15675359
I have to admit I am pretty bummed. Thought the community was better than that here.
www.pinkbike.com/photo/15676604
Especially if it means I don't have to have a heavier, $650 derailleur hanging off the back of the bike.
one cable less is just better
i loved how my hardtail only had rear break hose as i used to run single speed. it looked sooo clean and it was less stuff to ever worry about
I put some lube around the ferrule ends twice a year and it works perfect.
its a small thing but just nice to have
youtu.be/2jP3WSQpA_0
Fewer moving parts is better. Also, once companies stop basing the design on a cable derailleur and really start thinking this could grow lighter and smoother.
What you think is an elegant and simple system is actually stupid complicated. Computers are getting cheaper and simpler but shifters are getting more complicated every year with smaller and more fragile parts.
Also, that cable has to go past the stearing and rear suspension meaning it has to flex constantly. There is just no way to do it that both looks good and isn't scouting to install. Electronics are just simpler. A servo and a radio. Easy peasy.
xx gerbil and
xx hamster
The gerbil gets upgraded carbon bits
SRAM Li-On has more teeth
D-cellerys?
www.redbull.tv/video/AP-1UWHZGM8S1W11/andrew-and-nino-hit-the-track?playlist=playlists::aa8e8165-cdc9-4726-8171-1209bf4a249b
E-mtb with that hunk-a-chunk of a battery that has Qualcomm 3.0 USB-C outputs to power up almost any gadgets one pour onto their bike. Power that GoPro, smartphone(s), lights, SRAM E-Blacktapbox Eagle batteries, Garmin....bla bla bla.....
#endlesspossibilities
Until then I guess I'm stuck with my short cage Saint with alloy jockey wheels and Teflon cable that I last touched about 5 years ago. Having components that just work with no drama sure is boring.
I would rather something I can fix with rock and a stick on the trail side. by all means, roadies, racers, knock yourselves out, but I don't see me taking it up.
If it were likely to be problem, do you think it might not have been evident long ago in the road groupsets, given there might be 10+ riders in a pack all using eTap in close proximity? When was the last time you heard about cross-talk between powermeters/HR monitors etc? It's decades since 'accidental' cross talk was sorted out (e.g. by ANT+/Bluetooth pairing), and eTap backs this up with encrypted signals to prevent deliberate interference.
The kind of radio equipment needed to interfere with this is not going to be legal to operate.
I have ridden in Stellenbosch and that dust is hard on drivetrains.
It almost seems that this drivetrain was cleaned/polished for the photoshoot.
I did not mention oil..I mentioned "lube the drivetrain".
Still Looks polished AF
I have Di2 and it's fine, but if I had to charge it a lot more often, like a suspect a wireless system is going to need, I'd just go back to cables.
1) Seriously: Do we really need another part that requires a lithium ion battery, creating more toxic waste in the bike industry and for the world?
2) Every Wireless signal can be interfered or hacked: Yay...that theorectically opens a whole new level of cheating at a competition...
But on the other hand: When at home on my tacx trainer I can tell Alexa to shift my gears...
Sorry, the gearbox won't ever be the answer.
I'd choose an LX or NX or whatever derailleur setup any day, at least over what's currently out there. And I have no faith that gearboxes will be developed much further by any major brand. It's not a silly conspiracy. It's just common sense
All this gearbox dreaming... ugh, they cost so damn much and have their own major drawbacks, yet so many hail them as the cure-all for drivetrain woes that, for the most part, don't exist. There is a load of gearbox bike options out there right now, but I can count how many I've seen on the trail in the last decade on one hand. That's because they're really, REALLY, expensive, heavy, and while I admit there can be some theoretical advantages, they don't come anywhere near to how a derailleur performs. And people get chaffed about the price of an XTR or XX setup! C'mon, you mean to tell me that a nice LX setup off CRC isn't good enough? Sure, it ain't perfect, but it works better than a gearbox and costs a mere fraction of the price.
I'd be willing to bet that most of the people who pine longingly for a gearbox bike have never ridden one. They like the IDEA of a gearbox bike - hell, so do I - but it's a whole other thing in real life. Part of me wants to travel to every gearbox pusher's local trails around the world to let them ride one, and then they can buy me donuts afterwards because they were wrong.
I think the big obstacle is that derailleurs are cheap and easy for everyone involved in terms of up-front costs, whereas gearboxes are anything but. They're expensive to develop and move to production, partly because they require a ton of testing that derailleurs don't. I have no idea how outfits like Pinion actually fund their R&D when they seem to be selling about 10 units a year and they must be spending hundreds of thousands if not millions on development each year. But with all that said, I'm still not about to trade in my conventional drivetrain, because as much as I hope gearboxes are the future, they aren't the present.