Eurobike is still the biggest bike show in Europe, and although maybe there aren't as many things launched here as in the past, it is still a treasure trove of new and interesting kit. We spent three days covering as much of the 150,000 sqm expo space and 1,800 exhibiting companies to find out what was new in the world of electric and analogue MTBs.
1. DJI Amflow MTBs and Avinox Drive System
We featured the news about DJI's electric mountain bike launch last week, and Eurobike was the first chance we got to see it in person. It was easily the most talked-about product at the event amongst visitors and exhibitors alike, and once we stood in front of it, it was easy to see why.
It's a hit list of impressive features not seen before on any e-MTB. Things like its dense cell 800Wh battery that is the same size as most 400Wh options, super slick and intuitive operating system borrowed from their cams and drones, compact and powerful motor with zero engagement lag, and clever 48-point speed sensor pick-up for super precise motor inputs – it's genuinely a big leap forward in e-MTB motor tech.
We look forward to getting one for testing as soon as possible. For more info, check out Amflowbikes.co.uk.
2. ZF Centrix 70 and 90 compact e-MTB motors
New compact motors were a theme at the show, and the automotive giant ZF is the latest company to show what they have been working on. ZF makes industrial gearboxes, robotics motors, marine propulsion systems, and many other motor-based applications, so it makes sense for them to utilize that tech for the cycling world.
The ZF Centrix 70 and 90 motors use a strain wave gearing system that makes a very compact mid-drive motor unit that can be neatly integrated into a frame. As the name suggests, there are two outputs available: a 70Nm and a 90Nm version. The more powerful of the two was on display at the event on bikes from Raymon and Bergstrom, and more brands are expected to use the technology next year. Peak power is 600w and is only possible in the 60-80rpm cadence range, though power is generated at very low cadences, which bodes well for those who like technical climbs.
We are keeping our eyes peeled to see where this new tech shows up, and we will hopefully have something on test soon. For more, check out ZF.com.
3. TRP-Bosch E.A.S.I. A12 electronic drivetrain with automatic shifting
We have seen automatic gear shifting on e-bikes before from both SRAM and Shimano, and now Bosch has their own E.A.S.I. A12 system developed in conjunction with TRP. It shares many similarities to other systems, with the general idea being that it will shift at the perfect time to minimize wear and damage to components that e-bikes are prone to, especially when used off-road. Manual or automated shifting options are available. The manual works just like a normal setup but is timed to shift smoothly, while the automatic ‘Roll Shift’ option has a setup similar to the Coast Shift found on SRAM’s motor, where the motor spins the front chainring, enabling you to change gear without moving the pedals.
The system works alongside Bosch’s latest update on the Eshift system, where the motor momentarily limits power during a gearshift to ensure a smooth gear change. One big difference here, though, is the TRP Hywire drop bar shifters, which look very neat and much better than some of the adapted e-MTB setups I've seen used on gravel bikes in recent times.
Simplon had a bike on display with the system, but as Bosch is one of the leading motor suppliers, we expect this to show up on lots of bikes over the coming year.
For more info, check out trpcycling.eu.
4. Black Math Bikes shapeshifting MTB
One of the most unique bikes at Eurobike was this CNC’d beast from the Polish brand Black Math Bikes. It is really two bikes in one that can be switched by simply pushing the dropper post lever. Once you engage the lever, it can change from a 140mm trail bike to a slack 170mm enduro bike, which handily drops the saddle out of the way at the same time.
Not only does the switch alter travel, but it also adjusts the geometry. For example, in the shorter travel climb mode, it has an 8mm longer reach and a 7mm shorter stack height. The angles change, too. Once you engage the long travel mode, the head angle drops by 0.8 degrees to 63.5 degrees, and the bottom bracket height drops by 10mm, giving you a long, low, and slack enduro steed. It's a real Jekyll and Hyde bike that could offer the best of both worlds and is certainly something we would love to get out on the trail to test.
For more info, head to blackmath.bike.
5. Dangerholm’s 'Wasteland' Scott Solace eRide
We have featured some of the Swedish custom builder’s previous work, and his latest creation is a bit different from what we usually see from him. This is no weight weenie build with a fancy paint job. For this build, Dangerholm has gone full Mad Max, though there was no word on how much battery is needed to make it all the way to Thunderdome.
It's a wild build with what looks like an apocalyptic version of the Jones truss fork and rust patina finished mainframe, complete with extra tubes, a hip flask, and saw rotors for brake rotors. Like all of Dangerholm's builds, it's full of really neat details and some seriously trick parts.
6. The lightest 29er in the world?
It wouldn't be a German bike show without another superlight, borderline unrideable 29er hardtail on display. This one was another of Dangerholm’s creations, and it was exhibited on the Trickstuff stand. I am a huge fan of XC bikes and XC racing in general, but I usually find the weight weenie show build bikes that look like they wouldn't last more than five minutes on a World Cup course a bit underwhelming. However, this one has some neat features that keep it interesting.
It is a stripped-down Scott Scale RC SL frame, and it has some seriously boutique parts on it, with a custom-polished Fox 32 that looks fantastic. It no doubt took an awful lot of elbow grease to get that mirror-like finish. The cockpit and saddle are from Darimo, which specializes in superlight custom carbon parts. The one-piece seatpost and saddle are especially eye-catching. A more traditional single mounting point would make it marginally lighter, but attaching the post at the front and rear of the saddle allows for extra flex, which adds a modicum of comfort to the bare carbon seat.
The other cool feature is the heavily modified rear mech made using Hopp parts to reduce the weight of the SRAM rear mech to around 170g. Of course, as this was on Trickstuff’s stand, it had the superlight and surprisingly powerful Piccola brakes fitted. And how much did it weigh? A very impressive 5.89kg / 12.9lb – considerably lighter than even the skinniest road bikes.
7. SRAM S-1000 Transmission drivetrain
SRAM launched a new S-1000 groupset at the show, which means you can now get the super-robust, if a little slow, shifting from the excellent T-Type Transmission at a lower price point. It maintains many of the features of its more expensive counterparts, such as the stiff UDH interface, near bombproof rear derailleur, and widely adjustable shifter, but in a marginally heavier package.
Unfortunately, S-1000 is only available as original equipment for the time being, so you can only get it if it's already on a bike. There are no plans for this to become available aftermarket currently, but it can only be a matter of time before SRAM brings out more cost-effective versions of their latest shifting tech.
8. Haro bikes are back
Those of a certain age might have fond memories of Haro BMX bikes [oh yes – Ed] from their youth or, like me, remember the days when the GOAT of downhill, Greg Minnaar, was winning world cups on both Haro single pivots and Haro-branded Intense M1s. The brand has been quiet in recent years, but it looks like it's been busy and has come back with a full range of bikes and a few you wouldn't expect.
The road bikes were probably the biggest draw at the show, but they also had some sorted-looking full-suspension trail and enduro bikes on display. Info was thin on the ground for the carbon bike, but with its mullet setup, in-frame storage, and solid build kit, it looked like a sorted trail option. They also had the Daley alloy full-sus bikes on with their brushed raw alloy finish, which looked great. It's great to see the brand back.
For more information, check out Harobikes.com.
