electric shimano

Well it's happened, Shimano stepped up its game and brought out their new electric line up to the Tour of California. It's nice to see that it improved its design from the raw block of metal that it was. Let's break this down right quick.


Well look at the shifters. Extremely ergonomically designed. Extended the length of the hoods, and it appears they have slimmed down a little bit. Although the mega cool thing is the screens in the horns of the hoods. It's nice to see that shimano realized its flight deck stuff is over priced and they are integrating it. For those that don't know, it will display the gear that you are currently in . Pretty spiffy. Soon enough, you won't have to think about anything while riding. ...LAME

This is probably the most noteable change; Shimano, refined the design of the rear derailer from being simply a rough cut block of aluminum to a derailer that is very similar to the current dura-ace stuff, which makes it much more attractive to riders - pro or not.
The front derailer is a little bulky but, hey its electric. Sram will fix it --> HA



Look at that.... another water bottle cage, for those extremely long rides... PSYCH. Yep, it's the battery. A little more bulky than campy, and not as well integrated. But give them time. Ideally, they could integrate a computer similar to the SRM computer. Naturally they would need to find a super effecient power source, but it's totally possible. Think... In the rear, slide to button sized batteries under the Dura-Ace Badging, and something similar to that in the front; like c-cells in the mounting bracket....Integration and efficiency is key. Gotta do that before the average person will pick this up and put it on their bike. Otherwise, it looks awful - too many zip ties and other crap - and we all know looks are half the battle.


Although I wouldn't mind having those handle bars.... Kinda gravy