NEWS
What’s next from Di2? Alfine
FEW COULD HAVE predicted the next location for Shimano’s Di2 technology with any certainty – there were rumours that it could trickle down the road groups as far as 105, or perhaps end up on MTBs. It is in fact touring favourite, the Shimano Alfine gearhub, that has received the battery powered shifting makeover. The premium city touring component
confusion in the industry recently regarding the relationship between the new sales group E4 and BEBA. “E4 is a group of four like-minded electric bicycle businesses who are working together to create sales by holding road shows for both dealers and final users. BEBA promotes the use of electric bicycles in the UK generally and is concerned with improving policy and legislation for all stakeholders in the industry.”
group will feature much the same technology as Dura Ace and Ultegra, becoming more durable than prior mechanical systems and boosting how responsive the shift feels. Next to the bar- mounted switch is a info display that indicates gear and battery life status. Like the mechanical Alfine, both eight and eleven speed versions of the hub are to be available. Differing from the original, however, is the introduction of both flat bar shifters or a STi shifter for drop bars, in which the shifter will sit in the right hand brake. Madison, distributor in the UK for
Shimano, seem impressed. Shimano representative Chris Snook told BikeBiz: "I think it shows a positive step forward from Shimano and shows they are taking developing electronic gears seriously. The benefits of Di2, with its weatherproof capabilities matches the Alfine platform perfectly as a near maintenance free platform which can be used on road bikes, cross bikes, mountain bikes and commuters. Ultegra Di2 has shown that this technology is now becoming available to a wider market and technologies derived from that platform such as the E- Tubing means that the system is far easier to retro fit to existing frames, meaning
your current Alfine frame Genesis Day01, for example, is ready to be upgraded." Next to the electronic switch Shimano developed especially for drop bar bikes, an Alfine dual control lever for integrated Di2 shifting and braking. With this option it’s possible to create a road style internal hub geared bike. Snook added: "Alfine Di2 is the first electronic flat bar setup that we have seen make it into wide production, so read into that what you will for the future." Though a 2013 product, the first batch of eight and eleven-speed hubgears could be with Madison as soon as September.
York Cycle Show trade packs now available
YORK CYCLE SHOW has made its trade packs for this year’s show available to download from the show website. Earlier this year, chair of the York
Cycle Show Committee Paul Hepworth confirmed to BikeBiz that trade prices would be held and that this year will stick with the wristband system to help footfall through the trade area. Hepworth said: “Most Traders and
Exhibitors are located within a secure enclosure. Within the enclosure, we offer spaces inside the main marquees, or outdoor pitches where the trader brings their own tentage. “The public are admitted upon
payment of an entry fee to the Knavesmire site which gives them access to all our attractions and the trade show.
www.yorkcycleshow.co.uk
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