WHICH MOTOR?
When it comes to direct-sales e-bikes, 90 per cent of bikes are built around Shimano motors, of which there are currently three, and all are represented here on our test bikes. Only Radon uses a Bosch system, but what are the pros and cons of each? Read on to find out.
SHIMANO EP8
Released recently, EP8 is the lighter, more powerful 85Nm successor to the successful Shimano E8000 STEPS motor. It has reduced drag, but as a result the cogs tend to rattle more than on the older E7000/8000 units. Also there isn’t a noticeable increase in power over the 70Nm E8000 unit. With multiple profiles, EP8 has the advantage of tunability and customisation, but you still can’t increase the overrun of the motor. EP8 comes on the Canyon Spectral:on CF 8.0, Commençal Meta Power and Vitus E-sommet VRX.
SHIMANO E8000
Shimano’s original high-end motor. The E8000 unit is 300g heavier than EP8 and 10 per cent bigger, so it offers less ground clearance. The motor is also louder than EP8 when pedalling which is due to the increased drag, but it’s quieter when freewheeling down bumpy trails. Shimano lists peak torque for E8000 as 70Nm, but it doesn’t feel like it’s 21 per cent less than EP8. The YT Decoy Shred used the E8000 motor and a custom 540Wh battery.
SHIMANO E7000
Launched in 2018, E7000 sits below E8000 in Shimano’s STEPS range, so in analogue terms it’s SLX and E8000 is XT. In terms of peak torque E7000 has 60Nm and it is designed to give a more natural ride experience, which translates to you working harder to keep up on steep climbs. Also, if you’re in the wrong gear and your pedal cadence is low, it can feel like the motor has cut out. The monochrome display also reduces costs, but the most infuriating thing about it is that there’s no warning when the last chunk of battery is about to run out.
BOSCH PERFORMANCE CX
The latest high-end Performance CX motor was launched in 2019 with a software update earlier this year that boosted peak power to 85Nm. At 2.9kg, the magnesium casing Performance Line is much smaller and lighter than its predecessor. It uses an ISIS BB interface and the display and control unit is hardwired in place. It’s loud and it’s proud to be a full-power e-bike motor. Engagement is instant, making hill starts a breeze, and the extra overrun, that keeps the motor running for a split second after you’ve stopped pedalling, makes it easy to get even the heaviest e-bike up and over any obstacle. Reliability is also first rate. The Radon Render 10.0 uses the Bosch Performance Line CX motor, with the Kiox display and 625Wh battery.