Tech

SRAM introduce E-MTB specific drivetrain and brakeset

· By Press Office · 17 comments

In the early days of mountain biking, riders were forced to settle for products that had been designed for use on road bikes. Modifications were made, but the roots of the design were not completely purpose built, not mountain biking specific. Suspension got better and frame design improved. We began to question the conventional wisdom—challenge the old design ideas that limit what can be done to push the sport into the future. SRAM 1x technology was an incredible step forward for the mountain bike drivetrain, and has had a profound effect on not only the way bikes are designed but also the way people ride them.

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SRAM EX1 is poised to have the same impact on the E-MTB world. EX1 is the first and only drivetrain available today that was designed from the ground up specifically for E-MTBs.

Until the development of EX1, the E-MTB was seen simply as a mountain bike plus electric assistance. Though that definition is not strictly incorrect, the whole, in this case, is significantly greater than the sum of its parts. The experience an E-MTB provides its rider and the demands placed on each element of the entire system are incredibly different than with a traditional, non-electric-assisted mountain bike. Therefore, the thinking simply has to be different.

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Building upon information from motor manufacturers, and its own interpretation of problems associated with using a conventional mountain bike drivetrain on an E-MTB, SRAM’s EX1 development team used advanced data acquisition methods for field testing, combined with traditional lab testing, to create a perfect E-MTB drivetrain solution.

The heart and soul of the EX1 system is its E-BLOCK cassette, which is designed to provide the optimum E-MTB gear range, as well as increased battery longevity and component wear life. Its 11- to 48-tooth, 8-speed design allows a 436-percent gear range. Based on its testing, SRAM believes this is the ideal E-MTB gear range.

The 8-speed design incorporates big (30-percent average) steps between gears. The big steps, in combination with the EX1 group’s single-action shift lever, reduces riders’ tendency to double shift. The single-shift design significantly helps chain and cassette wear.

The cassette, machined from case-hardened tool steel, is narrower than a 10- or 11-speed cassette, which helps maintain a straighter chain line throughout the gear range. Engineers were then able to pair the cassette with a slightly wider, tougher chain to increase durability—which is critical in the E-MTB environment, where shifting is typically done at very high torque and low pedaling cadence, versus the low-torque, high-cadence environment of traditional mountain biking.

The E-BLOCK cassette uses a non-XD driver body. The larger virtual front sprocket provided by a midship motor all but eliminates the need for a 10-tooth cassette cog, so the E-BLOCK design’s focus is the larger, “climbing” cogs. By combining the proper climbing gears with motor output, battery power is optimized, and lasts longer given the same conditions.

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Shifting performance and feel is signature SRAM. As stated previously, the trigger shifter has been designed to shift once at a time—not multiples—but the action is positive and exact. The EX1 derailleur employs the rugged, X-HORIZON design seen in XX1 and X01 derailleurs, with a redesigned clutch, cage and pulley design specifically for the 48-tooth cog.

Purpose-built solutions mean greater opportunities.

Bold new world

Ever since the first beat-up old newsboy bikes were modified to ride in the dirt, mountain biking has been about defying convention and finding new ways to make the ride better. And each new style of riding requires a perfect solution. EX1 is the world’s first drivetrain system specifically developed for the unique demands of the E-MTB. With proven SRAM 1x technology as its DNA, this group’s heart is the EX1 cassette, which allows optimal steps between cogs for more purpose-driven shifts and providing the best gear range for midship-motor E-MTBs. Each EX1 component is engineered to perfectly complement the system, and the result is quiet operation, intuitive shifting, increased battery life and greater durability. EX1 opens the door to a brave new world of mountain biking.

EX1 E-Crank

Lightweight, durable, stiff and designed specifically to work with Bosch and Brose mid-ship motors, EX1 crankarms are purpose built for the high-torque E-MTB environment.

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Features and Benefits

  • Proven SRAM technologies adapted for the demands of midship-motor E-MTBs
  • Compatible with Bosch, Brose and Yamaha bottom bracket interfaces

Specifications

  • BB compatibility – ISIS
  • Crank arm length – 170mm, 175mm
  • Colour – black
  • Crank arm material – aluminium

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SRAM X-Sync Sprockets

Built with the needs of E-MTB riders in mind, and incorporating the same X-SYNC chain management technology found in every SRAM 1x drivetrain, EX1 offers 14-, 16- and 18-tooth sprockets for Bosch motors.

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Specifications

  • Bolt circle diameter – Direct mount
  • Teeth – 14, 16, 18
  • Colour – Black
  • Material – Steel

XG-899 E-Block Cassette

E-BLOCK shifting technology is a fundamental redevelopment of external drivetrain shifting. On the E-BLOCK cassette, the chain has a defined link position on each cog. Cog architecture has been engineered to work with both inner and outer links of the chain, which allows extremely refined shifting for both inboard and outboard shifts. The result is precise and robust shifting performance in any situation, even with full motor support.

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Features and benefits:

  • 11-48t, 8-speed cassette machined from case-hardened tool steel
  • Ideal mid-ship motor gear range
  • Increased chain wrap on climbing cogs
  • Symmetric shifting geometry allows fast, precise gear shifts
  • Optimal inboard and outboard shifting performance
  • The big steps between cassette cogs is a completely new cassette technology engineered specifically for the demands of E-MTB
  • Non XD driver body compatible

Specifications:

  • Speed – 8
  • Gearing – 11-48t
  • Cog finish – black
  • Technology – XG
  • Cog sizes – 11t, 13t, 15t, 18t, 24t, 32t, 40t, 48t
  • Cogs on cluster – 5

EX1 X-Horizon Rear derailleur

The EX1 derailleur capitalizes on the robust build and precise shifting attributes of the X-HORIZON design, to create the world’s first derailleur specifically made for E-MTBs. Engineered to handle high-torque, low-cadence shifting across the 11-48 tooth E-BLOCK cassette, the EX1 derailleur gives E-MTB riders clean, confident shifts, so they can spend more time enjoying the ride.

Features and benefits

  • Proven SRAM X-HORIZON design that reduces shift force, ghost shifting and chain slap
  • 12-tooth X-SYNC pulley wheels
  • The EX1 derailleur is purpose built for E-MTB

Specifications

  • Speeds – 8
  • Cable pull ratio – 1:1
  • Max tooth – 48
  • Colour – black
  • Pulley bearings material – steel
  • Cage material – aluminium
  • Weight – 289g

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EX1 X-Actuation Trigger Shifter

It has the proven SRAM shifter technology and authoritative lever feel, but the EX1 shifter has been engineered to deliver one perfectly accurate shift at a time, alleviating double shifting and over shifting. Single precise gear changes increase battery life and help to decrease component wear.

Features and benefits

  • X-Actuation for precise and dependable performance
  • Single shifts reduce over shifting and increase battery performance

Specifications

  • Speeds – 8
  • Compatibility – 8-speed rear derailleur
  • Cable pull ratio – X-ACTUATION
  • Colour – black
  • Cable length – 2200mm
  • Shifter type – trigger
  • Matchmaker compatible – yes
  • Max upshifts/downshifts – 1
  • Multi-position – yes
  • Part weight – 122g

EX1 Chain

The high torque loads of E-MTBs require tough components. The straighter chain line EX1 offers allows the use of a chain that is wider and more robust than those found on drivetrains not specifically engineered for E-MTBs. The 8-speed EX1 chain has been engineered to run quiet across the gear range and transmit more power to the rear wheel.

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Specifications

  • Compatibility – 8-speed
  • Colour – Grey
  • Chain connector – PowerLock
  • Inner link finish – Polished
  • Outer link finish – Nickel
  • Pin variant – Solid Pin
  • Pin treatment – Chrome Hardened

Guide RE

Guide RE is SRAM’s optimized braking solution for today’s exciting category of E-MTBs, capable of handling the higher average speeds, more intense use and increased mass due to the presence of the motor and battery. It combines SRAM’s proven Guide R lever assembly with a powerful 4-piston caliper derived from the gravity-focused Code brakes. Guide RE provides real, usable on-trail control—optimal power and modulation mean speed can be controlled in all terrain and in all situations, both uphill and downhill.

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Features and Benefits

  • Guide R lever assembly with proven Guide technologies
  • Powerful 4 piston caliper derived from the Code gravity specific brakes
  • Sintered pads for better pad life in intensive use
  • MatchMaker X compatible
  • Ambidextrous lever mount
  • Tool-free reach adjust

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Specifications

Weight: 415g (based on direct mount, 800 hose, 160mm CL Rotor)
Blade material: aluminium – stamped
Lever body material: Forged aluminium
Caliper construction: 2-piece
Caliper material: Forged aluminium
Finish: Gloss black
Pad type: Steel-backed metal sintered
Hydraulic fluid: DOT 5.1
Reach adjust: Tool-free
Hose routing angle: Adjustable banjo
Brake type: Hydraulic
Lever pivot: Bushing
Caliper hardware: Steel
Pistons: 4
Piston material: Phenolic plastic

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Comments

Stoffies1

May 17, 2016, 2:52 PM

My goodness next level fatso!!!

'Dale

May 17, 2016, 3:16 PM

Geez

The RnD team at SRAM don't sleep hey ????

android11

May 17, 2016, 4:05 PM

They are focused on making the company as much money as possible.

Rocket-Boy

May 17, 2016, 4:19 PM

They are focused on making the company as much money as possible.

That is what they are employed to do, so sounds like they are doing a good job.

spinning round

May 17, 2016, 5:58 PM

Honda did this years ago with Greg Minnaar and looked better than this  

Skylark

May 17, 2016, 6:02 PM

"The cassette, machined from case-hardened tool steel" ok so why can't us plebs with 10x and 11x get case-hardened tool steel cassettes? Maybe if you look after it you'll replace the bike before the cassette wears out... You'll see adverts " Bike is finished but cassette still 100%" :D

BaGearA

May 17, 2016, 6:13 PM

Why do you need a 48t cog , are not doing 100% of the pedaling???

Hairy

May 18, 2016, 7:43 AM

nice motorbike gearing

MarcBurger

May 18, 2016, 8:46 AM

8, 9, 10, 11.. 12 speed. What comes after 12?.. 8 does, 8 comes after 12. 

In Sramworld.

 

That said. Brakes based on Codes, I'm keen.

I'm sure the "e" suffix scratches off easily enough.

Spoke101

May 18, 2016, 9:27 AM

Just thinking out loud here, if the biggest chainring you can run is a 18T and your smallest at the back is a 11T you going to be spinning out all over the place.

 

That works out to 121cm of forward movement for every revolution of the crank in the 18/11T on a 29x2.3 Tyre :cursing:.  and 95cm if you run a 14T chainring.

Compare that to 1x11 running a 34/10T and you get 252cm per revolution.

 

I don't think you'll be able to stay upright in the 18/48T you'll be moving so slowly. Unless the Bosch motor can run without you having to pedal.

mikkelz

May 18, 2016, 10:20 AM

HTFU!

keithbe

May 18, 2016, 10:22 AM

Yip. If you want an electronic bike go motocross. If you want to peddle use your bicycle...and your legs. Soon there will be "cars" ala Flintstones...an ecar.

BDF

May 18, 2016, 10:22 AM

Maybe I'm just a simpleton but isn't cycling about human propulsion? Why would you want a motorised MTB? Just get a motorbike!

Pure Savage

May 18, 2016, 10:24 AM

Just thinking out loud here, if the biggest chainring you can run is a 18T and your smallest at the back is a 11T you going to be spinning out all over the place.

 

That works out to 121cm of forward movement for every revolution of the crank in the 18/11T on a 29x2.3 Tyre :cursing:.  and 95cm if you run a 14T chainring.

Compare that to 1x11 running a 34/10T and you get 252cm per revolution.

 

I don't think you'll be able to stay upright in the 18/48T you'll be moving so slowly. Unless the Bosch motor can run without you having to pedal.

 

I think they did this to stop hippies saying that its a motorbike and too fast etc...

Captain Fastbastard Mayhem

May 18, 2016, 11:08 AM

http://nsmb.com/sram-ex1-lets-pretend-the-e-stands-for-everyone/

 

Either way, for the purpose of this re-purposed press-release, I’m asking you, pretty please, to willfully ignore the context of SRAM’s latest groupset, EX1, and consider for a moment that they may have inadvertently taken us down the path towards a better drivetrain for… everyone choosing to power their bike by Meat-Engine only.

 

Very valid points here. I think SRAM just inadvertently opened up a can of worms for people who want a wider range gear system, but don't want the sheer number of gears or proprietary freehub that 11 & 12 speed brings.

 

And the Brake combo? Sign me up... 

 

 

SRAM claims that “the heart and soul of the EX1 system is its E-BLOCK™ cassette, which is designed to provide the optimum E-MTB gear range” but I’m going to have to call bull****. Other than DH racers, who don’t need the range, and competitive XC racers, who may prefer tighter jumps between ratios to maximize output and efficiency, the EX1 cassette could keep many human-powered riders very happy.

 

1) Tool steel construction for longer life/improved durability? Sounds good, I’ll take a few grams penalty and save the weight on a non-wear item.

2) Significantly cheaper, than 10/11/12-speed, and possibly more durable 8-speed chain compatibility? Sounds great.

3) 11-48t, 436%, range over 8-cogs for better chainline in more gear ratios? AWESOME — less wear from cross-chaining and no more dropped chains while backpedaling!

4) Compatible with ‘industry standard’ (used half-seriously) non-XD freehub bodies. I guess this isn’t great news if you’re wheels are XD compatible, but better you have to buy a new freehub body than me right?

 

 The EX1 groupset’s derailleur and 8-speed, Match Maker, compatible shifter look like standard SRAM fair. The derailleur has been optimized for the 8-speed range and “engineered to handle high-torque, low-cadence shifting across the 11-48 tooth E-BLOCK™ cassette” and the new “Type 3” clutch mechanism is promised to offer a “smoother torque curve for a quieter, more consistent operation and feel” and hopefully more durability compared to past efforts.

“Okay, fine”, you say, “I guess I could handle larger jumps between gear-ratios in exchange for better chainline and the other features you’ve listed, BUT, you made it sound WAY more impressive than that… What is up?”

Hear me out: if non-E-mountain-bike riders, look at this drivetrain and see potential, the kind of potential that has them buying it for non-E-bike purposes, then perhaps the industry will refocus.  Instead of the ‘just-add-a-cog status-quo’ of the last few years, perhaps there will be consideration of what the average rider actually needs. For some people that is probably nice tight “Rythm Step Gear Progression  from ratio-to-ratio but I certainly know a lot of riders who would trade the benefits for the E-BLOCK™ cassette and its 2, 3, or 4 fewer cogs.

 

There is another, much bolder, opportunity for EX1 to drastically change the drivetrain wars landscape. If a 436% spread over 8 cogs is perfectly acceptable for the average trail/all mountain/enduro rider, then what about 436% over 7 cogs,  6 cogs, or etc? And it isn’t just standard drivetrains this type of re-imagining could influence either.

Gearbox drivetrains have the potential to be simpler, cheaper, lighter, smaller, and more efficient if they were simplified to cover a greater range over less gear ratios. ‘Derailleur in a box’ systems like the Petespeed that promised derailleur efficiency and gearbox longevity could prove practical over a narrower width (less cogs) and the original system used 8 cogs.

 

I am, personally, not a fan of the Pandora’s Box of trail issues that E-Mountain-Bikes present to many trail communities but the potential for SRAM’s EX1 to inadvertently change the status quo of drivetrain development, for people-powered mountain bikes, is intriguing.

Spoke101

May 19, 2016, 6:24 AM

I think they did this to stop hippies saying that its a motorbike and too fast etc...

 

Did some recalculations because something was didn't look right.

at a cadence of 120(normal max):

14T = 21kph

18T = 27kph

 

This can not be right. They could be running an input and output shaft for the crank, thus your pedaling wont directly drive the chain. It will go through the gearbox first and then drive the chainring.

Beefy

May 22, 2016, 11:51 AM

Do they really need a specific brakeset? Can't they just use codes?

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