E-Bike Mid Drive Motor Shimano Steps E8000 Review
If you’re a passionate cyclist who loves riding uphill and exploring off-road terrains, you need a motor that gives you enough power to tackle steep inclines easily. The Shimano Steps E8000 is an exceptional motor that can give you the speed and assistance you need to make your rides more enjoyable and satisfying. In this article, we’ll look in-depth at the Shimano Steps E8000, discussing its features, performance, and overall value.
What is the Shimano Steps E8000?
The Shimano Steps E8000 is a motor designed for e-bikes, which uses a combination of sensors and software to provide riders with the necessary assistance and power to tackle uphill climbs and rough terrains. The motor is part of the Shimano Steps system, which includes various other components, such as batteries, displays, and shifters.
Design and Features
The Shimano Steps E8000 is a compact, lightweight motor that can easily fit into most bike frames without adding extra weight or bulk. The motor has a power output of 250W, with a maximum torque of 70Nm, which is more than enough to tackle steep inclines and rough terrains. The motor also features a noiseless operation, meaning you won’t disturb the peace when riding through quiet neighborhoods or nature reserves.
The Shimano Steps E8000 also comes with a range of features, making it an exceptional choice for serious cyclists. The motor has a customizable assistance level, allowing you to adjust the level of assistance depending on the terrain you’re riding on. The motor also features a walk mode, which can help you push your bike up steep inclines without breaking a sweat.
Power and Performance
The Shimano Steps E8000 is a powerful motor that can provide you with the necessary assistance and power to easily tackle even the steepest hills. The motor has a maximum power output of 250W, with a maximum torque of 70Nm, making it one of the most powerful motors on the market.
The motor also features a customizable assistance level, which allows you to adjust the level of assistance depending on the terrain you’re riding on. The motor has three different assistance levels ranging from eco to boost mode. The boost mode can provide up to 300% assistance, making tackling even the steepest hills easy.
Battery Life and Charging Time
The Shimano Steps E8000 is equipped with a long-lasting battery that can provide up to 100km of range on a single charge. The battery has a capacity of 500Wh, which is enough to keep you going for a full day of riding. The battery also features a quick charging time, which allows you to fully charge the battery in just a few hours.
Ease of Use
The Shimano Steps E8000 is an easy-to-use motor that can be controlled using a simple display unit. The display unit provides all the necessary information, such as speed, distance, and battery level, and allows you to customize the assistance level and other settings. The motor also features a walk mode, which can help you push your bike up steep inclines without breaking a sweat.
Compatibility and Connectivity
The Shimano Steps E8000 is compatible with most e-bikes and easily installed in most bike frames. The motor also features Bluetooth Compatibility and Connectivity.
The Shimano Steps E8000 is compatible with most e-bikes and easily installed in most bike frames. The motor also features Bluetooth and ANT+ connectivity, allowing you to connect your bike to your smartphone or other devices. This feature lets you track your rides, monitor your performance, and access additional features like navigation and weather updates.
Maintenance and Support
The Shimano Steps E8000 is a reliable motor that requires minimal maintenance. The motor is designed to be durable and long-lasting and can withstand the demands of off-road riding. Shimano also provides excellent product support; you can easily find spare parts, manuals, and other resources online.
The Successor-Shimano STEPS EP 8
In 2020, Shimano released the STEPS EP8 motor as an upgrade to the E8000. The EP8 motor has a higher maximum torque of 85Nm and a higher maximum support of 400%, which means more power and responsiveness on the trails. The EP8 motor also has improved heat management, reduced drag and noise, a smaller form factor, and faster data transmission. The EP8 motor is compatible with the same battery options as the E8000 but requires a new display unit and remote switch.
The Shimano STEPS EP8 motor has been well received by riders and reviewers who have tested it on various e-MTB models. They have reported that the EP8 motor offers more punch and fun on technical terrain while retaining the smoothness and naturalness of the E8000. They have also appreciated the motor’s reduced weight and size and enhanced customization options via the E-Tube app.
Pros and Cons of Shimano Steps E8000
Pros of The Shimano Steps E8000:
- Powerful motor with customizable assistance level
- Compact and lightweight design
- Long-lasting battery with quick charging time
- Easy-to-use display unit with a walk mode
- Bluetooth and ANT+ connectivity for easy tracking and monitoring
Cons of The Shimano Steps E8000:
- Relatively expensive compared to other e-bike motors
- It may not be compatible with all bike frames
- The assistance level may not be sufficient for highly steep inclines
Conclusion
To conclude, the Shimano STEPS E8000 motor is a solid and reliable choice for e-MTB enthusiasts who value smoothness, naturalness, simplicity, and versatility. It may not be the most powerful or advanced motor on the market today, but it still delivers a satisfying ride experience on most trails. However, suppose you are looking for more performance, responsiveness, and features from your e-MTB motor. In that case, you may want to consider upgrading to the Shimano STEPS EP8 motor, which offers more power and fun while keeping most of the strengths of the E8000.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How powerful is the Shimano E8000 motor?
The Shimano E8000 motor is a powerful and compact drive unit for e-mountain bikes that offers 70 Nm of torque and 250 W of output. It has a short rear center to increase clearance for suspension and large tires. It also provides a stable and direct pedaling feel whether the assist is on or off.
How good is Shimano Steps E8000?
The Shimano Steps E8000 is a complete e-bike system that includes the drive unit, battery, display, switch, chainring, crankarm, and chain device. It allows you to customize your assist mode, power output, and display settings via the E-Tube app. It also supports Di2 electronic shifting and walk assist functions.
What is the difference between Shimano E8000 and EP8?
The difference between Shimano E8000 and EP8 is that the EP8 is a newer and improved version of the E8000. It has more torque (85 Nm vs. 70 Nm), less weight (2.6 kg vs. 2.88 kg), less drag (36% vs. 50%), and more range (up to 20% more in Eco mode). It also has a quieter operation, smoother power delivery, and better heat management.
Is Shimano E8000 reliable?
The Shimano E8000 is reliable, designed to withstand harsh conditions and rigorous use. It has a durable and waterproof construction that can handle mud, dust, water, and impacts. It also has an intelligent protection system that prevents overheating, overvoltage, and overcurrent. It has a long battery life lasting up to 100 km on a single charge.
What is the range of Shimano E8000?
The range of Shimano E8000 depends on several factors such as battery capacity, assist mode, rider weight, terrain, speed, weather, and riding style. According to Shimano’s website, the estimated range for a 504 Wh battery is between 50 km to 100 km in Boost mode, 75 km to 150 km in Trail mode, and 100 km to 200 km in Eco mode.