SRAM X Brose = Eagle Powertrain. A SRAM eBike first
Long awaited and much rumoured, it’s now out and in the public eye. That’s right, SRAM did a thing, and introduced its own eBike system; SRAM Eagle Powertrain.
Thing is, Eagle Powertrain is actually a smart collaboration with one of the worlds biggest motor manufacturers, Brose. System integration is the word (or two) here. Seamless experiences the outcome.
Key motor and battery stats
- Maximum Torque: 90 Nm
- Peak Power Output: 680 Watts
- A claimed best in class derating (heat vs. power loss)
- Batteries: 630 Wh (3Kg), 720 Wh (4.1Kg) + optional 250 Wh Range Extender
- Drive Unit Weight: 2.9 kg
- Warranty Period: 2 years
Software innovation
As has been rightly highlighted across media coverage on launch day, it’s arguably Auto Shift, Coast Shift, and wireless connectivity, which represent the most exciting elements of the new Eagle Powertrain product and feature set.
As would be the case in an IT environment – particularly appropriate with SRAM increasingly seeing itself as a technology company which designs and delivers innovative solutions that amplify and expand the rider experience – what we’re witnessing here is a seamless blending of hardware and software.
In SRAM speak, “Awesome. Awesome. Awesome.” (Watch the video for a clearer, ‘awesome’ picture.)
Eagle Powertrain Auto Shift is described as, ‘a feat of German engineering that senses and translates rider input’, via the Powertrain algorithm, to deliver an automated shifting experience.
Coast Shift means finding yourself in the wrong gear, and unable to turn the pedals, is history – shifting gears without turning the pedals has arrived. Critically, this is customizable to meet individual rider preferences.
Critically, both Auto Shift and Coast Shift can be overridden by rider inputs. Important to note, both Auto Shift and Coast shift, only work with Transmission groupsets.
Hardware that makes the most of the software innovation
At the interface of software and hardware, SRAM points to Eagle Transmission, with its ability to make shifts under full load. For eBike riders, this represents a significant upgrade in shifting performance, and, with the Transmission derailleur doing away with the mech hanger, a level of durability not found with a traditional rear derailleur and hanger configuration.
On bar controls
Controlling the new Eagle Powertrain are AXS Pod Controllers, which offer riders the ability to assign all powertrain rider commands, without the need to compromise the bar with the clutter of additional remotes and bar mounted displays. As a solution this delivers an ultra-clean wireless cockpit, which SRAM points out is indicative of any Eagle AXS system.
A conversation with SRAM CEO, Ken Lousberg
At a time when the SRAM empire is churning out innovation after innovation, CIN got to speak with CEO, Ken Lousberg. To read the interview, click here.
In the UK, SRAM is distributed by ZyroFisher.
