30. April 2021
Connected E-Bike - Shimano, Garmin & Co
Shimano's E-Tube Project app makes it possible to get even more out of the EP8 drive system. In this article, we explain the possibilities offered by the app and present three devices that can be connected to the Shimano EP8.
What does the Shimano E-Tube Project app offer me?
The most important function of the app is undoubtedly the individual setting of the drive system. The three predefined support levels of the motor Eco, Trail and Boost can be adapted to the respective riding situation and personal fitness level with the app. The torque can be set in ten levels per riding mode. Depending on the selected mode, the maximum torque is between 20 and 85 Nm.
The app can also be used to control the engine's starting assistance in five different stages per driving mode. In addition, you can define two different rider profiles with the app. This makes sense if you use the bike for both sporty mountain biking and everyday use. You can set a correspondingly energy-saving profile for the way to work. For the trail round at the end of the day, you select a sportier set-up with more torque and higher start support. You can easily switch between the preset profiles at any time via the display to enjoy the EMTB experience even better.
In addition, firmware updates are carried out with the E-Tube Project App, so that the motor control of the Shimano EP8 is always up to date.
On the Shimano website there are all the details of the E-Tube Project and the Shimano STEPS E-Bike System.
Total control of assistance: in addition to the three levels (Eco, Boost and Trail), the Shimano system offers two profiles. Each profile also allows fine-tuning of power assistance, which can be adapted to suit the terrain and save battery energy.
Three devices that I can connect to the Shimano EP8 drive system
With the Shimano E-Tube Project app, the electronic components can be adapted even better to the individual riding style. The connection between bike and app works completely wirelessly via Bluetooth LE connection with your own smartphone.
Smartphones
Those who want to use the full functions of the E-Tube Project app must use their smartphone to do so. The app is available for both Android and iOS devices. Thanks to the wireless Bluetooth connection, you can then use your smartphone to change the settings of the motor control even during the tour and adjust them to new conditions if necessary.
Whether you mount the phone directly on the handlebar and use it as a bike computer or navigation device is a matter of personal taste. The smartphone's large display makes using the app convenient and clear.
Information about the system requirements and the download can be found on the Shimano website.
Navigation with fast route calculation, tracking and analysis options - GPS devices like the Garmin Edge 530 are very popular with many bikers. The coupling with the Shimano EP8 engine is simple and fast, on the Garmin display can then show more information such as support mode, range and more.
Garmin navigation devices
Also various navigation devices of the Garmin Edge Family can be coupled with the Shimano EP8 drive. Prerequisite for a connection is a compatible display such as the Shimano EP800 installed on the ROTWILD bikes. This is because, as with pairing with a cell phone, the display establishes the connection to the Garmin device via the integrated Bluetooth transmitter. To connect the navigation device, the Shimano STEPS system must be added as a "sensor" in the Garmin.
Now the display of the Navi shows information about the riding mode, the range, the charging status and the cadence. The device also displays information about the system status and warning messages. However, the full functions of the E-Tube Project app for motor control cannot be used on the Garmin device.
More information about the Compatibility of Garmin devices and the Shimano STEPS system can be found on the Garmin website.
The very sophisticated Sigma Rox 12.0 GPS navigation device also connects quickly with the Shimano EP8 system. In addition to a lot of practical features, important information such as range, battery charge level and support level can also be integrated on the Sigma display.
Sigma Rox 12.0 Sport
The popular GPS bike computer Sigma Rox 12 Sport is also compatible with the Shimano EP800 display. If the device is connected via Bluetooth, it provides information on the large display about the battery charge level, the selected gear, the support level and the remaining range. For bikes with lighting, the display also shows the current light mode.
Practical: The Sigma device displays both the support level and the remaining range in a symbol. This makes it easy to see how the range changes depending on the selected support level.
As with the Garmin devices, the full motor control functions cannot be used on the Sigma device. This is only possible with the E-Tube Project app on the smartphone.
More info about the Sigma Rox 12.0 Sport: Sigma-website