New Shimano groupset features Anti Lock Brakes

Shimano have a brand new groupset out called CUES Di2. It’s designed principally for e-commuters and the like but don’t click back just yet! It features an Anti-Lock Braking System that is rather interesting.

Shimano ABS

The system has been designed in conjunction with Blubrake. Blubrake have been doing ABS stuff for bicycles for quite some time now and having Shimano opt to use their IP instead of developing their own is huge testament to Blubrake.

How does this Anti-Lock Braking System work? Pretty much like any modern car’s ABS in essence. Shimano: “Using a wheel speed sensor at the front brake together with a built-in motion sensor in the electronic control unit, Shimano ABS enables controlled braking force and more consistent stopping power.”

Who benefits from ABS on a bicycle?

To be honest, probably not you (assuming you’re a mountain biker and/or experienced general cyclist).

Shimano don’t overly limit their market by stating who this ABS system is for but they do state that it’s “perfect for cargo bikes with heavy loads, daily commuters, and recreational riders looking for added control on the bike.”

More about the Shimano CUES Di2 groupset

Commuters. Commuters on e-bike. Commuters on e-bikes who don’t want to have to think about the gears. Ever. From a maintenance point of view as well as whilst riding along.

Shimano CUES Di2 equipped e-bikes have longer-lasting LinkGLide components and the ability to change gear automatically. Allowing commuters to just pedal and go. Yep, like a car with automatic transmission.

Gear changes can happen whilst pedalling or whilst coasting. Shimano call the gear changing systems ‘Free Shift’ (shift without pedalling) and the less-catchy ‘Auto Shift With Manual’ (changes gears for you whilst you’re pedalling).

CUES Di2 works with either the brand new e-bike motor from Shimano (the EP6) or with an updated version of the EP8 (called the EP801).

Shimano: “Utilizing Shimano e-bike’s centralized battery power source and integrated smart systems, Shimano CUES Di2 delivers smooth, fast, and decisive shifting, for a continuously comfortable cadence.

“Enjoy the luxury of always having the right gear when rolling through city streets thanks to Shimano’s system of smart e-bike components. Let the Shimano CUES Di2 system take control when coasting to a stop, automatically finding the optimal gear for when the light turns green.”

Shimano Cues Di2 RD-U6070

11-speed LINKGLIDE
Maximum low sprocket: 50T
Medium Cage

Shimano Cues Di2 RD-U6050

10-speed LINKGLIDE
Maximum low sprocket: 43T
Medium Cage

While you’re here…

Ben Haworth

Orange Switch 6er. Stif Squatcher. Schwalbe Magic Mary Purple Addix front. Maxxis DHR II 3C MaxxTerra rear. Coil fan. Ebikes are not evil. I have been a writer for nigh on 20 years, a photographer for 25 years and a mountain biker for 30 years. I have written countless magazine and website features and route guides for the UK mountain bike press, most notably for the esteemed and highly regarded Singletrackworld. Although I am a Lancastrian, I freely admit that West Yorkshire is my favourite place to ride. Rarely a week goes by without me riding and exploring the South Pennines.

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