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EB15: Up Close with the Prototype Electronic Drivetrain from Metron or FSA

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FSA metron electronic drivetrain prototype-10

The future is electric. After months of speculating over spy shots this summer of a certain prototype drivetrain, we were finally able to personally check out the new prototype electric group from FSA after it was first unveiled at the Tour. Well, technically it was shown at an FSA press conference, but we won’t be surprised if and when the group is unveiled that it falls under the Metron umbrella.

Even though we were able to photograph the group, FSA/Metron remained extremely tight lipped on the subject. Until we get more details, push the button to speculate away…

FSA metron electronic drivetrain prototype

FSA metron electronic drivetrain prototype-9 FSA metron electronic drivetrain prototype-8

 

While the parts are clearly labeled with huge prototype stickers the drivetrain was looking quite polished meaning we may see it sooner rather than later. The shifters currently use a fixed pivot brake lever with a rocker type shift switch. Press on the upper part of the rocker to shift one way, and the other half to do the reverse. As is, the right lever controlled the rear and the left controlled the front shifter. Judging by the shape and the size of the brake lever we won’t be surprised if we see these incorporate hydraulic brakes in the future.

FSA metron electronic drivetrain prototype-2

FSA metron electronic drivetrain prototype-3 FSA metron electronic drivetrain prototype-4

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FSA metron electronic drivetrain prototype-6

Derailleurs front and rear had their own wires and no apparent battery packs, though the shifters still didn’t appear to have wires of their own It’s possible they are routed under the bar tape and into the bar, though that would require the wires to go through the walls of the handlebar into the stem, and then into the frame through the steerer tube. It’s possible, but it’s also extremely possible that the shifters are wireless while the derailleurs are not. Theoretically, this would allow for the use of coin cell batteries in the shifters which would last a while, and a more traditional battery pack for the two power hungry derailleurs that could be recharged without removing anything from the bike.

FSA already has their own battery holding seat posts, so if it’s not wireless, our money is on a stick shaped battery in the bottom of that post.  Each derailleur appeared to have two tiny limit screws, while the front included three push buttons. One of them looked to be the power switch, and the other two are labeled Set and Check which probably means we’ll see a special set mode and a system diagnostic mode. Otherwise, the derailleurs used standard attachment methods and familiar layouts.

FSA metron electronic drivetrain prototype-13 FSA metron electronic drivetrain prototype-12

This particular prototype was set up with an 11 speed cassette from Shimano and an 11 speed FSA chain routed through what appears to be a carbon derailleur cage. Does this mean the final production will be 11 speed? Or is this just to throw us off while they develop 12 speed chains and cassettes? Time will tell.

 

 

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Derek
Derek
8 years ago

Putting the prototype number in a huge font just reminds me of this:

John
John
8 years ago

Hoping for more positive tactile feedback than Shimano’s Di2 shifters.

Will
Will
8 years ago

Wired electrics is so 2013, but it’s great to see another player having ago, as for 12 speed, no thanks

mountguitars
mountguitars
8 years ago

I agree! adding another cog isn’t innovation. just make them wireless and reliable and its a done deal.

Antoine
Antoine
8 years ago

12 gears would add a touch of progression to a single chainring wide range setup. But is it really needed, hard to answer.

daniel
8 years ago

what will be if 12 speeds free hub come out

Frippolini
Frippolini
8 years ago

Overall it looks great, and I’m happy that companies are putting some fire behind the big S’s.
Semi-wireless makes sense and should simplify installation.
Question that I have is how well the FD will operate once it gets covered in mud and dirt, looks like it’s very “open” to problems on muddy days.

Allan
Allan
8 years ago

What’s the deal with the exposed bolt on the hoods? Sharp edges too…that looks bad, hope that’s just part of being “PROTOTYPE”.

Also, that bike is hideous! Just sayin… 😉

Scotty
Scotty
8 years ago

Looks like the brake levers don’t have the hoods on them.

myke
myke
8 years ago

there is just no way FSA can make this happen long term. There is only room for three and they are the odd ones out. even if they were the first they would still be odd ones out.

Erik
Erik
8 years ago

had to be 11 years ago in the basement of the sands they showed this to a small select group during interbike… it was pretty interesting how the RD worked… wonder how similar this is to that…

Terry
Terry
8 years ago

i heard that Super Record will be releasing 12sp very soon. can bike rumor confirm?

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