Hands on: ACROS AG-E Hydraulic Shifting

German engineering. For most people, those two words conjure an image of precision and utmost craftsmanship especially in the automotive world. The Germans are known for their attention to detail and quality products, but at a price. This tradition is carried on by A-GE hydraulic shifting system manufactured by ACROS of Germany.

With so much focus on the new electric shifting options from Shimano which are being adapted to mountain bikes, it is easy to overlook this hydraulic option which has actually been available since 2006. We had a chance to take a Storck carbon fiber bike equipped with the AG-E system out on the trails of Bootleg Canyon at the Interbike Outdoor Demo this year.

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Electric Bike Tour Hits Wales

This weekend saw an important cycling tour kick off. Not the Giro d’Italia, which is of course a big race in its own right, but this was the far less well known Tour de Presteigne 2011, which took place in Wales. What makes this one noteworthy is that it isn’t a Tour in the race sense, but rather a ride for the average cyclists and more importantly it is about the electric bike.

This event was hailed as the first event to see new bikes from Storck, the brainchild of German build Markus Storck, who is working to create some of the most efficient electric bikes the world has yet seen. The event also promised to introduce a prototype hydrogen fuel cell city car designed by River Simple Company, along with other innovative autos including the Nissian Leaf and the Tesla Roadster.

The event included a 50 mile ride around Wales on Saturday and a bike show on Sunday. We’re hoping to hear more of the events happenings, but we have already heard that the mood was electric thanks to the innovative bikes.

Tour of Presteigne Electric Bike Rally Official Website