BikeBiz Bicycle and cycling retail news
The hydraulic shifting prototype first seen at Eurobike in 2006 under the 5 Rot label has finally gone into production, much thanks to inventor Christophe Muthers joining German components firm Acros.
UK distributor for the brand, Balfa has confirmed to BikeBiz that it will get a number of the mid-cage units from the first batch – just 250 worldwide – though much of its stock is already pre-ordered, or allocated to demo rigs. A further batch is in production and will be available shortly along with downhill specific versions of the system.
Balfa’s Simon Shephard: "By the end of May we’ll have the first batch, of which we’ve got a small share of the 250 produced. At present, the guide price falls between £1,300 to £1,400 for the full front and rear derailleur and shifter package and we’ll carry each of the 248 pieces that make up the system as spare parts."
Shooting down concerns that the system will be difficult to service, Shephard added: "Anyone who can service a hydraulic brake will have no problem with the Acros system – it’s very easily serviced and fully sealed."
Acros claims the weight or the minimalistic-looking rear derailleur is a mere 159 grams, while the front is just 79 grams. A pair of the shifters is claimed to hit the scales at 65 grams. As a complete package, the firm believes it has managed to undercut SRAM’s XX by 150 grams and XTR by 175 grams.
SRAM, though not re-inventing the wheel with its product at Sea Otter, did debut a chrome and polished X0 groupset, MRP-designed XO chain guides, as well as new x10 gearing options.
Balfa UK: 01442 826007
