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Spotted: SRAM electronic drivetrain on Bissell bikes

Logan VonBokel, Tom Boonen and Niki Terpstra sneak peeks at SRAM's electronic drivetrain, which remains very much a work in progress

May 10, 2014 Logan VonBokel

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SRAM — We spotted SRAM’s latest prototypes of its first electronic drivetrain on some of the Bissell Development Team’s bikes at the Amgen Tour of California. SRAM would not comment on the drivetrain, and Bissell’s head mechanic, Eric Fostvedt, kept us at bay, parking the bikes well behind a tape barrier. Photo: Logan VonBokel | VeloNews.com

SRAM — Following a tip from our colleagues at the Global Cycling Network, and some quick work with a camera, we were able to get some shots of the new electronic drivetrain, despite the best efforts of Bissell and SRAM employees. Photo: Logan VonBokel | VeloNews.com

SRAM — The team is not entirely on the new electronic drivetrain, and those who are appear to be using products in various stages of development, most notably the shifters. Photo: Logan VonBokel | VeloNews.com

SRAM — These clear-coated shifters appear to be an older prototype than the matte shift levers. Photo: Logan VonBokel | VeloNews.com

SRAM — The matte shift levers bear some graphics, and a bit of electrical tape covers up a logo of some kind. Photo: Logan VonBokel | VeloNews.com

SRAM — SRAM appears to be using a junction box similar to Shimano’s. It mounts under the stem, this one with a zip tie. Photo: Logan VonBokel | VeloNews.com

SRAM — We wonder if this junction box is taped for a reason. Perhaps it is a newer version and bears some graphics that SRAM did not want seen. Photo: Logan VonBokel | VeloNews.com

SRAM — The new electronic group appears to be carrying on the Red name, despite SRAM’s best efforts to use a black marker to cover up the Red logo above the limit screws. Photo: Logan VonBokel | VeloNews.com

SRAM — The SRAM electronic rear derailleur appears to be styled like the current Red model, with a servo motor in the back where a barrel adjuster normally would be. Photo: Logan VonBokel | VeloNews.com

SRAM — Another look at the rear derailleur. Photo: Logan VonBokel | VeloNews.com

SRAM — The graphics on the pulley cage appear to be the same as on the current mechanical rear derailleur, but that could have been what was around when engineers were assembling prototypes. Photo: Logan VonBokel | VeloNews.com

SRAM — Niki Terpstra of Omega Pharma-Quick Step came over to the Bissell area and asked Fostvedt if he could take one of the bikes for a spin around the parking lot. Fostvedt declined. Photo: Logan VonBokel | VeloNews.com

SRAM — Then Tom Boonen came over, ducked under the tape, and starting grabbing the brakes. Photo: Logan VonBokel | VeloNews.com

SRAM — Fostvedt caught him in the act, and asked him to get back behind the tape with the rest of us. Photo: Logan VonBokel | VeloNews.com

SRAM — OPQS riders and mechanics check out the new SRAM electronic drivetrain from afar. Photo: Logan VonBokel | VeloNews.com

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