Shimano Files Patent for Anti-Lock Brake System for Bikes
Shimano has filed a patent for an ABS (Anti-Lock Braking System) for a vehicle that uses human force as the means for motion, which was first spotted by Bike Radar. This indicates that they are well on their way in the development of a working ABS system. ABS systems have been around for a long time in motor-driven applications including motorcycles, the first being patented in the late 1920s.
An ABS system is automated and uses sensors to quickly manage braking forces applied to the braking system of a vehicle to prevent it locking up and sliding, which causes a loss of traction. It is designed to help improve control of a vehicle and to decrease stopping distances on various surfaces. Over the years, systems have become increasingly complex and advanced. In a perfectly working system, the user could apply the brakes of whatever vehicle as hard as they want without fear of losing traction. Systems for motorcycles also have sensors to evaluate tilt and whether the wheels are on or off the ground.
Earlier this year, we reported on Tom Stanton's ABS system. Bosch also have a system for commuter and e-bikes, Volkswagen and Audi filed a patent for a two-wheeled bicycle system over a decade ago, but this is the first we've seen from Shimano.
While we can see the primary application of Shimano's system being pedelec bicycles, their patent doesn't limit it to that. The system specifically leaves things open to human-powered mountain bikes, cross bikes, and road bikes as well as different style drive systems including belt or shaft drive applications. The system is more complex than the VW/Audi one, with more sensors.
E-bikes are the likely candidate for Shimano's ABS system, but the patent leaves the door open for other applications.
A block diagram showing the brake system of the first photo.
According to the patent, it seems that the system could have a LIDAR style optics system that detects wheel movement in relation to the ground and GPS in it. Interestingly, Shimano also recently filed a patent for a brake rotor that has a magnetism generation device that can "detect the rotational state of a bicycle wheel". This is yet another piece of sensory equipment that could help in executing the system. How it all works together and what will it look like in the end is yet to be seen and, of course, it's just a patent. There may never be a product at all.
While the patent leaves things open to mountain bikes, it's hard to imagine the system being practical or desired by most trail riders. Where would it benefit someone the most? We suspect that pedelec eBikes will be a big market, and we can't forget bike share bikes where increasing safety is a concern. Mountain bikes and cross bikes? It's doubtful.
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Everything above the R brake is good. Comparing them to Shimano, Guide R vs SLX - choose SLX. RS vs XT - it comes down to if you prefer an on/off feel, or a more progressive feel to your brakes.
I'm certainly not jumping on a wagon just to rip on a company, but that's just crap! And worrying about the sun affecting your brakes is inexcusable!
guide r = deore
rs= slx
rsc=xt
ultimate-xtr
SRAM Marketing guys regarding poor stopping power: "Just tell everyone, they have 'great modulation'!"
Brake modulation: the ability to precisely and accurately control the amount of clamping force on a disc with a given amount of input.
"Accurately control!?" Now, would you still claim Shimano has good modulation, given their wandering bite point?
I mean, we have an article on Shimano making a system that for all intents and purposes makes no sense on a modern mtb, but the top comment is purely shitting on Sram. Shimano can do and say no wrong to this community.
But, now I have a second hand bike that came with the same SLX I liked before but with a shitty fork (and an awesome 69° head angle).
And now I understand. It's really hard to brake with the front brake without losing traction or having the fork diving right into the bumpers. So it feels like the brakes are "too powerful". Actually it's the fork (and headangle) that doesn't want to brake, and ABS won't help here.
But since you brought it up, when it gets really hot out and your Srams lock up, would you call that better or worse modulation than Shimano
Secondly, putting out that I and other people have no issue modulating Shimano is not shitty on other brakes( funny how you assumed Sram).
Perfectly happy on Hope brakes, thank you. I have had many Shimano brakes in the past, and all served well. None were good enough to want to keep.
I didn't assume Sram. The top comment is about Guide Rs. Last I checked that was a Sram product. Did you perhaps misread me?
I do not experience anything negative with Shimano brakes while merely putzing around, but braking last second into a high-speed, high-risk corner, only to have the front pads lock onto the rotor within the first 5mm of lever pull is pretty unnerving. This has been documented countless times. Seems you've lucked out.
It's OK to dislike Shimano brake's initial bite but it's also pretty easy for most people to get used to. I personally like it.
The only reason it's a problem is when the wandering bite point shows up. That combination really does make it a problem.
Referencing reviews for information on components in MTB....yeah....uhhh....that's a hard pass.
Anyone who reads reviews and doesn't SMH is either new or hopeless.
*after reading some of your above comments the "hopeless" part made me laugh cause I guess you're on hopes. I'd love to try those one day, always hear good things, but never from someone IRL i know is actually good/knows what they're talking about. Very few hopes around socal unfortunately.
Second-- did anyone else find the M810 generation of Saint brakes infinitely superior to anything else shimano has put out since?
I got newer saints and absolutely hated them. The old gen was definitely a powerful grabby brake, but it still had a solid feel to it and felt controlled.
I stripped the threads on my xt master cylinder/brake lever. I had Trickstuff ordered so I bought the cheapest Shimano lever I could find.
It was the mt200 lever for $13 on ebay. Before my brake was all over the place with pumping and bite point issues.
Installed the mt200 and all the issues vanished. It's the same feel Everytime I pull the lever.
Also replaced xt lever with bottom barrel mt200 lever and issues went away but not as much overall power.
My Trickstuff Piccola? They have more power then my xt.
With contaminated pads.
My Trickstuff pads front have been leaked on by my fork and still have more power and modulation then my xt.
I guess you would also fly over the bar's when you would use the Trigura or the Direttissima.
I never understood why people can't modulate their brake no matter what brake it actually is ...
I also do not understand what is the problem with having power under control, like older Saints or current Codes, why slamming brakes and feeling instant kick from the bike is considered as the desireable feature. I suspect it has to do with brake boilers/burners who just brake all the way down the mountain, ardously making brake bumps deeper, and deeper. That is my hypothesis. People replacing braking skill (possibly the most complex and hardest to attain skill in MTB after cornering) grabs instantly with zero effort, having less arm pump as a byproduct...
Modlation matters because the brake power is ultimately the max friction between your tyre and the ground. Who gives a hell how strong is your brake if you can't control wheels locking up or not, and in mixed dry/ wet conditions, like after the rain, when parts of the track dry up and some places stay slimy... good luck with on/off brakes.
Can't complain about the new ones.
I used the Trigura to long and with this setup you need to control your finger or you fly off. My Diettissima is realy soft when I compare it with the Trigura.
www.instagram.com/p/B3NWkbYnmy5/?igshid=qe2zvh3y87m
I also hope the box on the top tube is not a battery because that would mean my PB E-bike filter has failed.
Shimano patent team : "These engineers keep creating more paperwork for our department. We will show them!"
Shimano, being the massive corporation they are, have filled a patent for something (something they've no doubt done a million times, with only a handful of said patents making their way to production) which will be directed at a user group that ain't you and your buddies.
As far as affordability goes.. I've ridden all the good stuff (except for electronic) and I have to say Shimano slx really hits the mark for good performance and price. So I think they're also doing ok at covering that end of the market.
To that end I have to ask what it is that you're looking for when you say "more affordable." I know this particular sport isn't necessarily cheap, but you don't have to spend a lot or buy new stuff all the time to have fun doing it.
It was meant as a joke which was indicated they use canti as an anti lock brake.
This is most likely going to be more of a road focused option. You need to be able to lock up a wheel and skid as terrain demands it when in the dirt.
How many of us didn’t read the article and went straight to the comments on this one?
Abs is cool and all but what about when you want to lock your wheel? How are you supposed to do endo’s? Or badass tailtaps? What about the Canadians man, the friggin canadians man. Why have a front brake if you can’t do the occasional nosepick stall.
But seriously could be mad useful for preventing accidents but does pose some other limitations.
"Yeah, and all those riders with servo wave brakes that randomly allow the lever to pull the the bar. That was some bad PR fur us.
"We should market that as an intentional feature and make more money!"
"Good idea!"
It’s a partial myth that ABS improves stopping distances.
Maybe on a road bike or a cruiser?
I know super cars are very high tech. Jeremy Clarkson told me. I also know he always had the most fun when he drives track cars. They all do, usually because there is nothing between them and the road except tire.
I also know my Prius has electric power steering, always on traction control, and brakes that take my input as a suggestion on any kind of bumps. I also know that I can have more fun in an old pickup truck on a dirt road than I can in a fancy machine that's shifting power back and forth from one set of wheels to the other. Don't get me wrong, I appreciate fuel injection. I also appreciate the idea of immediate throttle response coming from electric motors. What I hate is the big feel of most computer managed cars. My car being the worst offender I've ever driven.
I also know that if a dirt bike had anti-lock brakes I would cut the wire, same as I did my Subaru.
I get not wanting it off road, but even in dirt skidding isn't slowing you down faster than controlled braking.
However it is an interesting idea and if it ever rolls around I’ll give it a demo before completely hating it.