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Oval chainring specialist Rotor gave crowds a first look at the fruits of its partnership with Magura at Eurobike, revealing the Uno hydraulic groupset.
Speaking to BikeBiz, Arthur Espos of Rotor’s marketing said: "It’s the first on the market to offer hydraulic actuation of shifting and braking all in one groupset. It’s an 100% closed system, so oil and cable changes aren’t required. It’s an incredibly precise system that offers multiple shifting positions, low maintenance and is free from batteries."
(Hydraulic shifting had previously appeared under the Acros banner)
It’s designed light too, with the in-house CNC machined 11-28 cassette coming in under 150 grams, making it among the lightest mass production unit available in that ratio.
When it comes to the stoppers, Uno will offer both a hydraulic rim or disc brake option, both of which will operate independently of the shifting and will be based around a typical open system with a piston and reservoir.
Meanwhile, the drivetrain is a closed unit that will supply oil through a cylinder at the derailleur, while a counter spring shifts in the opposite direction. Interestingly, riders will be able to drop down up to four gears at once with one full push of the lever. Up shifts offer just the one with a gentle tap. We were able to get used to the demo unit at Eurobike quite quickly, but the system is tuneable so that rider’s can dial in their preferences.
Rotor has conceded that the development of these new territories came about as a result of sponsorship pressures, with teams using their famed sprockets, but finishing the drivetrain with other cranksets and drivetrain. With this new high-end group Rotor hopes to further enhance its reputation in pro cycling.
After six years in development, the system will enter full production in Spring 2016.
Rotor will have samples on its stand at the Cycle Show later in October. Pricing is yet to be confirmed.
For a full gallery from Eurobike, click here.
