As we increasingly see proprietary standards and closed systems in the cycling industry, a significant court decision in Italy looks set to open ebike ABS, freeing ebikemakers with Bosch powertrains to opt for Blubrake & other 3rd-party ABS solutions. Its a strong sign in the ebike industry that big-name manufacturers can not simply lock out smaller competitors. And it likely will help spur development as more companies can vie for customers with their latest technical innovationsAntitrust decision opens Bosch ebikes to 3rd-party ABS(Image/Blubrake)The recent ruling by the Italian Antitrust Authority basically requires the maker of ebike motor & drive systems to create a more collaborative, more open environment for integrating 3rd-party anti-lock brake systems. It effectively necessitates a standardized connection and communication protocol so that 3rd-party ABS can connect their sensors and automated braking controls to the main ebike powertrain system and centralize control & display units. Anti-lock brakes on bike and even ebikes are still in their infancy. But weve seen just Bosch ABS progress from a concept-only three years ago, to viable eCargo & eMTB solutions a year later, to now even including cargo, touring, allroad & trail specific ABS tuning today. Blubrake has seen just as much progress with ABS for cargo & commuting, and even collaborative integration with Shimano braking and ebike systems.(Photo/Blubrake)For now, this antitrust ruling sounds mostly like a big win for the relatively smaller Italian ABS maker Blubrake. Bosch agreed to provide a hardware wiring and software solution to allow OEMs to connect the latest Bosch eBike Smart System 3 (BES3) with Blubrake ABS. But its also a welcome sign prohibiting major technology players in cycling and ebikes from using their dominant positions in the market to block competition and continued innovation. Full Blubrake Press Release below:Milan, 2nd September 2024 Blubrake, a well-known designer and manufacturer of anti-lock braking systems for e-bikes, is pleased to announce a significant development that will increase market freedom and interoperability for e-bike manufacturers. Following a recent decision by the Italian Antitrust Authority (AGCM), Bosch will ensure the compatibility of its BES3 e-kits with Blubrake ABS.Background of the decisionThe proceedings had been opened by the AGCM in September 2023 following a complaint lodged by Blubrake addressing compatibility issues between Boschs e-bike kits and third party ABS systems. Concerns were raised that Bosch could restrict competition in the e-bike ABS market by limiting the use of alternative technologies.On 5th August 2024 the AGCM announced that it had accepted and made binding the commitments proposed by Bosch, under which Bosch will ensure that its e-kits are compatible with Blubrakes ABS system, thereby promoting a more competitive and innovative market.Benefits for Bicycle ManufacturersThis decision is an important step towards a more open and competitive ABS market. Bicycle manufacturers now have the opportunity to integrate Blubrake ABS into their e-bikes, even when using Bosch e-kits. Fabio Todeschini, CEO of Blubrake, commented, We strongly believe in the need for a modular market, where e-bike manufacturers have freedom of component choice, keeping quality and interoperability at the maximum possible level. The AGCMs decision is in line with this vision by promoting compatibility between different systems. We strongly welcome Boschs decision to work with us towards this goal.Timeline for IntegrationIt is already possible to test a fleet of e-bikes equipped with both Bosch kits and Blubrake ABS systems. From October 2024, manufacturers will have access to a Y-cable and beta software that will enable the ABS icon to appear on the display. By October 2025, both the Y-cable and the final version of the BES3 software will be available for full-scale production.Legal TeamBlubrake was advised and represented throughout the proceedings by Trevisan & Cuonzo Avvocati, with partner Vittorio Cerulli Irelli, counsel Virginia Bellucci and of counsel Mario Libertini. A strong thank you to the team for the great execution.Blubrake and the Future of ABS on E-BikesAnti-lock braking system is a key safety feature in the e-bike market, and thanks to its benefits e-bike makers can use it to attract more people to ride e-bikes, as well as to extend the usage of e-bikes for existing customers.We believe therefore that in the next years ABS will become a standard in e-bike market and we are working to fulfil e-bike makers needs.We invite industry stakeholders to explore how adopting Blubrake ABS can help them to reach their objectivesBlubrake.itThe post Bosch ebike ABS Interoperability Opens Up For Blubrake & More with EU Antitrust Ruling appeared first on Bikerumor.

One of the biggest signings of the transfer season thus far. Oier Lazkano is moving away from Movistar Team and is one of the many quality signings for Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe where he will be a leader in the spring classics next year.It is a story that follows two current trends. The first is...

In the most recent update in the UCI Rankings we have finally got the points scored during the Vuelta a Espaa (and also the Tour of Britain and BEMER Cyclassics) and this means big changes are seen; mainly due to the victory of Primoz Roglic... We take a look at the new Top100.You can check the pr...

Designed to carry riders comfortably on long trips across all terrain, the Broken Road from Sonder Bikes is a relatively affordable hardtail with a 100mm fork and loads of bikepacking-friendly provisions. The UK brand's complete builds starting at just $2,549 caught Lucass eye, and hes been pedaling one around Colorado all year. Find his long-term Sonder Broken Road Ti review hereThe post Sonder Broken Road Ti Review appeared first on BIKEPACKING.com.

There's no hiding the fact that of late, the INEOS Grenadiers haven't been at the level expected. Some questionable transfer business, behind the scenes turmoil and a relative lack of standout results have seen them slip from world's best a few years ago, to also rans in 2024.These concerns haven't...

The Norwegian triathlete, dubbed the fittest man in the world due to having the highest ever recorded VO2 max, said hell leave his pro cycling ambitions and give one last shot to winning the gold at 2028 Olympics

It's fair to say that not much was expected of Spanish wildcard team Equipo Kern Pharma at the 2024 Vuelta a Espana. Three stage wins later however, there was no denying they were one of the stories of the race."There is no question about or denying their performance," reflects a very impressed Vuel...

App is said to ensure global compatibility by automatically adjusting settings to comply with local regulations

On the 11th of September, Wednesday, the European Championships have their first Elite events and it kicks off with the time-trials. Modest fields, but we have two European jerseys to hand out today amongst some of the strongest time-trialists in the world.Read our Live Blog below!

Velo Orange offers bike parts that blend timeless/retro style with modern innovation. I met up with them at the MADE Show a few weeks ago, and they have some new things to share.(Photos / Ron Frazelle)First, they are rocking a new logo that looks retro and new at the same time. With the new logo comes some new bike parts and a new frame.Growtac Equal Control LeversThe big news is that, hopefully in the next two months, they will be carrying a new pair of drop bar shifters. They will be of the stepless (non-indexed) type. Theyre made by Growtac, and could be a game changer. You guys remember Growtac, right? I reviewed their super-popular, high-quality Equal mechanical disc brakes a while back.Growtacs Equal Control Levers are going to simplify, if not eliminate complications of mixing drivetrain components. No matter the manufacturer, groupset, and number of speeds you want to to run, these new shifters will work. And, according to Growtac, they will allow the user to shift from 2 to 13 speeds. Checking the Growtac website, the new levers may have a third smaller lever on the right lever. This lever could be used to actuate a remote lockout or dropper post.They will be available with both front and rear shifting or in a 1X configuration. Chessie Aluminum Gravel FramesetNamed after the mythical sea monster that lives in the Chesapeake Bay, the Chessie will bring you monstrous fun! Velo Orange says dont think of the Chessie when you think of a harsh riding aluminum frame. Tapered head tubeThere have been advances in the way aluminum frames are constructed. These methods separate them from the battle tank aluminum frames of yesteryear. The main triangle of the Chessie is double-butted, and sports custom bends and other technical features, including its unique dropouts. The dropouts allow for chain tensioning in the single-speed configuration and are compatible with flat-mount brakes. All while still leaving enough room for fenders. The fork is triple-butted and comes with mounts for fenders, racks, and cargo cages. The legs of the fork have a subtle external taper and a cool segmented design, elegant without being overwhelming. The medium and large frames have clearance for 700 x 50mm or 650b x 2.25 tires. If you decide to run fenders Velo Orange suggests sizing down to 700 X 45mm. The small and XS sizes are designed around 650b x 2.1 and 26 x 2.25 tires. With fenders, you can get away with 650b x 48.Velo Orange is waiting on the final test lab reports to complete their internal testing. After that, they give the green light on production. They are expecting the Chessie to go on sale in early spring.New Bike BitsThere and Back Rack(Photo / Velo Orange)The new, uber-versatile There and Back Rack is made from high-quality stainless steel. It can hold up to two panniers or two double cargo cages. A bonus feature is that it comes with two sets of stays. Meaning you can rock it on the front or rear of your bike.Riddle RackThe Riddle Rack is a simple and classy way to keep transverse-mounted saddle bags from hitting your legs. It simply holds the bag back and away from any pedal interference. It clamps around a 27.2 seatpost providing extra space for your bag. All while making it easier to get in and out of.Gibbous Bottle CageAnother new product is the Gibbous Cage. This is a fresh take on Velo Oranges existing Mojave Cage. The Mojave Cage is designed to hold bigger bottles, like Nalgene Bottles. The new Gibbous Cage holds big bottles as well, but is a side-loader.The cage is made from stainless steel, keeping your bottles from getting marred up. They will also be available in both left-side retrieval and right-side retrieval. Look for these in the next few weeks.Velo-Orange.comThe post Friction Drop Bar Shifters That Can Shift Anything? Velo Orange Shows Growtac Levers, More appeared first on Bikerumor.