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Announced earlier this summer, the most recent firmware update for Shimano’s race-winning EP801 drive unit delivers new features and more customization options to help riders boost their race speeds and keep the momentum rolling longer through techy terrain.
Shimano has now announced that the firmware update is available to all current EP801* riders, and will be standard on all bikes built following the firmware’s release.
Critically, the update can now be applied using the latest version of Shimano’s E-Tube Project Cyclist app.
Developed with Shimano’s world-cup-winning Yeti / Shimano EP Racing team and proven by Orbea’s OOLab and Rotwild Schwalbe Enduro teams, the new updates include the ability to deliver an even higher assist level that will easily achieve the maximum 400% assist ratio for Boost Mode; a customizable max speed cut off progression; and extended carry-over assist when riders stop pedalling.
Together, these new features complement the 600 watts of the EP801 drive unit to deliver the most capable, natural, and powerful Shimano e-MTB system for racing and riding.
Higher assist in Boost Mode
With the new Shimano EP801 firmware update, the assist level of the system’s highest boost setting is now set to achieve the maximum 400% assist ratio with ease.
That means a quicker response when the rider pushes the pedals, with maximum torque delivered when it’s needed most.
Tested and proven on the EDR-E World Cup Power Stages, this new assist level is optimised for race-winning efforts and will, the brand points out, also make everyday riding even more exciting, enabling riders to tackle the most challenging technical climbs with greater confidence.
Customizable max speed cut-off
Riders can now customize how the EP801 system cuts off power when the max assist speed is reached. Whether you want a more natural wind-down of power, for a smooth cut-off, or want to maximize the assist to the cut-off point – the choice is up to the individual.
This is just another way EP801 delivers the most customizable system for riders, with Shimano aiming to create the perfect setup for racing and riding needs.
Uninterrupted power delivery
One of the most interesting features delivered with the new EP801 firmware update is the extended assist carryover when the rider stops pedalling.
This is, Shimano emphasises, a key race advantage, allowing riders to stop pedalling for a moment in the middle of the most technical and challenging terrain while the motor continues their forward momentum: Now, riders can focus on getting through tricky sections of trail smoothly – without losing momentum or balance.
- The duration of this extended assist mode can be customized between short, medium and long.
- Riders can fine-tune the assist based on the riding terrain, race-specific needs, or what feels most natural.
The announcement further highlights that, just as easily as the extended assist mode goes into action over rough terrain, it can also be cancelled – the system automatically turns off the extended assist when the rider backpedals, providing ultimate control over speed and assist.
Shimano Auto-Shift updated to Version 2.2
Auto-Shift also receives significant improvements after continued development with Yeti / Shimano EP Racing’s Mick Hannah, who is using this function in EDR-E race stages.
This update supports more aggressive riding with faster shifts while braking hard or accelerating quickly.
Additionally, Auto Shift will pause when the rider overrides the automatic shifting with a manual shift on a descent. This is crucial for setting up scenarios like G-outs and rapid braking into tight corners with hard pedalling out of them where only the rider can choose the perfect gear. Auto-Shift then resumes on its own for the rest of the descent.
*EP600 also receives the firmware update for Auto Shift.
