Shimano EP801 Review | EP801 Vs EP8

Riders, welcome back to Sam's Bikes where we only talk E-Bikes. In this week's video, we'll be discussing my six-week review of the new Shimano EP801. We'll be exploring what's new with the emtb motor and how it compares to the most popular emtb motors like the Bosch, Brose, Yamaha and the original EP8
I want to give a huge shoutout to Canyon for sending out the Canyon Spectral:ON, which helped make this test possible.
The new Shimano EP801 boasts 85nm of torque and a massive 20% increase in peak power over the EP8, with 600 watts of peak power. It also features Auto Shifting and Free Shift with the DEORE XT Di2, allowing you to change gears without pedaling. There are updates to the Shimano E Tube App with Fine Tune, which allows you to figure out and customize the EP801 to have up to 15 assistant modes.
We go deep in this review, so please check out the timestamps in the timeline if you want to jump forward.
Riders, don't forget, if you have any questions, please feel free to ask.
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Chapters
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00:00 Shimano EP801 Review
01:38 What is new with the Shimano EP801
02:42 Specifications of the Shimano EP8
02:53 Specifications of the Shimano EP600
03:05 Specifications of the Shimano EP801
03:17 Specifications and compatibility of the Deore XT Di2 12 Speed free shiting and auto shifting
03:25 Specifications and compatibility of the Deore XT Di2 11 Speed for free shiting and auto shifting
04:12 How does the Shimano EP801 ride out on the trails
04:21 600 Watts of Peak Power in the EP801 is it noticeable out on the trails
04:56 Can you ride the EP801 in lower cadences
05:06 Does the Shimano EP801 have an overrun
05:32 How does the ep801 pedal above the limiter or when the motor is off
05:43 How noisy is the Shimano EP801 under full load of pedalling up a hill
05:54 How is the clunk or rattle in the Shimano EP801
06:58 What's new with the E Tube App
07:02 What is Fune Tune like on the EP801 and how does it work
08:28 How is the DEORE XT Di2
08:49 Can you change under load with the DEORE XT Di2
08:56 How is Shimano Free Shift and how does it work
09:37 Check out this video for Auto Shifting • Shimano Auto Shift - H...
10:13 How is the range on the Shimano EP801
10:40 how is the appearance and integration of The Shimano EP8
11:07 How does the Shimano EP801 compare to the Bosch, Brose, Yamaha and the original EP8
12:11 its not all gravy. The things I haven't liked about the Shimano EP801
13:32 Conclusion of my 6 weeks review on the Shimano EP801
Sam's Bikes is Inspired by channels like Rob Rides, Electric Mountain Bike Network, EMBN, Berm Peak, Global Mountain Bike Network, GMBN Tech and The Loam Wolf.
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[@SamsBikes]

Hey Riders I hope you like this one... sorry it was late Ive been very sick with a chest infection anyway like always if you have any questions just ask.

[@sjaan7370]

Heal up bro!

[@emilysona]

@samsbikes Hello Sam! 🚴‍♂️ First off, I hope you're on the mend and feeling a lot better after battling that pneumonia you mentioned. Your health comes first! I just caught your latest video on the Shimano EP-801, and wow, it was incredibly informative! 🌟 You managed to cover almost everything I was curious about regarding this motor. There's one piece of the puzzle, however, that seems to be on the minds of not just me but all my riding buddies, and I'm sure, a vast number of your followers too - motor efficiency. Specifically, we're eager to find out about its power consumption in watts per kilometer compared to the older Shimano EP-8. Here's why this matters to me: I own a Santa Cruz Bullit with the Shimano EP-8 and a Scott Ransom e-ride equipped with a Bosch motor. Despite the Scott Ransom being significantly heavier, and paired with a smaller battery, it astonishingly offers a longer range on identical rides. This points to a known inefficiency issue with the old EP-8. Given this context, myself and likely hundreds of thousands of your viewers are keen to know if the new EP-801 has addressed and corrected this inefficiency. It's a crucial piece of information for anyone considering an upgrade or new purchase. Thanks for all the great content, and looking forward to your insights on this! 🙏 Keep up the fantastic work! Best regards, Emil From: Dominican Republic

[@federaldelii]

👏🏻👏🏻👌🏻

[@sirktm]

Get Better Soon Man 💪🏼

[@Emilio_G.]

Great video. Looking forward to testing a EP801 by myself, it looks great. Have a fast recovery, Sam!

[@SamsBikes]

Thanks mate yep your going to like it big improvement! And thanks I’m still very sick hopefully a week or so more

[@thealohahour8924]

Great video, I enjoyed learning about the shift options with Shimano and the production quality was great on this vid too.

[@SamsBikes]

Thanks legend I really appreciate the feedback

[@PabloOlea59]

Super interesting video Sam! It worths every minute mate. I’m impressed how smooth yet powerful feels this motor.

[@SamsBikes]

Thanks Pablo and great camera work mate

[@rickbault1221]

Great test and review.

[@SamsBikes]

Thanks 🙏 Rick love to Linda!

[@hendrikl.3731]

I am really impressed ! Great video🙌

[@SamsBikes]

Thanks legend I really appreciate the feedback

[@sirktm]

Thank you Dude , great review , answered everything i wanted to ask about the new 801 … Love you vids Bro 👍

[@SamsBikes]

Thanks mate I really appreciate the feedback!

[@msjj000]

Great review Sam 👍

[@SamsBikes]

Thanks Mark I really appreciate the feedback. I was really impressed with the new Shimano

[@waheedhassan1643]

Great bike and great review Sam

[@SamsBikes]

Thanks mate

[@holger_ger3391]

Nice stuff! Thanks a lot!

[@colingardiner5349]

Great review!

[@SamsBikes]

Thanks rider

[@rawmancemtb]

Hell yea. Sam delivers some actual useful knowledge. Really no other source for motor specs like him.

[@SamsBikes]

Thanks 🙏 mate I really appreciate it I really like this motor

[@rawmancemtb]

@@SamsBikes I'm considering buying RM Powerplay but there really is no info on how the motor works for range. Because it's like the ep8 where it gives power according to the input. And your test the problem is you need a power meter and you would need to test for something like 120 watts, 170 watts and 220 or more average watts. Because the motor gives both the best range and the worst range depending on power input. I've tried understanding it asking PP owners how they are but I will need to go test ride one. Just to let you know it's a hole that exists. But I understand you probably don't want to do 3 tests for an older motor you've already tested. Thank you.

[@Emilio_G.]

​@@rawmancemtb, are you living in Madrid, by chance? Secretspotcyclery bike boutique have an Altitude Powerplay demo bike, just in case you are interested

[@holger_ger3391]

Velomotion in Germany does indeed tests including benchtests.

[@rawmancemtb]

@@holger_ger3391 I'm guessing in german.

[@peakz1099]

Im 7 weeks in on my yeti 160 E T3 the 2024 model with the 801 motor, so far i love the bike. Nice video 🍺

[@SamsBikes]

I’m stocked to hear that I had a really good time on the new motor

[@peakz1099]

@@SamsBikes ye the motor feels good, just sad that I paid 15.000 dollars for a top yeti and their 2024 model only come with 630 watt batteru

[@roneysilveira2153]

Great video, good explanations, tks

[@SamsBikes]

Thanks rider I really appreciate the support

[@Flex-Jitsu]

Great review Sam! As a video idea, I would love to see an EP801 vs EP8 drag race timed run up say a 1 mile climb.

[@SamsBikes]

Thanks 🙏 not a bad idea made let me see if I can make it happen!

[@germantoledano1104]

Another great review. I don’t know why, but every time I watch your reviews I have the feeling that if I buy that bike, I would perceive what you described.

[@SamsBikes]

Hahaha I hope so!

[@Davezila2008]

Hey Sam…. Awesome review…. A couple notes. You can see what mode you are in… my display shows A1, A2, and M (manual mode). There are five graduations on the battery display but strangely, if you use the eTube Ride app on the handlebars for additional info - it shows ten segments… cool. You are right about the beeping - it should be able to switch on or off… worst for me is when using eTube Ride and Spotify (any music app really), the beeps come through my earbuds and they are loud and annoying which means I have to choose between the cool battery display or the lame and loud beeping. All in all though - awesome motor and Di2 11 speed linkglide setup on my rig. This is this is the best review yet on KZbin!!! Thanks again,

[@SamsBikes]

Hey Rider thanks for the kind words and the added information. I had a fantastic experience on the EP801 would love to try the 11 speed auto shift

[@zaundy]

Love my Bosch cx, I like to feel the power instantly, and over a wide cadence / rpm range

[@SamsBikes]

Yep I love the Bosch as well and I love the Shimano very different but both good

[@kayakutah]

Commenting around 5:15 on cadence. That's nice to know. My normal cadence has always been around 60. I'm currently on a Giant E+ El3 and that system handles my low cadence really well, and naturally.

[@SamsBikes]

Thanks

[@williammehling3135]

what a beautiful bike

[@SamsBikes]

It sure is

[@emilysona]

@samsbikes Happy to hear you're doing better! Your Shimano EP-801 review was great, yet it left me wondering about one key aspect: battery efficiency. I have a Santa Cruz Bullit with the EP-800 and a Scott Ransom eRide with a Bosch CX4 motor. Surprisingly, despite the Scott's heavier weight and slightly smaller battery, it surpasses the Santa Cruz in range, pointing to the EP-8's inefficiency. With the EP-801 sporting a 900 Wh battery, it suggests more range, but does it actually offer better efficiency, or is it merely due to the larger battery size? Would an EP-801 with a 630 Wh battery outperform the EP-8 in terms of range? Understanding this would help determine if the EP-801 is a real upgrade or just 100 watt power with a larger battery option. Appreciate your insights and looking forward to this detail! Emil Viewer From: Dominican Republic

[@SamsBikes]

Hey mate thanks for the kind worlds! I hear what you’re saying and you will be happy to hear I’ll be doing the biggest ebike motor test very soon and I’ll be don’t range on all of them! So let you know soon

[@emilysona]

@@SamsBikes Hello Sam, How are you? We truly appreciate your response. The video you're planning will undoubtedly be epic. It's been around two years since we last saw a comprehensive motor comparison, and with so many new motors capturing everyone's interest, seeing them tested side by side under the same conditions will be incredibly insightful. We deeply value your contributions to the mountain bike community. Your work not only informs but also has the potential to drive innovation, capturing the attention of manufacturers and helping to improve future motors. So, thank you once again; we eagerly await this upcoming video and all your future content. If you ever find yourself in the Dominican Republic, please let me know. We have a vibrant eduro community here that would be thrilled to ride with you.

[@MrDaymien1]

Would auto shift lower load when shifting and improve drivetrain longevity?

[@BikingBadwithTC]

Thx Sam! 600 Watt is impressive, Bosch SX also has 600 Watt power, Brose motor is 565 watts.

[@SamsBikes]

Thanks mate but you wait I’m doing the biggest ebike motor test coming soon!

[@BikingBadwithTC]

@@SamsBikes Exciting, looking forward to it!

[@porroco]

That clunk has never butter me at all, some people went to drama with that issue

[@SamsBikes]

It’s better now

[@user-ux2kq6ve1j]

i didnt hear a thing @@SamsBikes

[@ivanbayarri2807]

Great review. But it was more about the ep8 1 motor than the spectral. anyway i just got my cf-on 9 and for 5400€. i think is unbeateble. see you around mate good job !!!!

[@SamsBikes]

Hahah it was a review on the EP801 haha

[@sjaan7370]

A lot of 'entry level' emtbs are coming with the EP600. I'd love to hear how loud it is under load compared to the EP800 and the new EP801 and also how the clunk/rattle going down compares too.

[@SamsBikes]

Sounds like I’ll need to get a ep600 haha

[@davefreeman9347]

Have you heard of any reliability issues Sam, I’ve heard that Shimano after care once the warranty is out isn’t very good and it can’t really be repaired with spares etc ? 🤷‍♂️

[@mattcgtx4809]

Would be great if you could do a short deep dive on the fine tune mode. Not much out there regarding details ❤️ I am coming off Brose which is great but there’s something about this motor that’s just smoother and feels right. The Brose is more just power hard to explain.

[@dreman5547]

Hey Sam, good video but you didn’t talk about the cockpit which doesn’t appear to be stock. Did you switch it out and if so what did it entail. Most of us don’t like one piece bar and stem.

[@SamsBikes]

Yep I swapped the bars i didn’t get on well with the stock Canyon ones

[@dreman5547]

Thanks, and of course you didn’t talk about the bars because video was about the motor, my bad.

[@slider190]

Yes! To app speed connectivity and battery percentage.

[@SamsBikes]

Yep 👍 definitely would love to see this improved

[@adamgriffin7055]

Just got the 12 speed di2 with new spectral:on cfr. Is free shift enough, or will I regret not having the 11 speed to use the auto shift?

[@mark1john]

Hey Sam I have the Ep801 on my Propain Ekano 2 AL can I add the Di2 system to the bike and get freeshift ect? I don't see any content on KZbin about anyone doing it and what parts you would need?!

[@SamsBikes]

Yes you can mate you want auto shift and free shift ? Or just free shift

[@mark1john]

Autoshift and freeshift

[@brokermac]

Wow. Thanks Sam 🙄. I already bought a Heckler with EP801😜. You think its worth it getting the Di2? I have AXS (not T-type) and really like the clean cockpit.

[@SamsBikes]

Thanks mate, yep I was very impressed with the system I would be interested in trying Di2 11 speed not sure I would be swapping over from AXS unless you want auto shifting and free shifting which would be nice to try

[@reidcoleman7176]

Ive got long fire road (gravel) climbs where I live, so almost no tech climbs. would the bosch or ep801 be a better fit?

[@SamsBikes]

Hey Rider thanks for the question, have you been following my massive motor series ? I suggest checking out, both system are great but very different!

[@fuckinellitsraymo]

I love my Shimano EP801 powered Canyon spectral on cf8 with the 900Whr battery. I'm a big bloke and the battery easily powers some of my big rides. It loves to be spun at higher cadences with my 155mm cranks and feels so quiet and smooth. If I sit on my bike and rock it back and forwards I do get a metallic clunking sound like a big ball bearing rattling about but when I put my foot on a pedal it disappears. It's like it's coming from that horrible cable routing inside the headset but it disappears when out on the trail. I'm hoping that the sealing has improved as water ingress was a problem with the old motor.... fingers crossed the Scottish bogs don't affect it. Like you I hate the battery remaining five bar hobby, I'd much rather see a percentage symbol. I can have five bars left but used 30% of the battery life.. I can view the percentage used in the app but I don't rate the app that much as it doesn't give you the elevation gained and the completed route map is shite. Here's hoping Shimano will listen and bring about these changes.

[@SamsBikes]

I’m glad you love your Spectral with the Ep801

[@solferinomichelotti2985]

And about differences with dyname 4.o of rocky?

[@porroco]

Hey, but there is one detail i cant understant yet, yeti shimano EP racing tested EP801 last year enduro races, but 2024 yeti 160e comes with xo transmision for EP801. There is something wrong with that motor that they dont even use di2 for autoshift

[@SamsBikes]

Yes but it’s two different things the race team the sales the team I think the sales think the xo will sell better

[@garyhurst3230]

Is the bolt pattern the same and can you buy an EP801 and upgrade

[@SamsBikes]

Same bolt pattern but different battery management so you can’t I’m pretty sure

[@50whatnomadtravelnursemtb5]

I’d try the tacky Chan if it was more affordable! I’m having a difficult time seeing why we need auto shifting but then again if you’d asked me 5 years ago if I’d be riding a motorized MTB I would have laughed!

[@SamsBikes]

Yep I don’t feel we need auto shifting but for some people it will work.

[@robrider838]

Where are you riding? Still in Spain? Almost a year since I was in Ainsa.

[@SamsBikes]

Yes mate still Spain

[@robrider838]

@@SamsBikes What area were those videos? I'd love to come back some day to The Pyrenees. Next up... Peru...

[@leandrovaranda4555]

nice Jersey

[@SamsBikes]

Thanks mate I love it

[@W109Muscle]

@Sams Bikes could use a little help what did you need to change to stem and bars from the cockpit setup?

[@SamsBikes]

Nothing really, the cable is pretty long for the remote so maybe a new remote but I just taped it up next to the brakes

[@W109Muscle]

@@SamsBikes Thank you sir!

[@Scott-wz4sc]

That looks a good climb @7.50 minutes! Steepish and fecking roots 😂. But you bossed it no problem

[@SamsBikes]

Hahah yep I try my best and the ep801 has the goods

[@Scott-wz4sc]

I made a word up for that wrong gear scenario. Like when you're flying down a hill then come to a gate or tight corner and you stop nearly dead then gotoset off but realise you forget to adjust your gear's....... " arrhhh doushcog!" 😂

[@tomquimby8669]

linkglide is available in both 10 and 11 speed

[@SamsBikes]

That’s true sorry

[@Unr3aLpm]

wish shimano would update also the computer for the new 801 motor, the old one looks like its coming from stone age compared to kiox 300

[@wvjeepguy8178]

Is Shimano at the point that anyone would pick it over Bosch?

[@SamsBikes]

I think so, yes Bosch is the powerhouse but some riders want a natural feeling ride and that’s the major difference

[@Warby0]

How long did it take you to memorise the specifications 😅 😂

[@SamsBikes]

Haha smart ass yes it’s a little confusing

[@wgnwheels333]

The battery doesn't look like its 900wh on screen

[@SamsBikes]

Yep the battery 🔋 isn’t as big as I thought it would be.

[@chickenclips]

Ahhhh.... The EP8 we should have gotten the first time round lol. Shimano never thanks the customer for being thier test pilots.

[@SamsBikes]

Yes maybe 🤔 but the new one is good

[@xtrainerchronicles2085]

If only Shimano would fix the top speed issue. It is too slow for road riding.

[@SamsBikes]

Yes but that the European law on all ebike motors

[@cyclinginsofia]

Only the background underscoring music kept me from finishing your video. I'm sorry, but that's what annoyed the hell out of me.

[@SamsBikes]

Sorry about that

[@bstevens7647]

The Shimano 600 watt rating is joke. I have an Ep801, and it isnt 20% better than the Ep8 on my sons bikes. I just picked up a used 2019 Turbo Levo for my grandson with the old Brose 2.1. The old Brose 2.1 with a 560 watt motor smokes the 2024 Ep801 everywhere. It's 560 watts just motors away from my 600 watts up any hill, and the 12 year old kid is is just loafing along while the Shimano powered riders are falling behind and it is obvious Shimano wattage is not equal to Brose wattage. If everyone in your group has a whimpy Shimano its fine, but when riders with Brose motors, or Dyname 4.0 powered bike join the group , the Shimano boys see just how soft their motors are, snd they start figuring out that it is time to get rid of the limpy Shimano and have a better Emtb experience.

[@ntallocatevirtualmemory8488]

Shimano motor drain too much power, the battery last nothing 😢

[@fuckinellitsraymo]

So you have never ridden this motor and battery I see.

[@ntallocatevirtualmemory8488]

@@fuckinellitsraymo so you never ridden bosch motor i see

[@fuckinellitsraymo]

@@ntallocatevirtualmemory8488 Yes i own a Bosch powered Trek Rail 9.9 and an EP801 powered Canyon spectral on cf8 so I'm in a great place to give an opinion unlike you.