Rotor Innovates with New Electronic 13-Speed Uno Groupsets

Rotor has unveiled a significant upgrade to its Uno groupset platform, transitioning from its previous hydraulic system to a new electronic 13-speed version. This relaunch marks a pivotal moment for the Spanish brand, initially introduced in 2015, which struggled to compete against established rivals like Shimano, SRAM, and Campagnolo. The new electronic groupsets are designed specifically for gravel and mountain biking, with a road variant expected to follow.

The recent acquisition of a majority stake in Rotor by Chinese OEM manufacturer WheelTop has likely influenced this development. WheelTop is already known for its electronic road and gravel shifters, derailleurs, and brakes. The collaboration between these two companies may enhance Rotor’s reach and enable the introduction of its products to a broader market.

Currently, details regarding the pricing of the Uno groupset and its components have not been disclosed, though Rotor has been approached for further information. The system includes rear derailleurs, brake levers, brake calipers, and is compatible with Rotor’s existing cassettes and cranksets, allowing for a customizable setup.

Features of the New Uno Groupset

The electronic Uno groupsets focus on 1X, single-ring configurations, catering to the growing trend in cycling for simplicity and efficiency. Rotor’s current crankset offerings, such as the Aldhu carbon fiber models, can be integrated with the new system, providing cyclists with a variety of options.

Both the gravel and MTB versions share a similar rear derailleur design, optimized for larger cassettes in mountain biking applications. The rear derailleur is reportedly capable of accommodating 10-13 speed cassettes, potentially giving it an edge over existing electronic systems.

The brake levers feature carbon fiber blades and titanium clamps, and they operate on CR1632 batteries. Designed for ease of use, the levers incorporate a horizontal master brake cylinder, which allows for one-finger braking, similar to the latest offerings from SRAM. The brake calipers utilize a monobloc design with ceramic pistons, providing enhanced performance, while the system operates on mineral oil, ensuring compatibility with Shimano pads and BH90 hydraulic hoses.

Looking Ahead: App Integration and Market Position

Rotor claims that the weight of the new groupset aligns with its closest competitors, though specific weights were not provided in the initial announcement. The integration of Rotor’s lightweight CNC-machined cassettes and carbon cranks is expected to offer a competitive advantage in terms of overall weight.

Another notable feature is the forthcoming Rotor Uno app, which will be available for iOS and Android users. This app will enable owners to pair and customize their groupset, with future plans to incorporate metrics from the existing Rotor Power app.

As the cycling industry continues to evolve, the success of the new Uno groupset will hinge on its pricing, accessibility, and performance. With the backing of WheelTop and the shift towards electronic systems, Rotor may be poised to make a significant impact in the competitive cycling market.