Motobecane STEPS SLX1x11 29er Dropper Post Issue

[LimboJim]

A friend just got his STEPS 29er, which comes with a KS e10 internally routed dropper - a great deal at $2699, right?

Unfortunately, as I helped him set it up via video, the dropper cable turned out to be clamped by the motor such that the seatpost can't be installed. The cable will not budge!

He lacks the proprietary Shimano tool to remove the chainring, which will be necessary to pivot the motor out of the way to complete installing the dropper.

Had anyone else run into this with Motobecane eMTBs that have integrated droppers?

 

[FlatSix911]

Sorry to hear that the dropper cable was pinched... here is the correct tool for the Shimano Steps chainring.

Park Tool LRT-2 Shimano Steps Chainring Lockring Tool, 3/8" Drive | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Park Tool LRT-2 Shimano Steps Chainring Lockring Tool, 3/8" Drive at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

 

[LimboJim]

Sorry to hear that the dropper cable was pinched... here is the correct tool for the Shimano Steps chainring.

Park Tool LRT-2 Shimano Steps Chainring Lockring Tool, 3/8" Drive | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Park Tool LRT-2 Shimano Steps Chainring Lockring Tool, 3/8" Drive at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

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Thanks, I have the tool but I'm in MA and he's in OR.

I was just wondering if this was common - seems to me I heard a similar story witht he HAL eBoost Pro.

 

[FlatSix911]

Got it. First time I have heard of this issue... I have internally routed dropper cables on my BH bikes with no issues.

 

[LimboJim]

Got it. First time I have heard of this issue... I have an internally routed dropper cable on my BH with no issues.

And I've had them on a Bulls, two Haibikes, and a Commencal with no issues.

I think it's a design flaw with Motobecanes - the route for cables is super tight, which is fine for brake and shifter lines that don't need to move, but dropper cables do.

 

[FlatSix911]

And I've had them on a Bulls, two Haibikes, and a Commencal with no issues.

I think it's a design flaw with Motobecanes - the route for cables is super tight, which is fine for brake and shifter lines that don't need to move, but dropper cables do.

You could always route the cable externally if you are willing to drill the seat tube...

 

[LimboJim]

I found a post from last year by someone who had the same problem my friend is having, which confirms for me that the immovable dropper cable housing is indeed a design flaw with Motobecane ebikes.

 

[FlatSix911]

I found a post from last year by someone who had the same problem my friend is having, which confirms for me that the immovable dropper cable housing is indeed a design flaw with Motobecane ebikes.

What did he decide to do... drop the motor or new external dropper post?