Shimano Di2 is fantastic. Electric shifting is precise, comfortable, and above all, reliable. It always works the same regardless of the conditions, requires no force (in the cold, that's a significant advantage, which is why I think this version of GRX is a great option), and can be paired with a Garmin or an electric FOX. SRAM's eTAP system is similar – plus, there are no cables, no central battery, and no connectivity module. Just install the derailleurs, shifters, and off you go. I love these kinds of solutions.
Electric shifting is becoming increasingly affordable and is slowly ceasing to be a jaw-dropping, exclusive accessory. Importantly, several years of intensive development have eliminated childhood illnesses. However, anyone who thinks the idea of abandoning traditional steel cables is new is mistaken. Today, in our cycling trivia corner, we'll discuss an avant-garde solution from years ago that didn't quite catch on. However, it deserves historical recognition for its innovation and courage.
Mavic Zap, or French stereotypes
Shimano likes to brand itself as the pioneer of electric shifting in bicycles. Admittedly, it was the Japanese who perfected and popularized this solution. However, they weren't the first. This title probably belongs to some unknown genius creating inventions in his garage or a small workshop. However, the first electric derailleurs available for wider distribution were offered by the French company Mavic, known primarily for its wheel and rim production. The Zap system, introduced in 1993, was highly interesting. It operated only the rear road derailleur electrically. However, it operated in a unique way. The electric system didn't directly shift gears, but merely activated one of two coils that released a mechanism connected to the derailleur pulley. This coil (or rather, the user's legs) provided the power for up and down shifts. A logical and ingenious solution, considering the capabilities and size of the motors and batteries of the time. Its main drawback was the ability to shift only one gear at a time.
Opinions from the era are divided. Some cyclists recall how the Mavic Zap "died" at the most unexpected moment, while others claim it performed just as well as standard derailleurs of the time. The biggest proponent of this solution was (and still maintains his opinion) the legendary "Professor," Chris Boardman. He particularly emphasized the ease of control with lemonades, but admitted that if the Zap had any problems, it failed completely. A case in point was when Tony Rominger got stuck in a 54/12 gear ratio during a time trial at the 1993 Tour de France. To make matters worse, he managed to win. Despite this, they were still raced and were also sold to amateurs. It certainly wasn't a one-season hit, but rather a niche model.
So why didn't Mavic's pioneering electric shifting systems gain wider popularity? The timing wasn't good. Innovative components, made from exotic materials (titanium and Kevlar), cost a fortune. And they debuted just as the MTB craze was exploding. Road bikers were mostly conservatives, which made the situation even worse. Remember that just a dozen or so (or sometimes a few) years earlier, it was common to think that indexed derailleurs were a gadget for amateurs.
Mavic Mektronic is an electric derailleur that has completely failed
The French, however, weren't discouraged. In fact, they went a step further and, in 1999, presented a refreshed, wireless version of their idea – the Mavic Mektronic electric derailleurs. And that was a mistake. The fact that the groupset looked worse than its predecessor was one thing. Expensive materials were replaced by black plastic, and the design, though still avant-garde, looked heavy (though the weight was still excellent). This, however, was a minor issue. While opinions on the Zap's reliability are mixed (and remember, the mechanics' and riders' inexperience with the brand-new technology must have contributed to this), the Mektronic is indefensible.
Mavic patented its own signal coding system, which was supposed to ensure reliable gear shifting. It didn't. Lost connections, pairing problems, or complete system freezes were unfortunately the norm. The fact that police speed cameras could disable the whole thing is merely a curiosity. Add to that the chain tension issues, especially on cassettes with wider gear ranges. The biggest problem was the massive and random delays in shifting. Sometimes it worked quickly, sometimes it took 2 seconds. A lottery. Not enough? Another problem were the microscopic disposable batteries that quickly drained. The Mektronic was a huge, wasted investment, and at the same time, the end of a chapter – it was the last derailleur manufactured in France.
Everything is pointless?
From a commercial perspective, yes. Mavic suffered bad PR and ultimately withdrew from the drivetrain market, focusing on its specialty – wheels. Electronic shifting in bicycles was forgotten until 2009, when Shimano introduced Di2. However, it probably wouldn't have been so easy without the experience of competitors from a dozen years ago. It's hard to avoid comparisons with the French automotive industry (I love Citroëns!). There was innovation, the courage to step out of line, and being way ahead of its time. And great design! Unfortunately, there was a lack of reliability, perhaps testing? Nevertheless, Mavic's electric shifting is an impressive piece of engineering, especially considering the technological possibilities of the 1990s. Progress is made thanks to such crazy ideas.
If you've used them or have had any experience with them, be sure to share your comments. Stay tuned for more posts about unusual bicycle derailleurs, including hydraulic and... pneumatic ones !
Materials from the websites pelotonmagazine.com, cyclist.co.uk and the invaluable knowledge base disraeligears.co.uk proved extremely helpful in creating this article.
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