CHICAGO, IL (CN) – The cycling tech world has been buzzing for the last two weeks after Shimano announced it’s 2012 Ultegra Di2 group. Campagnolo has been testing an electronic shifting group for over two years and is set to make this product available to consumers very soon. Seems everyone is moving forward with component groups not being powered by mechanical means. Not to be outdone, SRAM has announced it’s own alternatively powered shifting group called Steam.

The SRAM Steam group will utilize built up heat collected in the bottom bracket from a riders’ pedal forces to heat a small water chamber. The chamber will be located on the downtube of the bicycle and holds the steam necessary to power the group’s shifting mechanism. The SRAM Steam idea shows promise due to its lack of replaceable battery system and its relatively low maintenance.

We do, however, recommend large amounts of Frame Saver for our steel frame enthusiast friends.