Last week we brought you a maddeningly brief video from Magura that suggests they are moving into the road market at least in braking.  Speculation has been growing with some sites suggesting that they may also be developing an electronic groupset too due to the integration between brakes and shifters on road bikes.  This has taken a further development with the announcement that the Garmin-Barracuda team will feature Magura as a sponsor for 2012.

Further adding to the speculation is the news that the team will use Shimano equipment but not as a sponsorship deal.  Instead the team will purchase groupsets direct from Shimano through Cervelo, a highly unusual move for a Pro-Team, especially one with a limited budget as Garmin-Barracuda have.  They will use the Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 system on racing bikes and regular cable pull Dura-Ace on training bikes.  Rotor also appear as a team sponsor so that is cranks sorted and the team will use the new Garmin Vector Power-metre pedal.  Wheels will come from Mavic.

Interestingly while Magura feature prominantly on the shorts, they are not yet listed as a sponsor on the teams website.

Rumours suggest that the Magura development may be for time-trial bikes but it is certainly an interesting move for the squad.  Either way it bodes well for Cyclocross next season as the development of a proper hydraulic system be it rim or disc, is perfect for the discipline.  SRAM too are rumoured to be developing a system in conjunction with an electronic group which is expected to be unveiled at the Eurobike trade show at the end of August.  Stay tuned!