Shimano to Launch New Shifting Modes and Groupsets for E-Bikes
The revolution of e-bike technology continues with new shifting modes introduced by Shimano for electronic mountain bikes.
The popularity of e-bikes shows no signs of slowing down. While mountain bikers may grumble when their friend gets an e-bike, there’s no doubt that the technology is evolving quickly.
Shimano’s latest announcement adds metaphorical grease to e-bike wheels with all-new electric shifters and innovative modes of changing gears.
On July 11, the company will release two new XT Di2 groupsets for its electronic mountain bikes and new CUES Di2 groupsets for commuter e-bikes. There’s also an upgraded EP6 drive unit and — perhaps the most interesting — two new shifting modes called Free Shift and Auto Shift with Manual Override.
Free Shift
With Free Shift, Shimano claims that riders can make gear changes without pedaling the bike. It’s the latest extension of the Di2 electronic shifting tech that the company first introduced back in 2008.
The new shifting mode works by combining the company’s electronic shifting tech and the DEORE XT Di2.
Auto Shift With Manual Override
If shifting gears without pedaling still sounds like too much work, Shimano has gone one step further. Its Auto Shift mode allows the tech to shift gears for you.
The company said in a press release that this system makes predictive gear changes based on the rider’s speed and cadence. It accomplishes this through Shimano’s LINKGLIDE drivetrain paired once again with the Di2 electric shifter.
Also, the Automatic Shifting supposedly works during both pedaling and coasting.
DEORE XT Di2 LINKGLIDE
The first of Shimano’s new XT Di2 groupsets, the LINKGLIDE, adds new shifting modes to the company’s electronic shifting for e-MTB. The drivetrain comes with the existing 11-speed drivetrain and a centralized battery power source.
It’s also capable of both new shifting modes, including the Auto Shift. By automating gear shifting, the bikes encourage their riders to “engage with the natural world.” So if gear shifting feels like a distraction, this feature is for you.
Another notable improvement is a 200g reduction in the cassette weight.
DEORE XT Di2 HYPERGLIDE+
The second XT Di2 groupset, the HYPERGLIDE+, embellishes the existing 12-speed system with Di2 electronic shifting. It includes the Free Shift mode but not the Auto Shift.
CUES Di2
For e-bike commuters, there’s the CUES Di2. It brings the upgraded electronic shifting to “lifestyle e-bikes,” as the company puts it. This system can use either a 10-speed or 11-speed LINKGLIDE. It offers both of the new shifting modes, as well as full manual electronic shifting.
Shimano Finally Introduces Wireless Groupsets, Challenges SRAM
The post Shimano to Launch New Shifting Modes and Groupsets for E-Bikes appeared first on GearJunkie.