Shimano's New XT Di2 Drivetrain Can Shift Automatically & While Coasting, But Only For eBikes

Jul 11, 2022
by Seb Stott  
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Shimano has announced two new Di2 electronic groupsets that can shift gear automatically based on rider speed and cadence, and can also shift (both manually and automatically) while the rider is coasting. The groupsets are e-bike specific and only work with new drive units which Shimano are also announcing today.

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The all-new XT Di2 and CUES Di2 drivetrains have three shifting modes:

● Full Manual Shifting
● Full Manual Shifting with FREE SHIFT (which can shift manually while coasting)
● Automatic Shifting While Pedaling and While Coasting with AUTO SHIFT WITH MANUAL OVERRIDE (shifts automatically while pedalling or coasting, unless overridden by the rider)

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Auto Shift is exactly what it sounds like - the system will shift for you as you pedal to keep you at the optimum cadence for the speed. It's basically an automatic gearbox for your e-bike. The manual override part should be fairly self-explanatory too; you can use the shifter to stop the computer from changing gear for you or to shift into a different gear at will.

Free Shift uses the e-bike motor to shift gears while coasting. The chainring can spin without you turning the cranks, so the derailleur can shift into a different gear during a descent. Of course, this only works while the bike is moving and the system won't power you forward without you pedalling. Combining this with the Auto Shift feature means the system can keep you in the right gear for the speed you're travelling without you having to pedal or touch the shifter, so in theory, whenever you decide to pedal the bike is already in the perfect gear.

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The key to the system is the integration of the motor and drivetrain, which share the same battery and communicate via wires. Among other things, this ensures the motor turns the chainring at the right speed and at the right time for the derailleur to change gears properly. The cadence and speed sensors integral to any ebike drive unit make automatic shifting possible.

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The system isn't wireless.

While the system isn't wireless like SRAM AXS, the derailleur shares the main e-bike battery's power so there's no external battery hanging off the derailleur and only one charging port to worry about.

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The groupsets

XT Di2 will be offered in two tiers: XT Di2 HYPERGLIDE+ (12-speed with a 10-51t cassette) or XT Di2 LINKGLIDE (11-speed with an 11-50t cassette).

There will also be a lower-end Di2 e-bike drivetrain with similar features in 11- or 10-speed flavours called CUES Di2, which appears to be aimed at commuter bikes only.

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Shimano Cues offers many of the same features at a lower price point but seems to be aimed at commuting and not e-MTB.
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The new EP6 drive unit.

Motors and compatability

The XT and Cues Di2 drivetrains are not compatible with existing motors. Shimano have also developed the EP801 drive unit (an update on EP8 ) which can communicate with the Di2 derailleurs, along with a new EP6 motor which will offer similar features at a lower price point. Both motors provide 85Nm peak torque and a continuous 250 W output, but while the EP801 mootor weighs a claimed 2.7 Kg, the EP6 is 3 Kg.

Both are compatible with Shimano XT Di2 HYPERGLIDE+, XT Di2 LINKGLIDE, CUES Di2, internal Hub Gears Di2 specification and mechanical drivetrains. So in other words, the new motors will work with older Di2 or mechanical drivetrains, but the new Di2 drivetrains only work with the new motors.

Pricing & availability

Shimano say that XT Di2, CUES Di2, and EP6/EP801 drive units will be available on complete bikes from late spring / summer 2023.

As for pricing, Shimano says "these components will only be available as part of complete bike builds and therefore we do not plan to provide pricing for individual parts or groupsets at this time." We've also been told that we won't be able to get our hands on one until Spring 2023. Shimano is releasing this news early because some bikes will be seen at Eurobike with the system installed.




Author Info:
seb-stott avatar

Member since Dec 29, 2014
297 articles

285 Comments
  • 308 10
 I'll wait for the one where I don't have to steer or brake either because I'd like to nap while my bike takes me for a ride.
  • 45 3
 Like a Tesla Bike Hopefully we can make it faster than Pierron on auto pilot
  • 50 21
 @stormracing: Tesla Bike will auto-crash and catch on fire. Not thanks!
  • 17 39
flag rtclark FL (Jul 11, 2022 at 11:46) (Below Threshold)
 Just took a trip back to the 1980s in my time machine and found this same sweet quote from DavidSA just as automatic transmission started displacing manual. I guess he's still in his horse and buggy.
  • 2 0
 @stormracing: if you can hang on...
  • 7 1
 Is this the one with ABS because thats just skid robbery
  • 5 6
 ohh nooo all the R&D is going into E bikes!!! oh no!!! oh no!!!
  • 22 5
 @rtclark: think back to the success of the original Dodge Viper. No abs, no traction control, manual only. The real muscle car guys all fell in love. There is a reason some of us still insist on late 60s muscle, and it isnt just looks.
  • 13 22
flag endorium (Jul 11, 2022 at 14:34) (Below Threshold)
 @RonSauce: you ride a full rigid steel bike ? Or just a hypocrite? Advancements happen, that's a good thing. Some may not be to your liking but I guarantee the bile you ride is a long way from am old skool dodge. It will be more like a modern supercar equivalent. Droppers, disc brakes, suspension at both ends, light weight etc
  • 8 8
 @RonSauce: ah yes the muscle car
m.youtube.com/watch?v=B--Bh9jCJxQ , it’s unfortunate time has moved on and anyone can now go to the drag strip in their model 3
  • 18 1
 @endorium: fully rigid steel bike rider here. Fun as hell!
  • 9 1
 For a few extra dough, the bike can also ride itself to the trails while you have a beer at home
  • 30 2
 @endorium: I have a full rigid in my garage, and a single speed, and modern mountain bikes. I also have an old school muscle car and new cars.

There is no need to be a stubborn child and act like you can only enjoy one thing in life.
  • 7 3
 @Compositepro: its about the fun of driving the cars, not just quarter mile times.
  • 7 4
 @endorium:That is stupid logic.

Ps I do ride fully rigid with canti brakes. Some tech makes sense but most is just shit.
  • 2 2
 @mcocchio: I hope it's single speed too otherwise it's not really proper riding
  • 2 1
 @endorium: one has to draw a line somewhere... wireless shifting was where I drew mine, i wonder where you'll draw yours?
  • 3 2
 @bogey: I'm so ahead of the game, no need for tesla supersmart bike to auto crash!!!
  • 2 2
 @RonSauce: oh I can see how fun it must be when you can enjoy just driving away from loud shouty cars that weren't too good anyway., Its not just the drag strip where this phenomenon happens.
  • 3 0
 @enduroNZ:
My other bike is a 2008 Gary Fisher Rig single speed with an 80mm fox. I commute every day on it. The fully rigid is for steep wild rocky trails here in Japan.
  • 2 2
 @RonSauce: I don’t know you but i like you
  • 2 2
 @RonSauce: I agree. You argued against your own point. You can enjoy everything. Stop being negative towards innovation
  • 1 1
 @rtclark: drink that kool aid bud
  • 1 0
 I'll wait for the one which will perform a backflip or a manual by pressing a button.
  • 1 0
 @endorium: my point is the factual success of the Viper. The Viper had such success because cars like the corvette were over weight, slow, underpowered pigs with traction control that was invasive as hell. Sports cars were terrible do mostly to automation and comforts that were put there for mass market appeal.
Its apples to apples about the subject of ebikes and the direction of their marketing. My personal opinions and lifestyle have nothing to do with it, I was just being clear to your argumentative ass since you care so much about what I'm doing apparently.
  • 1 2
 @RonSauce: your talking from a very american point of view. Other countries are available
  • 1 0
 @endorium: its an American example, it actually has has nothing to do with my point of view.

But hey, soon enough maybe bikes will follow the subscription model and you can pay monthly for your shifting, and have a little screen that can play you an ad every time you get on your bike.
  • 2 0
 @endorium: but merica
  • 140 14
 Auto shifting on an e-bike... Next Level Laziness.
  • 58 4
 Add a throttle button and you have a $7k Radpower for the getting around the retirement community.
  • 55 0
 Funny,
I’m not an e-bike pundit, but I think we all get wrapped up in our little “pinker” community and forget we are prolly the smallest market share when it comes to bikes.
On my way to work today, I said out loud, watching someone struggle to get going from a stoplight, “it should make sense if these things auto shifted, or had something like a CVT”

Funny to log in and see this article
  • 18 1
 @s200s: Most Radpower bikes are around $1500. These bikes are great for car replacement and aimed at people who wouldn't normally buy a commuter bike because of lack of fitness, scared of hills, intimidated by bike culture, etc. These are bikes for the masses and they are great.
  • 14 0
 @onawalk: enviolo is pretty okay. Not perfect, but okay.
There is a huge market for this kind of stuff. You would be blown away to see how many ~170mm travel e-enduros have basically full fenders around here. One of the most asked questions when people buy these tanks is: "can you put a kickstand on this?"
Granted, a lot of this is due to bike leasing funded by employers. A lot of people get a gigantic budget and think because they occasionally ride on dirt paths, that they "need" a mountain bike.
Generally speaking also the same people that wear out the 10/11/12t cogs in 100km or less. The record so far was chain slippage after a grand total of 27km.
  • 12 1
 @ssteve: it surprised at all,
Like I said, we think we are the target market, and I’m pretty sure we aren’t.
  • 7 1
 But I love how clean it looks. I want this with Fox Live Valve and a Cat Eye cadence sensor.
  • 18 0
 Have you heard an ebiker shift? This is just out of compassion for the poor tortured chains.
  • 4 0
 @onawalk: haha, I've thought the same thing... the number of commuters I see who don't shift while coming to stop and then pulling and pushing as hard as they can while trying to get going again in their hardest gear... it blows me away.
  • 4 15
flag knarf1 (Jul 11, 2022 at 13:16) (Below Threshold)
 Do you drive auto or manual vehicle? Probably auto. It's called progress, like it or not, it will popular for the masses. So get over it.
Have a great pedal day.
  • 1 3
 you clearly dont understand how ebikes work
  • 5 0
 @onawalk: I'm waiting for the CVT to come out. Constant chain length, single sprocket at each end perfectly in line so no tensioner or chain guide. Fat pitch chain. Etc...
Seems madness to put all that torque through a low spec 12 speed drivetrain. Madness unless you're an the FD at SRAM, rubbing your hands together at the doubling of the already doubled profits.
  • 2 0
 @onawalk: definitely not the target market..... haha
  • 12 0
 @knarf1: funnily enough I purposely drive a manual car. Autos are boring to drive. Driving a car with manual transmission and minimal driver aids is a more fun and rewarding experience. I want to control the car, not the car controlling me via aids. Same with my bikes....
  • 6 1
 @ssteve: I can confirm this.
Two weeks ago I spotted an e-enduro with such a big saddle bag that it would have it the fender when lowering the dropper post.
This wasn't even a cas of Jobrad, the guy was too old, so he paid his own money for that abomination.
  • 1 0
 *hit
  • 2 0
 Using that logic, anyone using a seat dropper, hydralic brakes or anything more that 7 gears is a worthless POS
  • 2 0
 @MTBrent says someone who probably drives an automatic car
  • 3 1
 @MTBrent They probably said that about simple gears on bikes when they first came out. You could argue that anything that makes cycling "easier" is lazy though, for example 29" wheels, lighter frames, lighter wheels etc.
  • 2 1
 @skyroach: I ride mtb around squamish 15-20 hours a week and fricking love my rad power bike!
  • 58 2
 Manual transmission preferred over here.
  • 15 3
 Ohhh boy

"BuT aUtOMatIc iS FasTEr"
  • 41 0
 Never ever thought that sentence would have to bleed over to the cycling world. #savethemanuals
  • 3 0
 @neatoneto: lol for myself I can’t even imagine something like this, but for the days when I ride with my wife I could see it coming in handy. Hopefully no more clunking sounds.. Wink
  • 1 0
 Too right. I drive a manual car, and except in snow/ice, leave the traction control off...
  • 3 0
 @rich-2000: I mean, when you make 200whp, of course you do.
  • 80 36
 A feature noone asked for and not wireless still. Plus it means you need a Shimano motor, which is possibly the most unreliable one you can get. No thanks
  • 59 17
 Why do you need wireless shifting and dropper actuation? To operate your bike while standing in line at the coffee shop?
  • 18 13
 brother, ain't possible to have a "wireless" ebike. You want wireless ride a human powered bike. They are not cable-less but they are wireless.
  • 9 31
flag endorium (Jul 11, 2022 at 9:23) (Below Threshold)
 @a-double: true. I often get a coffee whilst waiting on my normal bike friends to get to the top. Although not many left on non-ebikes.
  • 22 2
 2 E8000’s and 1 EP 8 have been bombproof for me though more than 10k miles in dust, wet and 120 degree heat.
  • 51 0
 Why isn't someone making e-bikes with gearboxes? With enough ingenuity, I'm sure you could make it all a part of the same unit. It would shift without pedaling easily... wait... motor, clutch out and shift, gearbox where is this heading... lol
  • 4 0
 @a-double: How else do you look good while ordering your half double decaffeinated half-caf, with a twist of lemon?
  • 8 0
 @ryanandrewrogers: effigear has one coming out soon and pinion might As well. I 100 percent agree, e gearbox, Save the wear on a standard drivetrain, could use a thicker chain or belt.
  • 7 0
 @ryanandrewrogers: I’m sure it’s no trivial feat to cram a gearbox and motor into the same limited space near/around the bottom bracket.
  • 5 2
 @PHX77: It's hit and miss. I lost a E8000 whilst climbing. Took 3 months to get a new one from Germany. No report on why the motor crapped out but at least they warrantied mine. A friend with the same bike (Metapower) lost his E8000 and managed to source a new EP8 (4 months wait) and everything else had to change, the cranks, display (which is now only black and white for all modes.

My wife has the Bosch on her Giant and no problems in 4 years. I am not convinced on the Shimano motor (it only happened to me once) but since my friend and riding buddy had the same issue, I am just wondering when the next crap-ou8t will occur.
  • 1 0
 @gnarlysipes: I’m pretty sure Alan Milyard used a shimano hub ‘gearbox’ with a Jack drive on the bike he built for his lad. Could do a workaround for an ebike I recon
  • 18 0
 @gnarlysipes: This argument is as valid as saying "it's no trivial feat to cram a battery the size of an adolescent's leg in the downtube". We managed that, we've managed gearboxes, we've managed motors. I mean christ just look at the empty triangle of space in the middle of the bike. Motorcycles have done this brilliant job of filling that space with all that stuff I just mentioned... wait I did it again Facepalm lol
  • 11 1
 @ryanandrewrogers:
That space is for water bottles.
  • 6 0
 @PHX77: yep. the revised EP8 saw me going from 1-2 dead motors a week, to haven't seen one in over a year.

brose deeeeeeeefinitely cannot say that, and hell, even Bosch fail at a higher rate.

E7000, first EP8 were the dogs dinner. the new EP8 and EP8rs are bullet proof
  • 5 0
 @PHX77: where are you getting all of this weather in one place?
  • 7 0
 @Hayek: I own a vehicle with a bike rack
  • 9 0
 @PHX77: I’d drive somewhere that isn’t 120 degrees
  • 2 0
 @ryanandrewrogers: Fair point. Still not trivial. Hub gearboxes aren’t the answer and using the empty space in the triangle can only go so far. There are geometry and weight distribution problems to consider. Don’t get me wrong, I want to see a proper gearbox eMTB myself.
  • 2 0
 So you'd rather have wireless shifting and a wireless dropper? That's four additional batteries on top of the massive one built into the frame.
  • 2 0
 @ryanandrewrogers: Money! Use parts that are already being used in ohther bikes means you only have to increase poroduction volume which in the end decreases prise per part.
Additionally mechanisms that have already been used for ages are servicable by more shops/mechanics, partly even by you or me.
Now adding a gearbox means one more part can break that I most definetly can't fix and the local shop might not be able to fix.

There are many reasons why you don't see ebikes with gearboxes. Some might be because the industry wants you to have better time on your bike with the least amount of downtime but most come down to money!

Development costs money and might not work in the end. Establishing new standarts costs money and might not be worth it! Shit is hard!
  • 1 0
 @ryanandrewrogers: Amen. This is what would make me fork out for another eBike. The drivetrain is the biggest weakness of an eBike.
  • 2 0
 @PHX77:
See this is where autonomous cars need to come in and we can make the most of our analogue bikes ; )
  • 4 1
 That's the opposite of what I've heard. Several people in my local biking community have Specialized ebikes and they've gone through probably half a dozen motors *each*. The Shimano motor may or may not have the feel or whatever but it's got a rep for reliability AFAIK.
  • 1 1
 @a-double: It's not that we *need* wireless so much as that we *don't need* wires for shifts anymore. Why waste time fishing something else through a frame?
  • 1 1
 @jmusuperman: I’ll gladly run cables through my frame than pay ridiculous prices for a gimmick. No FCC approval needed on my steeds. To each their own!
  • 5 1
 @disruptiveone: imagine if there was a system where you just used your legs to power the bike uphill, wouldn't that be neat?
  • 2 5
 @fielding: it would be amazing. I do that twice a week but it is nice to also take the e-bike sometimes, smartass
  • 5 0
 @gnarlysipes: Really, electric motors don't need transmissions - they can deliver 100% torque at zero RPM and across a generous speed range. It doesn't make sense to have a derailleur or a gearbox on an ebike if one considers that the pedal assist function could be assisting the motor, which in turn could drive the rear wheel at the hub, or with a single belt at any speed or torque value that corresponded to the rider's inputs. Electronic controls weigh nearly nothing and the motor is already part of the cost. Why pay SRAM and Shimano for overpriced, complicated components that are only necessary for actual bicycles?
  • 1 0
 @RichardCunningham: I think about this a lot. Electric cars don't have gearboxes - they control the torque through electronic means - and everyone seems to understand and accept this. But we all secretly know exactly why e-bikes have drive trains. They need to sell those parts. If the consumers ever get smart enough to realize that and demand the removal of unnecessary parts, that impacts the bottom line. It's better if everyone believes they need them - basically free sales money.
  • 1 0
 @RichardCunningham: Good to hear from you! Great point. But if they take out the transmission does that blur the lines between human powered/assisted and purely motorized bikes even further? I guess you could still build a class I eMTB that is pedal-assist, no throttle, and caps out at 20mph. You’d get weird looks from everyone once they realize you don’t have a tranny.
  • 1 0
 @fielding: Says everyone who doesn’t own or hasn’t ridden an ebike. Admittedly, I own one and I’m still on the fence about them. They’re so fun and I still get an incredible workout but it’s a different mental challenge than slogging up a trail on your regular bike. You have a cheat switch right there and when the trail gets long and steep, it would be easier to push it into full turbo mode and give your legs a rest. I have to keep an eye on my cadence and power (and breathing) to ensure I’m still engaged in the power and cardio zones I need to be in.
The allure for me was never getting uphill easier—it was being able to go farther and explore more. And do laps on the local DH trails without shuttling with a gas guzzling truck.
  • 1 0
 @gnarlysipes: I'll give you that much- I've rented one before in Squamish and I can admit it has its place for long, steep uphills venturing way up and out into the mountains, that would be barely possible for most humans to reach on a bike without E-assistance.

When I see people in Ontario flatlands using them to just go-fast when they can just get a workout instead, and when I hear that Norco only brought E-bikes to Sea Otter Canada (in Ontario) and the Trek representative lamenting that he would send out more demos if he had more E-bikes... It just makes me want to shake my head at the weakness in the hearts, minds, souls and legs of our local population.
  • 1 0
 @fielding: Yeah, I feel ya. I have to remind myself that many of these people wouldn’t be out on bikes at all and likely not outside were it not for their ebike. My dad is a prime example. We got him an electric Townie (class I) and it got him back into cycling. He now takes his regular bike out more than he did before the ebike.
  • 39 0
 Ten speed cassette makes more sense for ebikes imo.
  • 9 0
 Couldn’t agree more. I think about it every time I ride my ebike. This auto-shifting business kind of makes me want to sell my ebike, though.
  • 12 2
 8 speed 11-36. literally all you need on an ebike. 50t cogs are dumb as fuck, given the number of cassettes I see on eMTBs that have the two smallest gears worn to nubs, and the biggest 4 show room condition. lmao
  • 6 3
 @conoat: I thought the giant cog was stupid on eMTBs myself… until I needed to use it. If you’re like me, you’ll end up exploring on an ebike and riding trails you wouldn’t normally ride on a regular bike. That said, sure, maybe 50/52T is overkill. But I want at least a 42 or 46. 8-speed might do it but 10 is a touch more refined if you’re properly using your gears.
  • 1 0
 @conoat: yep, I'm rocking Zee Mech 10speed 11-36. Perfect, except that it's still more gears than I need
  • 2 0
 @gnarlysipes: I didnt really mean current 8sp. lol. because, yeah I wouldn't want that either. I think with as many ebikes that are out there now, the big two could build an ebike specific 8 speed system: shift performance of 10sp XT, thicker burlier chain and cassette cogs, etc. cassette could be narrower to make a much better chainline over all, etc....
  • 1 0
 @conoat: This x100000000
  • 1 0
 @rojo-1: the zee x 10spd was my go to for many many yrs
  • 1 0
 I still run 10sp short cage zee and I can’t say I’ve ever run out of gears or had a rock strike. I’m not sure what we’re trying to do with more and more gears which is another story, or with this monstrosity, create some sort of easy to consume off road capable electronic moped for the masses? Just pedal all over the town and country whatever you want just chop it in for a new one every three years along with your car what do you mean build a trail who would waste time doing that sounds like something a loser would do blah blah
  • 1 0
 @conoat: I’m willing to try it. When are you going into production? lol
  • 34 6
 Lol automatic shifting for ebikes Big Grin This has to be peak dorkiness and I say this as someone who generally thinks ebikes can be fun.

"the system won't power you forward without you pedalling"... Only with stock software. Unless I'm missing something, it clearly has that capability and is only a hack away from becoming a full-on motorbike, yet is still sold as a bicycle.
  • 8 1
 This is the kind of “innovation” that’s continuing to blur the lines and may get e-bikes kicked off of trails they were previously welcome on.
  • 1 1
 In the US, it's technically illegal to modify the software, since it's signed by Shimano and breaking that encryption (digital signatures are a type of encryption) has been made illegal by the DMCA.

Just like it's technically illegal to speed on a motorcycle, and those bikes are easily physically able to. Shit, it's way easy to break the law, and turn a car or motorbike into a legit weapon, in most countries, but we don't see location based speed limiters anywhere (that I know of).

"Intended use" is a thing, and a few people might illegally modify pedal-assist e-bikes to be throttle powered, but it's tiny minority doing the illegal things. Just like it's small minority of people taking their sport bikes to 150 mph on public roads (that aren't the Autobahn).
  • 28 0
 @stormracing: I think the ebike market is catering to people who want maintenance plans, and authorized dealers and service intervals.

It's not for me or a large section of the cycling community, but there is a lucrative market for people who want the fanciest things on a subscription.

Just look at the rise of leasing cars.

as for me, I work on my own bike, and buy a new bike about every 10 years. so its a no from me dawg.
There is a 0% chance that an e bike will last 10 years.

I'm starting to see e biking as an entirely new sport for a new market.

It's not the biking that we all grew up with though.
  • 9 0
 You are not wrong. So much bike business here is in the form of a 3 year lease with a full service package. Subscription culture...
  • 4 1
 I don't know, see alot of under fit/over weight people on ebikes, which sends them on higher longer rides,which they love, plus buy now, pay later, has always been extremely popular here. Never heard anyone ask about service plans, only warranty cover . And 10 years, that a long long time for most bike buyers
  • 4 0
 Yep, was reading an article the other where BMW has begun testing monthly subscriptions of luxury features in Korea. The ones I saw were $18 a month for heated seats!

Found it - www.thedrive.com/news/bmw-is-charging-a-subscription-fee-for-heated-seats-again
  • 28 0
 Whoa, thank goodness for that video explanation!
  • 26 0
 Hopefully they got rid of the "bag of bolts" coasting rattle on the new EP8
  • 7 0
 Upgraded it to be a bucket of bolts
  • 1 0
 @GZMS: Yes that is what I should of wrote...more fitting lol
  • 32 5
 What a load of garbo
  • 8 49
flag ScandiumRider (Jul 11, 2022 at 9:06) (Below Threshold)
 Yet you took the time to read through it all, possibly watch the videos, and make a comment.
  • 12 1
 Well..... We just need to know about this kind of stupid sh!t so we can make fun of the people who buy it!
  • 26 5
 Absolutely amazing piece of useless tech
  • 17 1
 I really like the idea of it automatically changing gear while you are coasting, so you are in the “right” gear when you start pedalling again. It would be great to have that feature on a non-ebike groupset (although I can see why that’s not really possible).
  • 9 0
 It is possible, just search for "Intend Rocksteady Magic cranks" (I'm not sure if I'm allowed to post links here...).
Basically they added a freewheel to the crank and blocked the rear hubs freewheel by zip-tying the cassette to the hub.
Therefore the chain is always moving when the bike is moving and you can shift whenever you want. Doesn't work automatically though.
  • 5 0
 Pinion and Effigear gearboxs cans shift whilst coasting. Was genuinely the best feature of a pinion setup when I tried one.
  • 2 0
 @Paco: Free shift while coasting does sound like the best feature in all of this. Might also reduce chain wear a little because of less shifting under the load of the motor.

But the Auto-shift feature seems like a chain-wear nightmare. Repeated upshifting under the load of an e bike motor on a steep climb as shown in the video has got to be one of the quickest ways to wear out a chain. Also seems like this could increase the chances of chain damage from shifting under load in some situations.

What would be helpful for e bikes is a system in the motor that would automatically decrease the pedal load while the derailleur is shifting, but I don't see that designed into this system.

The article does not specify what cadence the shifting is based around or whether that is adjustable or not. E bikes usually work more efficiently at a higher cadence so I'm curious how they've set it up.
  • 11 0
 If this was available on an analog you'd be giving up certain rights of passage. Like route planning, line choice and knowledge of your drivetrain. I myself do not want to give up a sweat-in-the-eye-max-hr attempt to downshift 10 seconds into the climb because I didn't even look up and chose a gear 4 cogs too high. The clang of a derailleur under full torque and the satisfying feeling of knowing you didn't snap the chain (yet) is like no other sound. Be at one with your derailleur.

"This is my derailleur. There are many others like it, but this one is mine. My derailleur is my best friend. It is my life. I must master it as I must master my life. Without me, my derailleur is useless. Without my derailleur, I am useless. I must shift my derailleur true. I must shift straighter than my riding buddies, who are trying to out-Strava me. I must shift them before they shift me. I will. Before God I swear this creed: my derailleur and myself are defenders of my drivetrain. We are the masters of our trail. We are the saviors of my life. So be it, until there is no mis-shift, but peace. Amen."
  • 3 0
 When I learned to ride a bike I was told to keep my eyes up and shift gears in advance of grade changes. It’s worked pretty reliably for 25 years so far. Haven’t had to warranty the motor yet at the very least.
  • 3 0
 @HelterSeltzer: Having ridden the shimano 12 speed hyperglide plus, it does a really respectable job of shifting under load. I'd be curious to see if it's not as bad as you think. but I'm not holding my breath either.
  • 1 0
 @Spencermon: I wasn't referring to the quality or smoothness of Shimano shifting, I like Shimano shifting. Just pointing out that shifting under load is bad for chain wear and potential damage to the chain.
  • 17 2
 Tells you how strong the ebike market is when they can put this amount of development resources into such a niche.
  • 24 23
 Dh is a niche, xc is a niche, 'nduro is niche. Like it or not ,E-bikes are the mainstream future of mountain biking. Get used to it.
  • 8 9
 @watchmen: mountainbiking is niche. I suspect that the largest percentage of e-mtbs don't see that much 'mountain biking' as many on here would define it. most e-bikers are just lazy boomers cruising around, if what I see locally is any indicator
  • 3 1
 @bmxslinger: where I'm at, that was true 4 yrs ago (old dudes on ebikes). Now, the old guys are lycra clad on xc whips putting in the miles while i get passed on the climb by a 22 year old hipster on an ebike. Doesn't bother me either way, but it has been interesting watching the shift in user groups.
  • 5 4
 @watchmen: Lol. XC isn't niche. XC bikes BY FAR outsell any other type of mtb, ebikes included. E-mtbs are mainly an expensive subset of an already niche subset that are trail/enduro bikes. Yeah, they attract R&D budgets because they're obviously a rapid growth segment, being relatively new, and of course they are a very high margin product. But thinking that in terms of volume they outsell XC bikes worldwide is out of touch. Don't base your observations on UK trail centres or PB. Both places are very far from being representative of the actual worldwide mtb market.
  • 4 7
 @bananowy: @bananowy: Rofl. I base my observations on running bike shops for the last 22 years. But then again as a PB reading trail centrerist I guess I'm out of touch. And by Xc I mean cross country race bikes.
But thanks for the condescending tone youth, made me chuckle.
  • 4 5
 @watchmen: XC is XC, not "race bikes", just admit you only thought of narrowing it down after my comment. But even XC "race bikes" definitely outsell emtbs, trail bikes, enduro bikes etc. worldwide unless you use some ridiculous price cut off for what you can or can't take to an xc race. Your 22 years of selling to the exact demographic I described above doesn't change much.

There wasn't a single point where my comment was "condescending". Oversensitive much? But thanks for condescendingly calling me a "youth", made me chuckle. Or should I be flattered? I mean, I know I'm in great shape for my age.
  • 2 1
 @bananowy: whether you think they're niche or not, eeb sales are well over 50% of what shops do now. Anyone not doing that is missing a trick and doesn't want to stay in business.
  • 2 3
 @Jonesey23: If both you and the other guy struggle to grasp that you live in some of the tiny minority of places in the world where spending £4k+ on a bicycle for a hobby is no biggie, then I can't help you, sorry. I can only suggest getting out more. Maybe one day you will realise that the overwhelming majority of global mtb buyers spend somewhere between £500-£1000 on an XC hardtail and are done with it.

When you talk about "eeb sales" you also seem to deliberately forget that we're talking about emtbs here, not "eebs" in general. I am aware of how well e-commuters and e-folding bikes sell. They start cheaper and justifying the expense is different when it's transportation instead of a hobby. I can assure you that emtbs specifically are most definitely not over 50% of what most bike shops around the world sell. No category of mtb is.
  • 1 1
 @bananowy: The drivetrains in this article will not just be found on emtbs!
The shop where I work (just 1 of 13 and online) will happily prove you wrong in just 1 day (even before hybrid sales). All £1500+, often in pairs and we are not unique in that stat. Contrary to your opinion, big and well run bike shops can easily do it.
FYI my shop is out of town and is a destination so we don't have big commuter segment. Our customers travel (from all over the UK) to shop with us. Whether that's by chance or deliberate.

We don't sell cheap eebs (like city stores, Halfords et al), but we do also sell a lot of sub £1k bikes (across all non E segments)
  • 3 4
 @Jonesey23: "The drivetrains in this article will not just be found on emtbs!"
But this thread is about emtbs.

Dude. Your shop is in the UK. What's so hard to understand in the simple fact that the UK is not representative of the majority of the world? Not only that, your shop is "a destination" and clearly specializes in the performance/mtb segments, which makes it even more of an outlier globally. How is any of that proving me wrong? To the contrary, you have just literally proven all my points for me.
  • 1 1
 @bananowy: Did you not read the article?
No where does it mention that these new drivetrains are emtb only. It does however state that CUES appears to be aimed at the commuter market.
So please do explain why this makes it all emtb only.

My shops specialises in selling bikes (all of them), regardless of your assumptions and whilst our market is different to the US/Canada, its pretty representative of Europe. The industry is small and its does talk... the only notable differences are in inner-city shops, but even the bigger of those are pretty similar.
  • 2 3
 @Jonesey23: I did read the article. I never said the article is about emtbs, where are you getting that from? This specific comment thread is about emtbs. I replied to a comment that literally said "E-bikes are the mainstream future of MOUNTAIN BIKING" (caps by me for emphasis). Did you read what you're replying to?

Where did I say anything about US/Canada? They are just as non-representative of the majority of the world as the UK is. No, the UK market is not representative of Europe, let alone global markets. The UK is the 6th economy in the world. There are lots of European countries with an average monthly salary of less than 1000 EUR and in a number of them it's below 500 EUR. And that is Europe, not even scratching the surface of the actual GLOBAL markets.
  • 1 2
 @bananowy: The OP of this thread does not mention emtbs specifically... its only you who has tried to differentiate that.

You keep going on about the world and global markets and then and soon as I mention somewhere other than the UK you say it doesn't count.

There are lots of places in the world where the average monthly salary is far less than that even, so maybe you just need to be writing into the Daily Mail about all of this because you don't seem to be having the same conversation.
  • 3 2
 @bananowy: I object strongly to being referred to as 'the other guy' by a juvenile.You may refer to me as Sir or Mr Watchmen.
  • 2 1
 @Jonesey23: It's literally not "only me" though. I just quoted the comment I replied to above, but go ahead and ignore the context of a conversation you're joining halfway through. If you prefer changing topics and derailing the conversation instead of discussing in good faith then I guess I'm out.

I never said "it doesn't count". Or quote where I did? I said those outliers don't sway the global proportions of sales between mtb categories. Also you had clearly assumed I was thinking about US and Canada, so I just corrected that. And maybe tried to hint to you that non-English speaking countries do, indeed, exist Wink

I have no idea what you're talking about with that whole Daily Mail thing. I've never read it so maybe I'm missing some context? I mean, yes of course there are countries with lower incomes than that. That's the whole point. That's why, contrary to the comment I originally replied to, emtbs do not globally outsell basic XC bikes by volume and will not for the foreseeable future.
  • 13 1
 Someone should build up an ebike with this and rockshox flight attendant to see how many human inputs you can remove from a bike
  • 4 1
 What human inputs does flight attendant remove? The need to move your lockout lever?
  • 6 0
 I see what you're saying. I personally don't want this, but I think on the performance side, this could be a great advantage in an E-Bike race.
On the other side, the mobility side that is, people REALLY want this kind of stuff. Here in Germany (and other parts of Europe) the bicycle isn't so much seen as a hobby, but a viable alternative means of transportation. The E-Bike is just an extension of that. It's allowed people who don't really want to put in a big effort to get across town, people getting older or those who don't want to show up sweaty to work to get back on two wheels again. Many of these don't and never really did understand shifting, or just don't want to. The market is there and Shimano knows their audience.
  • 1 0
 @onemanarmy: Two levers. But yes, you nailed it.
  • 1 0
 @ssteve: Nailed it!

Shit, they made a whole new acronym* for the commuter line. This is definitely aimed toward a specific audience, and it's not really MTB. They probably only made an XT version so it will get raced (Mick Hannah was spotted racing with it, or a prototype, recently) and get some exposure to the tech. But the CUES version will be the real money-maker, with the transportation applications being a much bigger market than eMTB, even in the US where bike transit is way less common than the rest of the world.

*(is CUES actually an acronym? Really not sure since there are SO MANY ALL CAPS NAMES in this thing!)
  • 10 0
 Can you have an option to tazer someone trying to pass at a stupid spot on the trail? Would need to be discreet. Asking for a friend.
  • 5 0
 Why are you getting passed on a e-bike? Aren't they the great equalizer?
  • 7 0
 I didn't see THIS coming....after thinking about it, it reminds me of Honda's DTC smart auto-shifting, but for bikes. Not gonna be everyone's cup o' tea, but for some it's gonna definitely sell some bikes for those who can afford the tech. Lastly, I think having one charging point is a much more attractive proposition than having a million specialized mini batteries all over a wireless system to manage for most people. Integration is the next great leap forward it seems, and Shimano surprised me with this.
  • 12 6
 Imagine posting on pinkbike how much you hate new tech that you think is pointless... while doing it on a pointless electronical gadget. Paper and analogue phones worked well for years... surely sending in a letter would be more appropiate?
  • 10 2
 Coming soon, the riderless bike, stay at home in your chair and ride the world!!
  • 9 0
 So, “Let my Ibis do the job!” is finally around the corner?
  • 1 0
 Ibis!!!!
  • 10 2
 This does not help the E bikes are not motorcycles argument.
  • 8 2
 If you don't want to pedal and don't want to shift, get a scooter. Nothing wrong with a Vespa or even the fancy BMW scooters are not bad looking for being a scooter.
  • 3 1
 "If you don't want to pedal and don't want to shift, get a scooter. Nothing wrong with a Vespa or even the fancy BMW scooters are not bad looking for being a scooter."

Who would downvote the truth?

(rhetorical question, we all know what the viagra-bikers who downvoted this looks like)
  • 4 0
 Don't really care about this product, but I'm interested to see if they've figured out some clever way to get around the fact that shifting under load is absolutely terrible for drivetrains. Especially with e-bikes, where you're basically putting Olympic athlete levels of watts through the chain and cassette, having it just auto-shift blindly seems like a bad thing. I wonder if it's sophisticated enough for the motor to do an "auto blip" like an F1 gearbox?
  • 3 0
 The Hyperglide+ cassette sprockets' shift ramps really do seem to give the chain a gentler ride between gears, at least in terms of noise and pedal feel.

Linkglide is supposedly more of the same, but I've yet to see that stuff in person.
  • 2 0
 @nislwalk: the bosch motor on my decade-old e-commuter senses shifts and drops power to accommodate this...i think this is already happening
  • 3 0
 It's not blindly shifting, the system knows exactly what the pedals, the motor, and the mech are doing at all times. They explicitly mentioned the key to the whole thing is the connection between everything. Since it's "blipping" power on to auto-shift while coasting, it's easy to assume it's blipping it off for auto-shifts under power.

Plus Shimano, and many many reviewers, including here, have been telling us that HG+ (and LG) shifts amazingly and non-destructively in both directions even under power, so that powered shift blip will probably be miniscule, just enough to take the full 85 Nm load from the motor out of the system while the shift happens.
  • 1 0
 @justinfoil: Yeah that all makes sense now. Still not terribly interested in using it but very very cool tech.
  • 5 0
 From the comments:
"Analog bike"
"Acoustic bikes"
"Muscular bikes"
And my favourite: "retro motorless bikes"

They already have a name, guys. And they are called bicycles, or bikes.
  • 7 2
 what happens when you smash your rear derailleur on a rock and you can't buy a replacement because this is only sold complete.
  • 5 0
 I think you are on to something…
  • 2 0
 THIS!

SRAM at least sells you a whole new AXS derailleur if you bend/brake the cage. Shit aswell, but better then a whole new bike...
  • 17 0
 What rock are they gonna hit on suburban bike paths
  • 4 2
 You will be able to buy replacement parts... But because you need the drive unit and the drivetrain, you wouldn't necessarily be able to just put it on any bike...
  • 4 2
 I'm sure that it'll be seen as a replacement part to the system. Meaning anyone with a system can buy crash replacements.

It doesn't really take all that much thought processing power to realize that one piece of the system will not work without the rest of of the system. So why would you want to buy 1 piece?
  • 3 0
 @dlstucki: As a consumer part of the decision to purchase a system typically includes system maintenance, understanding the cost of replacement parts is an essential aspect of adopting new technology in my opinion. Especially if replacement includes the whole system or a part of it.
  • 12 6
 All because Shimano didn't think far enough ahead to make the newest Di2 fully wireless.
  • 1 1
 Or it wasn't ready yet.
  • 6 1
 @onemanarmy: Wasn't ready yet?

They just released the newest Di2 knowing full well that tube in tube (point to point) internal routing is not only a thing, it's THE thing on modern bikes and has been for the last 6+ years making a centralized battery stored in a seat tube useless.
  • 6 0
 So the mother of all mtb groupset became an automatic drivetrain for ebikers?! Cool Big Grin
  • 8 1
 The next steps will be automatic cruise control and lane assist
  • 6 3
 I had Di2 for 11spd and you know what is worse than a cable based Derailer / shifter one that depends on tiny power electric shift cable. These cables will break bend and become and non-operational if you ride on dirt trails with any debris, sticks plants etc. I’d rather have cable shifting than any pair twisted copper wires in weak housing. Sram done a better job in deciding use Bluetooth and put battery on the Derailer - I don’t love it but at least you won’t have the equivalent of an iPhone cable that controls your shifting break on you.
  • 7 1
 Automatic shifting done, waiting for servo steering and massage/heated seat.
  • 8 1
 Right...now remove the cranks and replace them with foot pegs...
  • 5 1
 So does this thing shift automatically while you are out of the saddle sprinting or climbing? Sounds like an easy way to break a chain or get vaulted out the front door when the chain jumps a couple teeth.
  • 3 0
 I really hope that this is some kind of "minor announcement" while Shimano is preparing the release note of a real new group set. You know...for actual bikes...fully wireless. Otherwise this is just a punch in everyone's face (everyone = those riding an actual bike) and a total case of generating a cash cow product...
  • 3 0
 MTB innovation is laser focused on the E-mtb segment. Not sure I love it but it makes sense. People are buying them, every week there are a few more e-mtbs out on my local trails. Also... can we just say that having your electric drivetrain powered by the giant battery already on your bike is AMAZING. Makes a lot of sense.
  • 7 2
 LMAO auto e bikes. This would've been a great april fools day prank if it didn't happen to be real life
  • 4 0
 You're laughing, while I'm wondering why this wasn't a thing from the beginning of e-bikes. Di2 has been around for at least 10 years, and e-bikes have always had a battery and sensors and processors, it only makes sense to link it all together. I'm laughing at those fools with AXS on e-bikes. Bunch of little batteries and processors strapped to a big huge battery and more processors... makes no sense.
  • 5 0
 Does it work with Alexa or DO I HAVE TO say Hey Cheee-Mah-NO crank this sh*t up to 12!?
  • 6 4
 I reckon this might be more revolutionary than it seems. One of the things I like most about my dirt jumper is that I don't have to consider the gears when I'm trying not to panic because I've got my speed wrong between jumps.

This tech will presumably make an ebike feel like that too? It will effectively turn it into a single speed that always has the right ratio, whether you're coming out of a berm at 30mph and need to sprint, or realise there's a mahoosive drop ahead of you and you are only doing 5mph.

For choppers like me who sometimes find themselves in the wrong gear at a critical moment, this could be pretty cool - I'll be interested to read the reviews (and then not buy it because I'm tight).
  • 4 0
 jaw dropping innovation for food delivery people who are basically rich and just like delivering burgers to see the happy faces on hungry stoners.
  • 5 0
 No double ring/front derailleur options?? I feel cheated Shimano…
  • 5 0
 Granny shifting, not double clutchin, like ya should!
  • 1 0
 It's 1/10 for me Shimano should start develop a new drivetrain system (more durable!) and not ' upgrading ' old one- It's such a shame to see riders that sponsored by Shimano/sram are not finishing races because of a failure
  • 10 5
 This is what happens when R&D is done over zoom meetings!
  • 4 3
 I’d carry an extra DI2 cable with me in case the thing failed. No worth it. Please shimano either use battery on Derailer or skip electric thing all together. We would all much rather see a gearbox or motor based gear box system.
  • 7 0
 Username aside, and knowing nothing of your mechanical prowess, you may be overestimating your trail/roadside repair skills if you think you're changing out a Di2 wire out in the wild.
  • 2 1
 Don't worry, it's shown with the Shimano Link Glide Vaporware Cassette. Announced over a year ago, still not available anywhere and I have yet to see a bike in the wild with one on it. It's all unobtanium at this point when it comes to Shimano.
  • 3 0
 Available to the public in 2025? Still waiting for the stupid Linkglide to be available after well over 1 year since release.
  • 1 0
 Same
  • 1 0
 Probably the first e-bike specific part that actually is. Instead of that "e-bike wheel" or e-bike break" bs.
Just finally start making parts that are also usable as a 115 kg guy instead of a 75-80 kg guy. Those ten kg of a e-bike are usually not the problem but the size range of people. If someone is 2m tall he just is heavier and this has more effect than 10 kg more on the bike ffs.
  • 4 0
 " XT Di2 LINKGLIDE (11-speed with an 11-50t cassette)"

Keeping those OEMs happy by keeping cheap HG-only rear hubs alive.
  • 1 0
 Just sitting here with basic deore praying I can get parts 5 years from now... If I ride 50 days a season, my new rig only cost me $10 per ride... Not counting tires, brake pads, bearing, suspension service and razors for leg shaving.
  • 1 0
 Is anyone else curious what is being determined as the ideal cadence? Road bikes have an “ideal range” of 80-105 with time trial being closer to 110-120. Pro ride on the upper range while casual riders are in the lower range. What is the ideal for a MTB (e-MTB or not)?
  • 1 0
 So on my commuter ebike, the Bafang motor has a freewheel in it. I zip tied the cassette to the spokes and it had beautiful seamless shifts! I was mainly worried about stressing/grenading the freehub body ratchets, so switched it back to a rear freehub. But it is truly amazing how much better the system shifts while constantly moving. Looking at you Williams Racing Products...
  • 1 0
 Enough with this crap already! E bikes with automatic transmission?? Just go get yourself a motor scooter for God’s sake if that’s what you want. They’re so hell bent on getting riders on bikes that can’t ride and don’t want to learn. The industry is ruining this sport. That’s like making baseball bats that automatically swing for you. It’s all total crap.
  • 1 1
 One day, kids will not know what it was like to shift their own gears. This is sad! Much like cars are today. As a racer, I prefer to shift my own gears. Didn't read the full article, but hope they have a function to turn off the Auto-Shifting. If not, I now own the Patent on the idea. Ha! Right........
  • 1 0
 To say that this isn’t the 12 speed XT di2 I was hoping for would be an understatement. Is it cool? Could be if I was shopping for an e-bike that I could pay $12k for now and maybe take delivery of 6-8 months from now.
  • 5 1
 “Free Shift” isn’t going to be for free.
  • 1 0
 ha ha i agree....far from
  • 2 0
 Summer 2023? Weird announcement timing (unless SRAM is about to announce something). Conspicuous by its absence: news of whether the EP801 motor will still rattle...
  • 3 0
 www.pinkbike.com/video/551143 saving this video for the least convincing marketing ever
  • 3 0
 This is no longer “mountain biking”. This is a new hybrid dirtbike / bike type thing.
  • 1 0
 The wires up front would make me nervous from getting caugh on branches or when crashing....I recon AXS takes some beating...if you can afford it. I had AXS was a luxury and worked great. I'm back to conventional now....
  • 3 0
 Insert "michaelscottmeetstobyagain" meme here.
  • 3 0
 :still waiting for new saint:
  • 2 0
 Can you service it yet??

Or does it go in the bin and you have to buy another for 1000gbp?
  • 7 0
 Yoy just get bored of it before it wears out, and go back to watching television
  • 3 0
 @Dogl0rd: actual lol!
  • 1 0
 Shows what Shimano thinks about regular human powered bikes. They expect us all to be electric by 2025 when this actually comes out.
  • 1 0
 Where did you get that from? They're not stopping making mechanical systems, nor even stand-alone e-shifting.
  • 2 0
 No way this this going to work in steep downhills to immediate steep climbs
  • 3 0
 Perfect for when them fat eeb thumbs are too chunky to press the paddle
  • 2 0
 I love my ebike, but this is starting to look like animatronic robot with all the cables/wires and stuff going on.
  • 1 0
 This is going to be very useful for those with disabilities or newbies getting into the sport. If you don't like it, don't buy it, but let the others who do enjoy it.
  • 3 0
 you mean those people with missing thumbs?
  • 1 0
 Changing gears is easy. This is not needed. Yet another mtb advancement that i don't need. At least we don't need to upgrade stuff anymore.
  • 2 0
 all we need now is to develop AI robots that will ride that crap.
Quo vadis cycling???
  • 1 0
 A lot of shade being thrown, but tech "trickles down". Motogp was OVER when they went to 4 stroke bikes.. If this product isn't for you, move on.
  • 1 0
 All I ever wanted was a Di2 dropper post... My dream is still just a dream...
  • 3 1
 So wait, why can't I use this derailleur on my acoustic bike?
  • 5 0
 It's ebike specific
  • 9 0
 To save you from being embarrassed while riding along other analog bikers
  • 2 3
 @VtVolk: But if it's just the derailleur, why wouldn't it work with either? A lot of eMTB's use boost 148 spacing in the rear, so it should work with a regular bike... Or maybe I'm crazy. That's also very possible.
  • 3 0
 @danielfloyd: Works using an e bike battery, acoustic bike dont need one of thoughts
  • 4 0
 @danielfloyd: It says in the article that the power comes from the E bikes battery and does not have an external battery of its own like the sram does. I love Shimano and I love E- bikes but I think the SRAM is much better option
  • 2 0
 @PHX77: I see. So I am crazy lol
  • 1 0
 How could the RD know when to shift if there is no motor or sensors to monitor current speed and cadence?
  • 2 0
 One of thoughts?@aljoburr:
  • 1 0
 you can. It just acts like a normal XT di2 derailleur.
  • 1 0
 Yeah, wondering if it will be possible to hack the rear derailleur and shifter with a road Di2 battery for riders wishing to ride a pedal only mountain bike rather than an e-bike?
  • 2 0
 @eddlessride: Yes if you can convince the software it is a gravel bike?
  • 2 0
 Can I mount it on my recumbent?
  • 3 1
 This didnt need a press release
  • 3 0
 No CVT????
  • 1 1
 Weird. Maybe because i race xc bit as soon as the hills start levelling out im shifting down to keep cadence and power on point. The glide in the granny is for noobs
  • 2 0
 I bought AXS and fool me once....never again it isn't worth it
  • 1 0
 @Dlakusta: why is that? i bought it and love it.
  • 2 2
 Meh. I'll still go SRAM AXS in a heartbeat over e-toobz and waiting a million years for Shimano to send replacement components.
  • 2 0
 Haha, F*#k yeah!

-SRAM, probably
  • 2 0
 Call me when the chain is Oil Slick.
  • 2 0
 No chance this will be hard to maintain
  • 2 0
 skynet just became self aware..
  • 2 0
 Cazzo ci dobbiamo estinguere!
  • 1 0
 -.- tutti a batteria ormai
  • 2 0
 "Lower end Di2" for the dentists recovery ride...

What even is this?
  • 2 0
 The real question is when is the version for mountain bikes coming out.
  • 1 0
 This is the perfect item to pair up with the e-lube just released. Match made in heaven.
  • 1 0
 Who descends in their climbing gear? That animation must have been made by someone who's never mountain biked.
  • 3 2
 You barely have to pedal, you don't have to shift, it's not a bicycle. Yay bropeds
  • 1 0
 Meanwhile on road the shimano duraace, ultegra, 105 all electronic and semi wireless ‍♂️
  • 1 0
 This will go great with the Bosch EMTB ABS system that was just announced today! haha
  • 1 0
 Motorcycles are fun! Electric motorcycles as well. I testes the BMW C4, it was cool. I also tested a Lapierre. Was fun too!
  • 1 0
 HxR Components easy shift version électrique haha
  • 1 0
 My worst nightmare has come true.
  • 1 0
 SRAM has a e bike powered battery free mech too
  • 2 2
 Can't wait for the automatic shifting to be just as braindead as the automatic transmissions in cars lol
  • 1 0
 This product must work great, it’s shimano.
  • 1 0
 WRP told this idea to Sram via IG.....
  • 2 1
 At this point we are reinventing motorcycles LOL
  • 1 0
 Can't wait for that 11-50T 11 speed cassette!
  • 1 0
 I want Linkglide DI2. Will there be a plug in seatpost? GRX?
  • 1 0
 Just came here for the cable
  • 1 0
 I need an auto-shift e-bike to ride them Bragg Creek trails!
  • 1 0
 Available on pinkbike today.
Available in your lbs in 2026 (maybe).
  • 1 1
 2033 is more believable...
  • 5 5
 You had one job Shimano, one job... and you failed.
  • 2 2
 Oh look another e bike article.....
  • 2 1
 Ya nah im good
  • 1 0
 #Ebike
  • 1 1
 You had one job, Shimano, one. Make a wireless drivetrain.
  • 1 0
 I thought their one job was to get the components they were already making, back on the shelves again (supply chain problems).
  • 1 1
 Starting to get somewhere after seemingly 3 years of stagnation bc wuhan.
  • 1 3
 Wow, ebike only and still has wires. Will Shimano ever catch up???
  • 3 6
 DOA, it still have wires.
  • 3 0
 Every e-bike has wires already. Removing wires ala AXS makes sense for one shifter to one mech and that's it, but when integrating to a system with existing wires, might as well continue with wires instead of shoe-horning wireless into it just for a bullet-point.
  • 1 1
 @justinfoil: I have seen countless of the old 11spd Di2 were the wires to the derailuer got loose or broke, especially on full sus bikes. I would much rather have that they got rid of the flimsy wires.
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