Pedaling Powers the Battery-free Automatic Shifting System

Automatic gear-shifting on bikes is common but usually relies on batteries that need frequent recharging. Shimano’s new Q’Auto system is different—it uses the rider’s pedaling power instead.

Q’Auto is primarily designed for urban, trekking, and gravel bikes—both traditional and electric. It includes three components: a modified Shimano Cues rear freehub, a connected Cues wireless rear derailleur, and a Shimano Di2 wireless shifter mounted on the handlebar.

How Pedaling Powers the Q’Auto System

When the rider pedals, the rear wheel’s rotation powers a dynamo inside the freehub. This dynamo charges a lithium-ion capacitor that supplies energy to the derailleur’s gear-shifting actuator. The freehub also houses a microprocessor and sensors that track speed, cadence, and incline.

Using data from its sensors, Q’Auto automatically shifts gears one step at a time to maintain a chosen pedaling speed. Riders can select Slow, Middle, or Fast pedaling modes via a companion app or physical pushbutton controls.

How Manual Mode Helps Q’Auto Learn Your Shifting Style

If users aren’t satisfied with the preset settings at first, they can switch to Manual mode and shift gears themselves using the Di2 shifter. During this time, Q’Auto’s AI learns their riding style and adjusts its Auto-shift mode accordingly—often within just 6 km (3.7 miles) of cycling.

Q’Auto will be available both pre-installed on select third-party bikes and as an upgrade option for compatible existing bicycles. Pricing and release dates have not yet been announced.

Read the original article on: New Atlas

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