The Evolution of Cycling Groupsets: How Shimano's Auto Shift Drivetrain Works

Christina Chapetta, with support from Shimano, explores the topic of automatic drivetrains and asks whether mountain bikers are finally ready for the fully automatic drivetrain.

For more info read Mike Kazimer's first look below:

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[martinschwartz]

I like the something for everyone approach to MTB drivetrains. This is one more option that won’t be for everyone but it will make a lot of people happy. Also, I just want to say that Christina, you have become an amazingly good journalist. I hope Pinkbike will keep you for many years to come.

[martinhayes]

I honestly don't see the point, one wack on that derailleur I've not noticed and it's going to auto shift itself into my spokes 😂

[abuckcat]

No thanks I like shifting and pedaling

[adamvanabel]

Thanks for reminding me to go ride my single speed.

[chartreuse]

I just don't see the point. Shifting is not a very difficult thing to do. It happens very fast too. It's not like a car where you have a clutch to press first. I don't see automatic shifting to offer any noticeable performance advantage. In fact it is a disadvantage because the system can't preselect your gear based on what you see ahead of you. It can only react.

I feel similarly about electric groupsets. I see it's advantages, especially in racing environments. I still would prefer a mechanical system, especially in mountain biking.

[Nicoya]

So electronic shifting is all fine and good. I've got AXS on one of my bikes and it's expensive but I appreciate the appeal. But the automatic stuff? I'm just not seeing it. Like if I'm on a technical climb then I absolutely don't want the gear ratio changing unexpectedly, and if I'm on a non-technical climb then why even care. About the only feature that seems appealing is the pre-selection while coasting downhill but that feature seems to require an ebike, and if I'm riding an ebike I'm gonna be caring a lot less about being in the wrong gear for a sudden uphill punch.

[Gothenburg]

At some point, the sport can be taken away from a sport we all love. "Save the Manuals" is a thing for a reason - for people that enjoy DRIVING the car (like myself). We enjoy RIDING the bike, and in an age of 11/12 speed cassettes (vs the old 3x7/8/9), it's just not that difficult or complex, but still really FUN. More things to break and have to maintain means more time off the trail, and more money.

If you want to have all that done for you, just get an adventure/trail motorcycle. Hell, they're about the same price anymore. My Pivot Trail 429 was I can get a new Yamaha TTR230 or Honda CRF250F for around 5k... new.

[boblipsch]

Nice and all, but I think the average mountainbiker would still prefer the good old mechanical drivetrain. Cool video tho!🤟

[Bonky-wonky]

What’s next, a button that makes the bike whip like Bernard Kerr was riding it?

For most PB followers mtb is a technical challenge, meaning an automatic drivetrain would take away part of the beauty of riding, timing and modulating the perfect shift which can be highly rewarding.

The big question is not if an automatic drivetrain is technically possible or is faster, it is whether who will actually want it. My guess would be mostly ebikers new to the sport.

[usernamefromhell]

I might be old school, or just cheap, but the Shimano CUES clutch drivetrains are the most interesting line up to me right now. They just seem simple, robust, affordable, and highly compatible. Not enough people are talking about it tbh

[bruhlord]

Or just put a gearbox on the bike like a certain company has in the works. 👍

[jamawl]

Wow, I never knew shifting gears was such a horrible hardship

[jerprouse]

In New Zealand, shifting is when you move into a new flat or house. If you could just hit a button and it was done for you, that would leave more time for bbq and beer.

[jltrack]

If it reduces the price a standard XT drivetrain, I’m all for it

[ish]

Can't believe Shimano didn't want Henry to do this video😂😂😂

[quinnthompson]

So, shifting without pedaling works by having the motor crank for you, so the shifter would need to communicate with the motor then.. is that standardized? & I guess this whole system only works on an eBike then.

The tech is slick, but I'm im not a fan. I drive a manual, so I guess it makes sense I want my bike to be manual too.

[D_E_T_R_O_Y_T]

Pinion MGU just laughing at this Shimano 😂

[lanehartwig]

This would be really interesting for cross country. You know you can sustain X value wattage, so you could set your gearing to be notice when you are down on power, and automatically down shift. This along with you knowing an optimal cadence could really make a difference!

[Daiton]

Pinkbike does the best ads that look like a video ❤

[Dorkbike]

Interesting tech and nice video. This new eBike tech looks like it would be best suited for an internal gearbox and motor application vs. this traditional rear derailleur and motor combination.