Here comes Shimano's Free Shift technology, a brand new e-bike mode that allows you to change without having to pedal. Free Shift is integrated with Shimano Di2 systems and the new Shimano EP platforms.
Source: press release
Operation: When shifting, the Di2 system prompts the EP drive unit to advance the transmission on the crown and thus make smooth gear changes without pedaling. To the delight of bike renters and beginners, who often find it difficult to make decent changes in turbo.
THE SHIMANO AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Taking shift integration one step further, Shimano Auto Shift with Manual Override technology is a new mode that automatically shifts gears for you. Using Shimano's Linkglide transmission technology paired with Di2, the system has the ability to make predictive gear changes based on speed and cadence, inspiring a smooth, uninterrupted driving experience. In combination with FREE SHIFT technology, AUTO SHIFT WITH MANUAL OVERRIDE can make predictive shifts while lurking, always finding the optimal gear for each pedal stroke. New technology is simply the luxury of focusing on the natural world rather than consciously making gear changes.
AUTO SHIFT It's an innovative sensor-based technology that monitors your ride to measure cadence, torque and speed to seamlessly find the gear best suited to outdoor conditions.
FREE SHIFT change gear without you having to pedal by synchronizing the rotation of the chainring with the rear derailleur. This allows you to change gears while slowing down.
You can use AUTO SHIFT and FREE SHIFT if you have a setup with EP801 or EP600 drive units and DEORE XT Di2 or SHIMANO CUES Di2.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Our state-of-the-art AUTO SHIFT and FREE SHIFT technologies are available for electric bikes equipped with the EP600 or EP801 drive unit, because only cutting-edge electronics make this possible.
We have equipped the system with a range of sensors that record data from the pedals, crankset and drive unit in real time, analyzing what the perfect gear is for the current situation. At Shimano, we believe that everything works best when it comes from the same source: components work best when they interact with each other seamlessly.
The system works so that the three sensors transmit their data in real time to the drive unit, which is the brain behind the technology. Without an electric motor, it cannot work. Speed, frequency (cadence) and the amount of pressure applied to the pedals are continuously transmitted.
This means that the system consists of three sensors:
- Speed sensor
- Cadence sensor
- Torque sensor
For example, if the pressure on the pedal decreases, and the speed decreases, because you are pedaling less, perhaps you are running in a higher gear than you should. The system automatically recognizes this and changes gear to a suitable sprocket.
The goal of automatic shifting is to always have the right gear engaged. Efficiency is the first priority. This doesn't just benefit the cyclist. It also has positive effects on the range and durability of components.
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