Market: Shimano's e-bike drive STEPS can now be equipped with a fully automatic shifting function with a simple software update. The prerequisite for this, however, is the combination with a Shimano Di2 8-speed gear hub. The special highlight: The system learns the preferences and requirements of the driver and adapts accordingly.
Attention Shimano STEPS drivers and interested parties: Today a firmware update was released for the current STEPS drives (DU-E6001 and DU-E6010), which has it all: After the quick and uncomplicated installation by the specialist dealer, the drive becomes in combination with an electronic Di2 gear hub, a fully automatic transmission is available on request, which also takes care of shifting for the driver. The system analyzes data such as cadence, speed or pedaling power and always selects the most efficient and gentlest gear. The Japanese manufacturer is thus offering the first fully automatic bicycle gearshift on the market.
Of course, you are not helplessly at the mercy of the automatic: You can still change gears manually as usual, or you can intervene in the automatic mode while driving by triggering a shifting process. If you operate the shift lever in automatic mode, the system registers this and learns your driving habits and preferences. Like an intelligent automatic gearshift from the automotive sector, the system 'learns' and adapts its shifting algorithms accordingly.
The designers and developers have extensively tested the new automatic transmission over thousands of kilometers and can thus ensure that the gearshift is 'intelligent' enough to always find the right gear ratio both on a sporty long-distance tour and in the hectic stop-and-go traffic of German cities .
Again in a nutshell – the requirements for the automatic mode are:
- Current Shimano STEPS drive (DU-E6001 or DU-E6010)
- Di2 8-speed gear hub
- Latest firmware version (quick and easy to upgrade by a specialist dealer)