Feeling shiftless? Try Shimano's automatic bike transmission
Shimano has begun selling a new automatic-shift bicycle gearing system--but these gears aren't for gearheads.
Shimano's Coasting automatic transmission
(Credit: Shimano)Instead, Shimano's Coasting system is designed for the easily daunted cyclist. The three-speed transmission works on flat or flattish terrain. It includes a built-in coaster brake--the kind where you backpedal to slow the bike--because Shimano found that a lot of people were intimidated by those crazy handlebar-mounted brake levers.
I'm not in the target market, but after a test ride I concluded the Shimano's automatic bike transmission has merit. The biggest hitch is that a bike costs $450 to $700--potentially somewhat steep, given that the competition is likely a cheapo single-speed cruiser or no bike at all.
Stephen Shankland writes about a wide range of technology and products, but has a particular focus on browsers and digital photography. He joined CNET News in 1998 and since then also has covered Google, Yahoo, servers, supercomputing, Linux and open-source software, and science. E-mail Stephen, or follow him on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/stshank. 
People, perhaps like me, over 60 years old, remebering the fun it was to ride a bike in childhood, with brakes on the foot pedals and not having to shift. Bikes you sat comfortably upright on that frequently left a hand free.
People in the US are fat and really do need to exercise more, plus the 'green' movement gives us the inclination to bike to do many daily chores.
This innovation, the Shimano automatic bike transmission, and the foot coaster brake, allows us the freedom, fun, and exercise that we would relish in our lives.
There was a bike, advertised on tv, that did 'automatic shifting'. It was a complete failure, from what I have researched. But a lot of people purchased it, in the hopes it would work. So there is a onsumer base for this sort of bike.
Now, I have found this Shimano transmission on the
'Giant Suede Coasting Bike' and the 'Trek Lime'.
I hope that these manufacturers, with good reputations, will deliver a reliable product.
My spouse and I plan to move shortly and will purchase two of these if the reviews are good by that time.
People, perhaps like me, over 60 years old, remebering the fun it was to ride a bike in childhood, with brakes on the foot pedals and not having to shift. Bikes you sat comfortably upright on that frequently left a hand free.
People in the US are fat and really do need to exercise more, plus the 'green' movement gives us the inclination to bike to do many daily chores.
This innovation, the Shimano automatic bike transmission, and the foot coaster brake, allows us the freedom, fun, and exercise that we would relish in our lives.
There was a bike, advertised on tv, that did 'automatic shifting'. It was a complete failure, from what I have researched. But a lot of people purchased it, in the hopes it would work. So there is a onsumer base for this sort of bike.
Now, I have found this Shimano transmission on the
'Giant Suede Coasting Bike' and the 'Trek Lime'.
I hope that these manufacturers, with good reputations, will deliver a reliable product.
My spouse and I plan to move shortly and will purchase two of these if the reviews are good by that time.
- by 30071993 August 30, 2009 8:04 PM PDT
- I bought a Schwinn Collegiate Coasting (known as the Veracruz here in Canada). I'm not in the target audience.. I like biking fast and hard but don't care about inefficiencies. Therefore, I prefer big, comfy, upright bikes that don't tear the cuffs of my cargo pants. This is where Coasting comes in handy.
- Like this Reply to this comment
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(3 Comments)The style: Big and old fashioned, with some modern touches and slightly goofy bulbous hubcaps.
Ergonomics: You sit upright nice and high with relaxed arms as the handles come back to you. The steering is light, and everything else is done by your feet: forward to go, backwards to stop. You pedal a wee bit fast when you're out in the open, due to low gearing (compared to road bikes). Best for cities, as it seems to keep you in your best torque/speed balance of cadence. I may change the cog for higher speed. My seat springs haven't softened up yet, so the ride is really stiff. This is also aggravated by high pressure tires.
Mechanics: The wheels look basically the same front to back: big fat hubs covered by big, round, shiny caps. The front wheel hub contains a dynamo which generates tiny amounts of power (not enough to actually slow you down) which is then sent via hidden wires to a very simple computer. The computer then decides which gear is best for your speed, and a little motor tugs the cable which changes gears back in the old-fashioned planetary gearset. Upshifts are smooth, with a little 'bzzzt'. Downshifts happen late for some reason, and it won't come out of gear under high torque. Using a small adjuster on the side, you can change the speed at which it shifts, or simply lock it in second gear. The coaster brake is TINY and gets really hot.
The verdict: I love it, and so do my friends. The low maintenance and concealed mechanics are great for a clutz like me. The style is retro-chic, the ride is simple, fast and comfy, my only complaints are the tiny coaster brake, the stiff ride and the lack of torque sensor which would keep it from upshifting as you're climbing a hill. Like a kick-down in an automatic car.