Bikes with Automatic Shifting

Have you ever known someone who had trouble working the gears on a bike? Well, to counter that, several of the major bike makers – Trek, Raleigh America and Giant -- have recently introduced models that incorporate automatic shifting by Shimano.

The Shimano technology is based on a built-in speedometer on the front hub tied to a tiny computer which electronically controls the shifting mechanism. When the rider hits a particular speed, the computer prompts the three-speed shifter to move to a higher gear, a process that can repeat itself once more as the cyclist continues to accelerate.

An overview to the technology includes links to the specific models offered by various manufacturers, which dealers across the U.S. have been selling like crazy.

More people on bikes is always good thing, I say, and so if it takes making bikes with automatic shifting to get new folks out riding, hey, more power to ‘em.

Image of the Lime bike (c) Trek Corporation