SHIMANO FREE SHIFT & AUTO SHIFT
Shimano also has a new ABS braking system for e-bikes, but before you rush off to your bike shop to pony up the cash, we’ve got some bad news. It’s only on its Cues Di2 groupset, which is aimed at commuter and electric cargo bikes. Why it didn’t add it for mountain bikes is anyone’s guess.
What you can get access to on your e-bike though, are two new amazing bits of technology called Free Shift, and Auto Shift with Manual Override. Catchy names, huh?
Free Shift is an EMTB mode that allows riders to change gears without pedalling. Yes, you read that right. Thumb the shift lever like normal and the Di2 system prompts the drive unit to move the drivetrain so the gears shift, all without you turning a pedal stroke. This is potentially a game-changer for quick shifting in corners and technical trails, and allows riders to better anticipate the trail ahead without pedalling where they’d rather not. Those with lazy legs and quick minds will have figured out this means you might even be able to cheat the system, flick the gears up and down, and ride all day without turning a pedal stroke. But don’t say we told you so.
Auto Shift with Manual Override is another potentially game-changing feature. As the name suggests, this takes Free Shift one step further, and this mode will automatically shift gears for you without you even having to press the shift paddle – essentially an auto gearbox for your bike.
You get the new tech on two new drivetrains: Shimano Deore XT Di2 Hyperglide+ (XT Di2 HG+) has a 1×12-speed drivetrain with 10-51t cassette options and is the more premium version; Shimano Deore XT Di2 Linkglide (XT Di2 LG) is built for durability, has an 1x11 speed drivetrain with 11-50t cassette. The main difference is XT Di2 LG can change gears for you while you’re pedalling, while XT Di2 HG+ only does it when you’re coasting.
Shimano has also released a new, value e-bike motor called the EP600. Just like EP8, it’ll dish out 85Nm max torque and 250 watts but it weighs 300g more than latter, at 3kg. Speaking of EP8, it and the EP600 get a Fine Tune Mode through the E-tube Project app so you can tune the power output in various different modes.